Also called: City Planner, Regional Planner
Plans how land in cities and towns should be used for housing, parks, roads, and businesses.
Urban planners review development proposals, update zoning maps, and run public meetings where residents weigh in on new projects. On a typical day they might analyze traffic data, visit a site, and draft a report recommending whether a new apartment complex should be approved.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's in planning, geography, or related field; most have a Master of Urban Planning (MUP). AICP certification later.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Environmental Studies, Public Policy.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS urban and regional planners 2024-34.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI reviews plans for code compliance and drafts reports; public meetings and judgment calls stay human.
Classes: AP Human Geography, AP Environmental Science, Drafting/CAD.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3051.
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