Best Careers: Urban Planner

The rundown:

Building a new park is no walk in the park. You'll need to study how the land is currently used, hold public hearings to get community input, and forecast how many people will use the park. Then, factor in zoning and environmental regulations, where sewer systems and fire hydrants will go, and staying within the city's budget. The same goes for building a new housing development or school. If all goes well, urban planners change the face of the city or at least make sure that its water and electricity continue to hum behind the scenes. But you'll need to be a bit of a diplomat to get all the stakeholders to agree to your plan.

[See a list of The 50 Best Careers.]

The outlook:

An expanding population has created the need for additional transportation systems, affordable housing, and schools in many parts of the country. The urban and regional planning field is expected to grow 19 percent, from 38,400 jobs in 2008 to 45,700 jobs by 2018, according to the Labor Department. Most of the new jobs will be with state and local governments.

Money:

Urban and regional planners earned a median salary of $61,820 in 2009. Those working for local governments make less, on average ($62,170), than, say, those working for architectural or engineering firms ($72,910). The top 10 percent of planners make more than $94,800 annually.

Upward mobility:

Experienced public-sector planners can transfer to larger cities with more complex problems or move into related occupations, such as director of community or economic development. Some urban planners also go on to work in the private sector designing corporate campuses or outfitting firms with seamless security systems.

Activity level:

Urban planners travel frequently to inspect land under consideration for new building projects or regulation. A considerable amount of time is also spent using a computer to analyze data and projecting outcomes under various scenarios. Reports and proposals must be presented to legislative committees and elected officials. Anticipate evening and weekend public hearings about how shared spaces should be used.

[See a list of the best social service careers.]

Stress level:

Urban planners often have tight deadlines and work schedules. They may also face acute pressure from citizens groups or politicians who strongly favor or oppose specific building projects. Be prepared to explain and defend your ideas and negotiate compromises.

Education and preparation:

Most positions require a master's degree in urban planning. Those with additional computer skills, particularly GIS software, will have an advantage in the job market. Certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners may be helpful for promotion.

[Find online degree programs in engineering.]

Real advice from real people about landing a job as an urban planner:

Planners are constantly questioning the old ways of growing and developing. "Planning is not zoning," says Bill Klein, the director of research for the American Planning Association. "It's an unfortunate misconception that people think planners are regulators." He encourages undergraduate students from all disciplines—from English or biology majors—to consider pursuing a master's degree in planning. One caution, he says: "It's the kind of a job that is a mile a minute. Every day is completely different."

Suggested job searches: Urban Planner jobs | Transportation Planner jobs | Planner jobs | Environmental Planner jobs