The employment outlook for planners is mixed. Certain government agencies are likely to have a strong need for planners. One is the Department of Defense, which is closing bases and reshuffling existing personnel. The Department of Transportation is likely to require planners to solve increasing transportation problems into the foreseeable future. At the same time, the huge federal deficit combined with the swelling demands created by the entitlement programs, such as social security, medical insurance, and Medicare, are likely to result in a significant decrease in the available funds for categorical grants or comprehensive planning policies.
On the state level, the demand for planners is likely to increase as the trend toward suburbanization continues to engulf the surrounding areas.
The demand in local government planning agencies, which employ the majority of planners, is expected to rise as small communities grow, and planning needs will increasingly be met by regional agencies. Employment in private industry will also increase because planning departments at all levels of government hire consulting firms to research planning needs.
Overall, the Department of Labor estimates that employment in the planning field is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the years to come. Most job openings will arise from the need to replace experienced planners that are leaving the profession. The need for planners will vary by region. The best opportunities are in those states that have mandated planning objectives.
Salary Statistics
The earning potential for planners generally increases with the size of the planning agency and the experience and education level of the planner. According to the Department of Labor, in the early 1990s the median annual salary for urban and regional planners was $39,500. Entry-level planners earned an average of $25,000, compared to $35,000 for those with five to ten years' experience. Those with a bachelor's degree earned, on average, $36,000, compared to $40,000 for those with a master's degree, and $50,000 for those with a Ph.D. In general, the average salaries in local governments are lower than those for state and federal workers. Likewise, salary levels are generally higher in larger communities where the cost of living is also higher. Private consulting firms pay an average salary of $45,000. Development firms offer the highest salaries while nonprofit organizations pay the least.
Sources of Further Information
American Planning Association 1313 East 60th St. Chicago, IL 60637-2891
The APA provides a wealth of information regarding current planning issues, becoming a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), information on fellowships and scholarships, and career information. The APA publishes numerous books and articles covering a wide range of planning issues including:
Guide to Undergraduate Education in Urban and Regional Planning and Related Fields, 3rd Edition Guide to Graduate Education in Urban and Regional Planning Accredited University Planning Programs
This is a list of undergraduate and graduate programs that are accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.
- Government Job Finder Non Profits' Job Finder
- Where to Find Employment Advertisements for Planners
- The Urban Land Institute 625 Indiana Ave., NW Washington, DC 20004-2930
