How much does a Transportation Planner make?
Transportation planners work to create efficient and safe transportation systems. They look at how people move around and find ways to make it better. This job can be very rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction and salary. The average yearly salary for a transportation planner is around $78,163. This means that, on average, someone in this role can earn a good living.
The salary for transportation planners can vary based on experience and location. Those who have been in the field longer often earn more. For example, planners with 10 to 19 years of experience can earn between $85,500 and $112,000 a year. Those in larger cities or areas with higher costs of living may also see higher salaries. This job offers a chance to make a real difference in communities while also earning a solid income.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Planner?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $123,582
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.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $107,586
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for those in transportation planning. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft rely on efficient transport solutions. Planners here aim to enhance connectivity and sustainability.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $107,056
San Jose is a tech hub where transportation planners play a key role. They work with firms like Google and Apple. They focus on creating efficient routes and improving public transport.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $105,254
In Philadelphia, transportation planners work to improve the city's transit network. They collaborate with local government and companies like Comcast. They aim to boost public transport and reduce congestion.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $101,617
Los Angeles offers a challenging environment for transportation planners. They work with major firms like Disney and Universal Studios. They focus on easing traffic and improving public transport options.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $101,185
Anchorage provides a unique setting for transportation planners. They work with local government and companies like Alaska Airlines. They focus on creating efficient transport solutions in a challenging climate.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $98,918
San Diego offers a vibrant environment for transportation planners. They work with companies like Qualcomm and biotech firms. They focus on improving public transport and reducing traffic in a coastal city.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $94,105
In Boston, transportation planners work to enhance the city's transit systems. They collaborate with local government and companies like General Electric. They focus on improving public transport and reducing traffic.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $91,099
Washington, DC offers a political environment for transportation planners. They work with federal agencies and companies like Lockheed Martin. They focus on improving public transport and reducing traffic in a busy city.
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Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $90,450
Detroit provides a unique setting for transportation planners. They work with companies like Ford and General Motors. They focus on improving public transport and reducing traffic in a city with a rich automotive history.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Planner can work for?

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CDM Smith
Average Salary: $117,590
CDM Smith offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Planners. They work on projects across the globe, including the United States and internationally. The company focuses on creating sustainable transportation solutions.
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Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Average Salary: $104,281
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides a range of roles for Transportation Planners. They focus on improving public transit in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Locations include Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $101,206
HNTB Corporation offers diverse Transportation Planner positions. They work on projects nationwide, focusing on infrastructure and transportation. Locations include major cities across the U.S.
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State of Connecticut
Average Salary: $100,749
The State of Connecticut provides opportunities for Transportation Planners. They work on state-wide projects to improve transportation systems. Locations include various cities and towns across Connecticut.
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Wallace, Montgomery & Associates
Average Salary: $98,809
Wallace, Montgomery & Associates offers roles for Transportation Planners. They focus on transportation planning and consulting services. Locations include major cities in the U.S.
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HDR
Average Salary: $97,892
HDR provides opportunities for Transportation Planners. They work on projects that improve transportation infrastructure. Locations include major cities across the U.S.
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State of Alaska
Average Salary: $96,483
The State of Alaska offers roles for Transportation Planners. They focus on improving transportation systems in remote and challenging environments. Locations include various cities and towns across Alaska.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $95,639
AECOM offers diverse Transportation Planner positions. They work on projects worldwide, focusing on infrastructure and transportation. Locations include major cities across the U.S.
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Lochmueller Group
Average Salary: $86,619
Lochmueller Group provides opportunities for Transportation Planners. They focus on transportation planning and consulting services. Locations include major cities in the U.S.
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State of Nevada
Average Salary: $81,629
The State of Nevada offers roles for Transportation Planners. They work on projects to improve transportation systems. Locations include major cities and towns across Nevada.
How to earn more as a Transportation Planner?
Transportation Planners can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized skills and certifications can make a planner more valuable. For example, obtaining a Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) certification can lead to higher-paying positions. Another way to earn more is by gaining experience in high-demand areas. Urban planners who specialize in smart city technologies or sustainable transportation often see higher salaries. Networking with industry professionals and joining relevant associations can also open doors to better-paying jobs.
Experience and education play a big role in earning potential. Planners with a master's degree in transportation or a related field often earn more than those with just a bachelor's degree. Working on a variety of projects can also increase earning potential. Planners who have experience with large-scale projects, such as public transit systems or major highways, often command higher salaries. Finally, seeking out leadership roles can lead to higher pay. Planners who move into management or director positions often see significant salary increases.
Here are some factors that can help increase earnings:
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Gain experience in high-demand areas
- Pursue advanced degrees
- Work on large-scale projects
- Seek leadership roles