Transportation Planners

Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.

Median Annual Wage: $75,630

Education: Bachelor's degree (65%); Master's degree (29%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (6%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Planner; Planning Director; Transportation Planner; Seaport Planning Manager; Transit Planning Director

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Transportation Planners.

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  • Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.
  • Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.
  • Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.
  • Analyze and interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.
  • Document and evaluate transportation project needs and costs.
  • Review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.
  • Develop design ideas for new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, and car parking areas.
  • Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.
  • Prepare necessary documents to obtain project approvals or permits.
  • Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.
  • Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.
  • Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.
  • Analyze information from traffic counting programs.
  • Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.
  • Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.
  • Analyze transportation-related consequences of federal and state legislative proposals.
  • Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.
  • Direct urban traffic counting programs.
  • Design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Transportation Planners.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Transportation Planners.

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