Urban Regional Planning : Careers, Degrees & Job Opportunities

Job prospects in the field of urban planning are very good. Right from the year 1996 (4.3) through to the year 2008 (10.3), the employment growth rate has been increasing for urban regional planning jobs. The job of an urban planner is to develop and implement plans for effective use of land. While they develop land use plans, they consider multiple factors including economic, environmental and social. Urban planning professionals work towards the growth and revitalization of the community through efficient land use.

Job Responsibilities
Urban regional planners or city planners figure out the best possible ways for proper and advantageous use of land in cities and neighborhoods. In order to develop the best working plans to use land, urban regional planning professionals need to take into account a number of purposes which may include commercial, residential, institutional, recreational and industrial purposes. When a large number or people moves into a community urban planners devise plans as to what the best location for houses, stores and parks can be. They work in close contact with community leaders to advice the best locations for schools, libraries, museums, parks, streets, water, sewers etc.

For appropriate regional or city planning, urban planners need to compile and analyze data on economic, political, legal, sociological, cultural and environmental factors that affect land use. While doing their regional planning job, these professionals also remain in touch with the concerning government authorities, social scientists and other planning and development professionals. While doing their planning and development work, urban regional planners also consider the legal issues involved. They need to abide by the state rules and regulations by keeping in touch with the legal authorities. City planners also need to keep themselves updated with any changes in the building and zoning codes so as to avoid any discrepancies in future.

Most of the urban regional planning professionals work for the standard 40 hours a week. The spend long hours in front of the computer devising regional development plans and the implementation strategy. Though urban planners or city planners do most of their planning and development work in the office, they also spend time outside to attend meetings, hold public hearings and keep abreast of the changes in areas.

Education or Degrees Required for Urban Planning Jobs
Though a bachelor's degree in regional planning is the basic requirement, a master's degree in planning makes it easy for candidates to land urban regional planner jobs. For career advancement and gain an extra edge over others, candidates can further structural engineering, civil engineering, architecture or geographic information systems. Undergraduate degrees in earth sciences, sociology, demography and health administration provide candidates with a strong foundation in the field of urban regional planning.

Candidates can land most of the entry level planning jobs with a master's degree in architecture, landscape architecture or civil engineering. Students should choose an accredited program that trains them in urban and regional planning or a related field. Besides being equipped with urban planning degree or a related field degree, candidates also need to have excellent problem solving skills, good communication skills and logical thinking capabilities. In addition these professional should also have the capability of working independently.

Specialization Areas in Urban & Regional Planning
Planning institutions offer candidates multiple specialty areas as well. Candidates who aspire to become urban and regional planners can also choose from many planning specialization areas including land use planning, environmental planning, housing, economic development, community development, transportation and historic preservation among others. Transportation planners and private sector planners are also quite much in demand.

Employment Opportunities for Urban Planners
Urban regional planners or city planners can find jobs both in the government and private sector. State, federal and local government agencies offer good career opportunities for urban planners. Besides working with government agencies and private organizations as planner, these professionals can also choose to teach at colleges and universities, depending on their interests and skills. In addition, urban planning and development professionals can also work independently as consultants.

Salary
Median annual salary of urban regional planners is around $62,500. Experienced urban and regional planners can earn a salary ranging between $54,300 and $85,600. As professionals grow in their urban planning and regional planning experience, they can look forward to earning a higher salary.