How much does a Transportation Planner make?
A Transportation Planner plays a key role in shaping how people move around cities and towns. This job involves creating plans for roads, public transport, and other travel options. The average yearly salary for a Transportation Planner is around $77,271. This means that most planners earn somewhere in this range.
The salary can vary based on experience and location. Those just starting out might earn closer to $40,000. More experienced planners can earn up to $144,585 a year. The highest-paid planners often work in big cities where there is a lot of demand for efficient transportation systems. This job offers good pay and the chance to make a real difference in communities.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Planner?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $126,093
In San Francisco, professionals shape the city's transit systems. They work with major companies like Uber and Lyft. They focus on improving public transport and reducing traffic.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $112,353
San Jose offers a dynamic environment for those in the field. Here, planners collaborate with tech giants like Google and Apple. They aim to enhance connectivity and ease commutes.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $105,669
Seattle's planners tackle urban mobility challenges. They work with companies like Amazon and Microsoft. They strive to make the city more accessible and efficient.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $104,468
In Anchorage, professionals address unique transportation needs. They work with local businesses and government agencies. They focus on improving infrastructure and accessibility.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Anchorage, AK
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $102,544
Los Angeles offers a diverse landscape for transportation experts. They work with major firms like Disney and Universal Studios. They aim to improve public transit and reduce congestion.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $102,138
Philadelphia provides a rich history for transportation planners. They work with companies like Comcast and Penn Medicine. They focus on enhancing public transport and reducing traffic.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Philadelphia, PA
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $100,824
In San Diego, planners enjoy a vibrant coastal environment. They work with companies like Qualcomm and Scripps. They aim to improve public transit and ease traffic flow.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $92,429
Boston offers a historic setting for transportation professionals. They work with companies like Harvard and MIT. They focus on improving public transit and reducing traffic congestion.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Boston, MA
-
Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $91,526
Detroit provides a unique urban landscape for planners. They work with companies like Ford and General Motors. They focus on improving public transit and reducing traffic.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Detroit, MI
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $90,682
In Washington, DC, professionals shape the nation's capital. They work with government agencies and major firms. They focus on improving public transport and reducing traffic.
Find Transportation Planner jobs in Washington, DC
What are the best companies a Transportation Planner can work for?

-
CDM Smith
Average Salary: $121,725
CDM Smith offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Planners. They work on projects across the globe, focusing on sustainable transportation solutions. They have offices in major cities like Boston, New York, and San Francisco.
-
HDR
Average Salary: $107,192
HDR provides a dynamic environment for Transportation Planners. They focus on creating innovative transportation systems. They operate in many locations, including Chicago, Denver, and Seattle.
-
State of Alaska
Average Salary: $105,301
The State of Alaska offers rewarding Transportation Planner roles. They work on projects that improve transportation infrastructure. They have offices in Anchorage and Juneau.
-
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Average Salary: $105,135
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides a chance to work on large-scale transportation projects. They focus on public transit systems. They operate in Los Angeles County.
-
HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $103,495
HNTB Corporation offers diverse Transportation Planner positions. They work on projects that enhance transportation networks. They have offices in cities like Dallas, Miami, and San Diego.
-
State of Connecticut
Average Salary: $98,621
The State of Connecticut offers opportunities for Transportation Planners. They focus on improving state transportation systems. They operate in Hartford and other locations.
-
Wallace, Montgomery & Associates
Average Salary: $98,587
Wallace, Montgomery & Associates provides a supportive environment for Transportation Planners. They work on projects that improve transportation efficiency. They have offices in Atlanta and Charlotte.
-
AECOM
Average Salary: $94,819
AECOM offers a variety of Transportation Planner roles. They focus on sustainable transportation solutions. They operate in cities like Philadelphia, San Jose, and Washington, D.C.
-
Lochmueller Group
Average Salary: $85,444
The Lochmueller Group offers rewarding Transportation Planner positions. They focus on improving transportation infrastructure. They operate in cities like Minneapolis and Portland.
-
State of Nevada
Average Salary: $79,926
The State of Nevada offers opportunities for Transportation Planners. They work on projects that enhance transportation systems. They operate in Las Vegas and Reno.
How to earn more as a Transportation Planner?
Transportation Planners can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining experience and expertise in specialized fields can lead to higher-paying positions. Planners who master areas like public transit systems, traffic management, or environmental impact assessments often find themselves in higher demand. Continuing education and certifications can also boost earning potential. For example, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license or a Certified Transportation Planner (CTP) credential can make a significant difference.
Networking and professional development play a crucial role in salary growth. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in workshops can open doors to new opportunities. Building a strong professional network can lead to job referrals and insider information about high-paying positions. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or project management responsibilities can lead to higher compensation. Employers often value planners who can oversee projects and manage teams, making them eligible for higher salaries. Finally, relocating to areas with a higher cost of living and greater demand for transportation planners can also result in increased earnings.
Here are some factors that can help Transportation Planners earn more:
- Specialize in high-demand areas
- Obtain advanced certifications
- Network and develop professionally
- Take on leadership roles
- Relocate to high-demand areas



