Position
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How much does a Transportation Planner make?

The average salary for a Transportation Planner is $62,962 per year in the US.

Transportation Planners play a key role in designing and improving travel systems. Their work can impact how people get around in a city or region. These planners make sure that transportation is efficient and safe for everyone. Their jobs are important for making sure that public transit, roads, and other systems run smoothly.

The salary for Transportation Planners varies. The average yearly salary is around $62,962. This means most planners earn somewhere between $36,000 and $130,000 each year. The amount can depend on many factors. These include experience, location, and the size of the organization they work for. Planners with more experience often earn higher salaries. Those in large cities may also see higher pay. Some planners might work for government agencies, while others work for private companies. Both can offer different salary levels.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Planner?

Transportation Planners can find excellent opportunities in cities like San Jose, CA, where the average salary reaches up to $115,634. Anchorage, AK, also offers high earnings for this role, with an average salary of $113,808. Los Angeles, CA, and San Diego, CA, are known for their competitive pay, both surpassing the $100,000 mark. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC, where Transportation Planners can earn around $103,151 and $92,041 respectively. Chicago, IL, and Boston, MA, also provide solid salaries, making them attractive locations for career growth in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Transportation Planner jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $115,634 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $88,301.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $115,634
    In San Jose, a transportation planner plays a crucial role in managing traffic flow and public transit systems. Companies like Google and Apple drive innovation, offering dynamic work environments. The tech-centric city needs skilled planners to balance growth with efficient transport solutions.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $113,808
    In Anchorage, transportation planners focus on connectivity and accessibility, considering the unique geography. Working for the state or city government, planners develop strategies to improve mobility in this vast, rugged landscape. Anchorage's cold climate and limited roads require innovative transport planning.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Anchorage, AK


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $104,760
    Los Angeles offers transportation planners a vibrant and complex environment. With a focus on reducing traffic congestion, planners work with major companies to improve public transit options. The city's diverse needs make it a challenging but rewarding place to work.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $103,778
    San Diego's scenic location and growing population create unique challenges for transportation planners. They work to enhance the city's public transit and road systems. Companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms drive the need for efficient transport solutions.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Diego, CA


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $103,151
    Seattle's focus on sustainability positions transportation planners for impactful work. They collaborate with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft to reduce carbon footprints. The city’s commitment to green transport offers exciting opportunities for planners.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $92,041
    In Washington, DC, transportation planners navigate a unique urban landscape filled with government agencies and international organizations. They develop efficient transit systems to support the city's diverse population. Working for the federal government offers stability and influence.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $90,671
    Chicago's rich history and bustling urban environment present a diverse challenge for transportation planners. They work to improve public transit and reduce traffic congestion. Major companies and the city government create a dynamic work atmosphere.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $90,566
    Boston offers transportation planners the chance to enhance a city with a mix of historical charm and modern innovation. They focus on improving public transit and road networks. The city’s educational institutions provide a rich environment for professional growth.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Boston, MA


  9. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $88,534
    In Dallas, transportation planners tackle the challenge of managing a rapidly growing city. They work to improve public transit and reduce traffic. The city’s diverse economy, including energy and tech sectors, drives the demand for efficient transport solutions.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Dallas, TX


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $88,301
    Sacramento's role as the state capital offers transportation planners a chance to influence large-scale projects. They focus on enhancing public transit and road infrastructure to serve the state’s needs. The city's growing population and diverse economy create ongoing opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Planner can work for?

Transportation Planners seeking top pay should consider roles at CDM Smith, where salaries average around $119,713 annually. Another great option is the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which offers average salaries of $103,049. AECOM provides a competitive average salary of $95,265 for its planners, making it a solid choice for job seekers. Candidates aiming for robust compensation might also look into positions with the City of Greenville or the State of Connecticut, which both offer salaries close to $100,000 annually.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Transportation Planner jobs, highlighting CDM Smith with the highest at $119,713 and State of Montana with the lowest at $67,249.
  1. CDM Smith
    Average Salary: $119,713
    CDM Smith offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Planners. They focus on creating sustainable transport solutions. They operate globally with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.


  2. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
    Average Salary: $103,049
    The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides excellent roles for Transportation Planners. They work on enhancing public transport in Southern California. They serve several counties around Los Angeles.


  3. City of Greenville
    Average Salary: $99,923
    The City of Greenville offers rewarding positions for Transportation Planners. They focus on improving public transport and infrastructure. They operate within Greenville and surrounding areas in South Carolina.


  4. AECOM
    Average Salary: $95,265
    AECOM is a global leader in consulting and planning. They offer diverse roles for Transportation Planners. They work on projects worldwide, focusing on sustainable transport solutions.


  5. State of Connecticut
    Average Salary: $92,993
    The State of Connecticut provides valuable opportunities for Transportation Planners. They focus on improving state transport systems. They serve all regions of Connecticut.


  6. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $71,923
    The State of Michigan offers positions for Transportation Planners. They aim to enhance road and public transport networks. They operate across Michigan's cities and rural areas.


  7. North Central Texas Council of Governments
    Average Salary: $71,375
    The North Central Texas Council of Governments seeks Transportation Planners. They focus on transport planning for multiple counties in Texas. They work to improve regional transport networks.


  8. State of Montana
    Average Salary: $67,249
    The State of Montana provides roles for Transportation Planners. They work on improving transport infrastructure across Montana. They serve both urban and rural areas in the state.

How to earn more as a Transportation Planner?

Transportation planners focus on creating efficient and effective transportation systems. They work to improve public transit, roads, and other transportation methods. This job can lead to a rewarding career with good pay. Here are some ways to earn more as a transportation planner.

First, gaining experience increases earnings. Starting as an assistant planner, one can work on various projects and learn from more experienced colleagues. Over time, gaining expertise in specific areas, such as traffic flow or public transportation, can lead to higher pay. Additionally, earning a master's degree in transportation planning can boost earning potential. Higher education shows a deeper understanding of the field and can lead to more advanced roles.

  1. Certification: Obtaining professional certifications can increase earning potential. Certifications such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) demonstrate competence and dedication to the field.
  2. Specialization: Focusing on a niche can also increase earnings. Specializations such as environmental planning or freight logistics can command higher salaries.
  3. Location: Salary can vary based on location. Planners in major cities or areas with high demand for transportation improvements may earn more.
  4. Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Networking with peers and attending industry events can open doors to new positions.
  5. Performance: Demonstrating strong performance and project success can lead to raises and promotions. Planners who consistently deliver quality work may see significant increases in their salary over time.

Currently 259 Transportation Planner job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Transportation Planner in the US?

Learn what a Transportation Planner does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Transportation Planner today.
Position
Overview
Transportation Planner
259 Job Openings