Overview Salaries

Transportation Planner Salaries

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
Position
Salary

How much does a Transportation Planner make?

The average salary for a Transportation Planner is $78,743 per year in the US.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Transportation Planner positions, showing an average salary of $78,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Transportation Planner positions, showing an average salary of $78,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Transportation Planner positions, showing an average salary of $78,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Transportation Planner positions, showing an average salary of $78,743 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

A Transportation Planner works to design systems for moving people and goods. They plan the best ways for traffic to flow and work on projects that can improve safety and efficiency. The average yearly salary for this job is about $78,743. This means that many Transportation Planners earn a good income that can help them and their families live comfortably.

The salary for Transportation Planners can vary based on experience, education, and location. Those who have more experience or who have specialized skills can earn more. Here are some typical salaries:

  • The lowest 10% earn about $40,000.
  • The next 10% earn about $49,622.
  • The next 20% earn about $59,245.
  • The next 13% earn about $68,867.
  • The next 12% earn about $78,489.
  • The next 8% earn about $88,112.
  • The next 10% earn about $97,734.
  • The next 6% earn about $107,357.
  • The next 3% earn about $116,979.
  • The next 2% earn about $126,601.
  • The top 1% earn about $136,224.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Planner?

Transportation Planners in San Francisco and San Jose, California, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation. These cities offer exciting opportunities for professionals in this field, with average salaries reaching up to $126,093 and $112,353, respectively. Seattle, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska, also provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for those seeking a lucrative career in transportation planning. Cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, California, offer strong salaries for Transportation Planners. These areas provide a balance of career opportunities and living costs, with average salaries of $102,513 and $101,795, respectively. Other notable locations include Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., which offer salaries around $103,296 and $94,062. These cities provide diverse opportunities for professionals seeking rewarding roles in transportation planning.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Transportation Planner jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $126,093 and Sacramento, CA with the lowest at $90,344.

  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $126,093
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for transportation professionals. The city is home to tech giants like Google and Uber, making it a key player in the tech and transportation industry. Opportunities here often involve innovative projects and a focus on sustainability.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $112,353
    San Jose is a hub for tech and innovation. Companies like Apple and Tesla are prominent in the area. Working here means tackling complex transportation challenges with cutting-edge solutions. The city values creativity and forward-thinking approaches in transportation planning.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $107,082
    Seattle is known for its progressive transportation policies. Major companies like Amazon and Microsoft influence the region's logistics and transportation needs. Professionals here enjoy a mix of urban and natural landscapes while working on forward-thinking projects.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $106,278
    Anchorage provides unique challenges and opportunities in transportation planning. The city's harsh climate and rugged terrain require innovative solutions. Professionals here often work on infrastructure projects that ensure connectivity and safety for residents.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Anchorage, AK


  5. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $103,296
    Philadelphia offers a rich blend of history and modernity. The city's public transportation system is a major focus for planners here. Working in Philly means contributing to a vibrant urban environment while ensuring efficient and reliable transit solutions.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $102,513
    Los Angeles is a sprawling city with diverse transportation needs. The entertainment industry and major companies like Amazon and SpaceX drive the demand for innovative transportation solutions. Professionals here work on projects that improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $101,795
    San Diego offers a perfect mix of urban and natural environments. The city is home to major defense contractors and tech companies. Working here means contributing to projects that enhance connectivity and improve quality of life for residents.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $94,062
    Washington, DC is a city rich in history and politics. The city's public transportation system is crucial for its functioning. Professionals here play a key role in ensuring efficient transit for both residents and visitors. Working in DC also offers opportunities to influence national transportation policies.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $92,468
    Boston is a historic city with a vibrant academic and tech scene. Major companies and universities drive the demand for efficient transportation solutions. Professionals here enjoy a dynamic work environment that values innovation and sustainability.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Boston, MA


  10. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $90,344
    Sacramento, as the state capital, offers a unique perspective on transportation planning. The city is a hub for government and policy work. Professionals here contribute to statewide transportation initiatives while enjoying a moderate climate and a strong community focus.
    Find Transportation Planner jobs in Sacramento, CA

What are the best companies a Transportation Planner can work for?

HDR stands out as a top employer for Transportation Planners, offering an average salary of $110,827. This company invests heavily in infrastructure and urban planning projects. The State of Alaska also provides a competitive salary of $105,301 for similar roles. State government positions, like those with the State of Alaska and the State of Connecticut, consistently offer high salaries for Transportation Planners. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority pays an average of $101,803, making it another attractive employer. These companies value skilled planners and offer good compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Transportation Planner jobs, highlighting HDR with the highest at $110,827 and BlueLinx with the lowest at $65,000.

  1. HDR
    Average Salary: $110,827
    HDR offers exciting roles for Transportation Planners in various cities across the U.S. Working here means engaging in projects that improve urban mobility and sustainability. You can find opportunities in cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Minneapolis.


  2. State of Alaska
    Average Salary: $105,301
    Join the State of Alaska as a Transportation Planner and contribute to the development of transportation systems in cities such as Anchorage and Juneau. This role involves managing transportation projects that boost connectivity and accessibility.


  3. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
    Average Salary: $101,803
    The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking for skilled Transportation Planners to work in the bustling city of Los Angeles. You'll play a key role in designing public transit systems and enhancing urban mobility.


  4. State of Connecticut
    Average Salary: $100,128
    The State of Connecticut provides rewarding opportunities for Transportation Planners in cities such as Hartford and Stamford. Here, you'll focus on projects that improve transportation infrastructure and support economic growth.


  5. AECOM
    Average Salary: $100,044
    AECOM offers diverse roles for Transportation Planners across the country. You'll work on projects that enhance transportation systems in cities like New York, Seattle, and Austin. Your work will focus on sustainability and efficient transportation solutions.


  6. Wallace, Montgomery & Associates
    Average Salary: $98,424
    At Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, Transportation Planners contribute to projects that optimize transportation networks. This company operates in cities such as Philadelphia and Atlanta, where you'll engage in impactful transportation planning.


  7. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $79,583
    The State of Nevada needs Transportation Planners to work in cities like Las Vegas and Reno. Here, you'll focus on enhancing public transportation and improving infrastructure to support economic development.


  8. State of Michigan
    Average Salary: $68,805
    Join the State of Michigan as a Transportation Planner and contribute to the development of transportation systems in cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids. This role involves working on projects that support economic growth and mobility.


  9. North Central Texas Council of Governments
    Average Salary: $65,097
    The North Central Texas Council of Governments offers roles for Transportation Planners in cities such as Dallas and Fort Worth. You'll be involved in projects that enhance urban mobility and improve transportation infrastructure.


  10. BlueLinx
    Average Salary: $65,000
    BlueLinx seeks Transportation Planners to work in cities like Atlanta and Houston. Here, you'll focus on projects that enhance transportation systems and support economic development.

How to earn more as a Transportation Planner?

Transportation Planners have many opportunities to increase their earnings. Expanding knowledge and skills can lead to higher pay. It is important to focus on professional growth and stay informed about industry trends. Making smart career moves can also result in a higher salary.

Here are five factors that can help a Transportation Planner earn more:

  1. Advanced Education: A master’s degree in transportation planning or a related field can open more job opportunities and higher pay.
  2. Certification: Earning a professional certification can make a Transportation Planner more valuable to employers. It shows a commitment to the profession.
  3. Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher-level positions with better pay. Working on a variety of projects can also make a planner more versatile.
  4. Specialization: Focusing on a niche area, like public transit or traffic management, can make a planner more in demand. Specializing can lead to higher salaries.
  5. Networking: Building relationships with other professionals can lead to new job opportunities and salary increases. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations helps.

Currently 109 Transportation Planner job openings, nationwide.

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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.
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Transportation Planner
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