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Economics Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Economics Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For quantitatively minded people who want flexibility across finance, business, and public policy careers. Use the tools below to see which economics roles fit your background and goals.

Economics is a quantitative social science major that serves as a common pathway into finance, policy, and analytics roles without requiring a finance-specific degree. Use the tools below to explore Economics-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Research Assistant, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Economist or Policy Analyst. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Economics careers/jobs, (2) Find Economics job listings, (3) Prepare for Economics careers, and (4) Provide Economics career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Economics careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Economics Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Economics careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Economics, so relevant Economics jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Economics Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Economics Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Economics careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 74 Economics Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

11 Economics careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Economics-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Economics-Related Jobs

Economists 13.1% Agricultural Economist; Business Economist; Consultant Economist; Econometrician; Economic Advisor; Economic Analyst; Economic Consultant; Economic Developer; Economic Development Manager; Economic Development Specialist; Economic Research Analyst; Economic Specialist; Economist; Environmental Economist; Financial Economist; Fiscal Economist; Forensic Economist; Forest Economist; Health Economics Consultant; Health Economist; Healthcare Economics Analyst; Healthcare Economics Consultant; Home Economist; Industrial Economist; Labor Economist; Medical Economics Analyst; Medical Economics Consultant; Price Economist; Project Economist; Research Economist; Social Economist; Tax Economist; Trade Economist
Occupation: Economists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 13.1% Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economist; Business Economist; Consultant Economist; Econometrician; Economic Advisor; Economic Analyst; Economic Consultant; Economic Developer; Economic Development Manager; Economic Development Specialist; Economic Research Analyst; Economic Specialist; Economist; Environmental Economist; Financial Economist; Fiscal Economist; Forensic Economist; Forest Economist; Health Economics Consultant; Health Economist; Healthcare Economics Analyst; Healthcare Economics Consultant; Home Economist; Industrial Economist; Labor Economist; Medical Economics Analyst; Medical Economics Consultant; Price Economist; Project Economist; Research Economist; Social Economist; Tax Economist; Trade Economist
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 9% Adjunct Economics Instructor; Adjunct Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Teacher; Econometrics Professor; Economic Adjunct Instructor; Economic Instructor; Economics Adjunct Instructor; Economics Adjunct Professor; Economics Assistant Professor; Economics Faculty Member; Economics Instructor; Economics Lecturer; Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Teacher; Labor Economics Professor; Labor Economics Teacher; Macroeconomics Professor; Microeconomics Professor; Transportation Economics Teacher
Occupation: Economics Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9% Economics-Related Jobs: Adjunct Economics Instructor; Adjunct Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Teacher; Econometrics Professor; Economic Adjunct Instructor; Economic Instructor; Economics Adjunct Instructor; Economics Adjunct Professor; Economics Assistant Professor; Economics Faculty Member; Economics Instructor; Economics Lecturer; Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Teacher; Labor Economics Professor; Labor Economics Teacher; Macroeconomics Professor; Microeconomics Professor; Transportation Economics Teacher
Social Science Research Assistants 8.4% Economic Research Assistant; Economist Research Assistant
Occupation: Social Science Research Assistants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.4% Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Research Assistant; Economist Research Assistant
History Teachers, Postsecondary 7.9% Economic History Teacher
Occupation: History Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.9% Economics-Related Jobs: Economic History Teacher
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 7.8% Economics Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.8% Economics-Related Jobs: Economics Teacher
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School 7.4% Home Economics Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Teacher
Urban and Regional Planners 6.8% Economic Developer; Economic Development Coordinator; Regional Economic Liaison
Occupation: Urban and Regional Planners U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.8% Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Developer; Economic Development Coordinator; Regional Economic Liaison
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 5.8% Home Economics Professor; Home Economics Teacher
Occupation: Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Professor; Home Economics Teacher
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 5% Agricultural Economics Professor
Occupation: Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5% Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economics Professor
Geographers 1.1% Economic Geographer
Occupation: Geographers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 1.1% Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Geographer
Farm and Home Management Educators -1.2% Home Economics Expert; Home Economics Extension Worker; Home Economist
Occupation: Farm and Home Management Educators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -1.2% Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Expert; Home Economics Extension Worker; Home Economist

14 Economics careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Economics-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Economics-Related Jobs

Economists $ 115,730 Agricultural Economist; Business Economist; Consultant Economist; Econometrician; Economic Advisor; Economic Analyst; Economic Consultant; Economic Developer; Economic Development Manager; Economic Development Specialist; Economic Research Analyst; Economic Specialist; Economist; Environmental Economist; Financial Economist; Fiscal Economist; Forensic Economist; Forest Economist; Health Economics Consultant; Health Economist; Healthcare Economics Analyst; Healthcare Economics Consultant; Home Economist; Industrial Economist; Labor Economist; Medical Economics Analyst; Medical Economics Consultant; Price Economist; Project Economist; Research Economist; Social Economist; Tax Economist; Trade Economist
Occupation: Economists National Median Salary: $ 115,730 Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economist; Business Economist; Consultant Economist; Econometrician; Economic Advisor; Economic Analyst; Economic Consultant; Economic Developer; Economic Development Manager; Economic Development Specialist; Economic Research Analyst; Economic Specialist; Economist; Environmental Economist; Financial Economist; Fiscal Economist; Forensic Economist; Forest Economist; Health Economics Consultant; Health Economist; Healthcare Economics Analyst; Healthcare Economics Consultant; Home Economist; Industrial Economist; Labor Economist; Medical Economics Analyst; Medical Economics Consultant; Price Economist; Project Economist; Research Economist; Social Economist; Tax Economist; Trade Economist
Environmental Economists $ 115,730 Agricultural Economist; Ecological Economist; Energy Economist; Environment and Natural Resources Economics Researcher; Environmental Economist; Environmental Protection Economist; Marine Resource Economist; Natural Resource Economist; Research Economist; Resource Economist
Occupation: Environmental Economists National Median Salary: $ 115,730 Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economist; Ecological Economist; Energy Economist; Environment and Natural Resources Economics Researcher; Environmental Economist; Environmental Protection Economist; Marine Resource Economist; Natural Resource Economist; Research Economist; Resource Economist
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $ 115,300 Adjunct Economics Instructor; Adjunct Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Teacher; Econometrics Professor; Economic Adjunct Instructor; Economic Instructor; Economics Adjunct Instructor; Economics Adjunct Professor; Economics Assistant Professor; Economics Faculty Member; Economics Instructor; Economics Lecturer; Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Teacher; Labor Economics Professor; Labor Economics Teacher; Macroeconomics Professor; Microeconomics Professor; Transportation Economics Teacher
Occupation: Economics Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 115,300 Economics-Related Jobs: Adjunct Economics Instructor; Adjunct Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Teacher; Econometrics Professor; Economic Adjunct Instructor; Economic Instructor; Economics Adjunct Instructor; Economics Adjunct Professor; Economics Assistant Professor; Economics Faculty Member; Economics Instructor; Economics Lecturer; Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Teacher; Labor Economics Professor; Labor Economics Teacher; Macroeconomics Professor; Microeconomics Professor; Transportation Economics Teacher
Data Scientists $ 108,020 Data Economist
Occupation: Data Scientists National Median Salary: $ 108,020 Economics-Related Jobs: Data Economist
Geographers $ 90,880 Economic Geographer
Occupation: Geographers National Median Salary: $ 90,880 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Geographer
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $ 85,260 Agricultural Economics Professor
Occupation: Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 85,260 Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economics Professor
History Teachers, Postsecondary $ 82,140 Economic History Teacher
Occupation: History Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 82,140 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic History Teacher
Urban and Regional Planners $ 81,800 Economic Developer; Economic Development Coordinator; Regional Economic Liaison
Occupation: Urban and Regional Planners National Median Salary: $ 81,800 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Developer; Economic Development Coordinator; Regional Economic Liaison
Climate Change Policy Analysts $ 78,980 Climate Economist
Occupation: Climate Change Policy Analysts National Median Salary: $ 78,980 Economics-Related Jobs: Climate Economist
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $ 78,410 Home Economics Professor; Home Economics Teacher
Occupation: Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 78,410 Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Professor; Home Economics Teacher
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 65,220 Economics Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 65,220 Economics-Related Jobs: Economics Teacher
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $ 63,860 Home Economics Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School National Median Salary: $ 63,860 Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Teacher
Farm and Home Management Educators $ 59,770 Home Economics Expert; Home Economics Extension Worker; Home Economist
Occupation: Farm and Home Management Educators National Median Salary: $ 59,770 Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Expert; Home Economics Extension Worker; Home Economist
Social Science Research Assistants $ 56,400 Economic Research Assistant; Economist Research Assistant
Occupation: Social Science Research Assistants National Median Salary: $ 56,400 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Research Assistant; Economist Research Assistant

14 Economics careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Economics-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Economics-Related Jobs

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Agricultural Economics Professor
Occupation: Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economics Professor
Climate Change Policy Analysts 5 Climate Economist
Occupation: Climate Change Policy Analysts Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Climate Economist
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Economics Instructor; Adjunct Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Teacher; Econometrics Professor; Economic Adjunct Instructor; Economic Instructor; Economics Adjunct Instructor; Economics Adjunct Professor; Economics Assistant Professor; Economics Faculty Member; Economics Instructor; Economics Lecturer; Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Teacher; Labor Economics Professor; Labor Economics Teacher; Macroeconomics Professor; Microeconomics Professor; Transportation Economics Teacher
Occupation: Economics Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Adjunct Economics Instructor; Adjunct Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Professor; Agricultural Economics Teacher; Econometrics Professor; Economic Adjunct Instructor; Economic Instructor; Economics Adjunct Instructor; Economics Adjunct Professor; Economics Assistant Professor; Economics Faculty Member; Economics Instructor; Economics Lecturer; Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Professor; Industrial Economics Teacher; Labor Economics Professor; Labor Economics Teacher; Macroeconomics Professor; Microeconomics Professor; Transportation Economics Teacher
Economists 5 Agricultural Economist; Business Economist; Consultant Economist; Econometrician; Economic Advisor; Economic Analyst; Economic Consultant; Economic Developer; Economic Development Manager; Economic Development Specialist; Economic Research Analyst; Economic Specialist; Economist; Environmental Economist; Financial Economist; Fiscal Economist; Forensic Economist; Forest Economist; Health Economics Consultant; Health Economist; Healthcare Economics Analyst; Healthcare Economics Consultant; Home Economist; Industrial Economist; Labor Economist; Medical Economics Analyst; Medical Economics Consultant; Price Economist; Project Economist; Research Economist; Social Economist; Tax Economist; Trade Economist
Occupation: Economists Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economist; Business Economist; Consultant Economist; Econometrician; Economic Advisor; Economic Analyst; Economic Consultant; Economic Developer; Economic Development Manager; Economic Development Specialist; Economic Research Analyst; Economic Specialist; Economist; Environmental Economist; Financial Economist; Fiscal Economist; Forensic Economist; Forest Economist; Health Economics Consultant; Health Economist; Healthcare Economics Analyst; Healthcare Economics Consultant; Home Economist; Industrial Economist; Labor Economist; Medical Economics Analyst; Medical Economics Consultant; Price Economist; Project Economist; Research Economist; Social Economist; Tax Economist; Trade Economist
Environmental Economists 5 Agricultural Economist; Ecological Economist; Energy Economist; Environment and Natural Resources Economics Researcher; Environmental Economist; Environmental Protection Economist; Marine Resource Economist; Natural Resource Economist; Research Economist; Resource Economist
Occupation: Environmental Economists Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Agricultural Economist; Ecological Economist; Energy Economist; Environment and Natural Resources Economics Researcher; Environmental Economist; Environmental Protection Economist; Marine Resource Economist; Natural Resource Economist; Research Economist; Resource Economist
Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Home Economics Professor; Home Economics Teacher
Occupation: Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Professor; Home Economics Teacher
Farm and Home Management Educators 5 Home Economics Expert; Home Economics Extension Worker; Home Economist
Occupation: Farm and Home Management Educators Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Expert; Home Economics Extension Worker; Home Economist
History Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Economic History Teacher
Occupation: History Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic History Teacher
Urban and Regional Planners 5 Economic Developer; Economic Development Coordinator; Regional Economic Liaison
Occupation: Urban and Regional Planners Education/Preparation: 5 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Developer; Economic Development Coordinator; Regional Economic Liaison
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School 4 Home Economics Teacher
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School Education/Preparation: 4 Economics-Related Jobs: Home Economics Teacher
Data Scientists 4 Data Economist
Occupation: Data Scientists Education/Preparation: 4 Economics-Related Jobs: Data Economist
Geographers 4 Economic Geographer
Occupation: Geographers Education/Preparation: 4 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Geographer
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 Economics Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 Economics-Related Jobs: Economics Teacher
Social Science Research Assistants 4 Economic Research Assistant; Economist Research Assistant
Occupation: Social Science Research Assistants Education/Preparation: 4 Economics-Related Jobs: Economic Research Assistant; Economist Research Assistant

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 74 specific Economics job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Adjunct Economics Instructor
Adjunct Economics Professor
Agricultural Economics Professor
Agricultural Economics Teacher
Agricultural Economist
Business Economist
Climate Economist
Consultant Economist
Data Economist
Ecological Economist
Econometrician
Econometrics Professor
Economic Adjunct Instructor
Economic Advisor
Economic Analyst
Economic Consultant
Economic Developer
Economic Development Coordinator
Economic Development Manager
Economic Development Specialist
Economic Geographer
Economic History Teacher
Economic Instructor
Economic Research Analyst
Economic Research Assistant
Economic Specialist
Economics Adjunct Instructor
Economics Adjunct Professor
Economics Assistant Professor
Economics Faculty Member
Economics Instructor
Economics Lecturer
Economics Professor
Economics Teacher
Economist
Economist Research Assistant
Energy Economist
Environment and Natural Resources Economics Researcher
Environmental Economist
Environmental Protection Economist
Financial Economist
Fiscal Economist
Forensic Economist
Forest Economist
Health Economics Consultant
Health Economist
Healthcare Economics Analyst
Healthcare Economics Consultant
Home Economics Expert
Home Economics Extension Worker
Home Economics Professor
Home Economics Teacher
Home Economist
Industrial Economics Professor
Industrial Economics Teacher
Industrial Economist
Labor Economics Professor
Labor Economics Teacher
Labor Economist
Macroeconomics Professor
Marine Resource Economist
Medical Economics Analyst
Medical Economics Consultant
Microeconomics Professor
Natural Resource Economist
Price Economist
Project Economist
Regional Economic Liaison
Research Economist
Resource Economist
Social Economist
Tax Economist
Trade Economist
Transportation Economics Teacher


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Urban and Regional Planners.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Urban and Regional Planners

Description: Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
39,100
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
41,800
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
2,700 (6.8%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
3,700
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Urban and Regional Planners":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Investigate property availability for purposes of development.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Analyze geological or geographical data.
Analyze impact of legal or regulatory changes.
Collaborate with technical specialists to resolve design or development problems.
Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
Communicate with government agencies.
Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
Compile geographic or related data.
Design civil structures or systems.
Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
Inform the public about policies, services or procedures.
Mediate disputes.
Obtain property information.
Prepare maps.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Record research or operational data.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Transportation: Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters.
Activity: Analyze environmental or geospatial data.
Activity: Assess characteristics or impacts of regulations or policies.
Activity: Collect information about patients or clients.
Activity: Communicate environmental or sustainability information.
Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data.
Activity: Coordinate activities with clients, agencies, or organizations.
Activity: Coordinate with others to resolve problems.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Design structures or facilities.
Activity: Develop plans for managing or preserving natural resources.
Activity: Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance.
Activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Activity: Gather information from physical or electronic sources.
Activity: Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Activity: Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Mediate disputes.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Promote products, services, or programs.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Widely Used Tech Skills
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS systems
Emerging Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Bentley MicroStation
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe InDesign
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft SharePoint
Enterprise application integration software:
Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Object or component oriented development software:
Oracle Java
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
Web platform development software:
Hypertext markup language HTML
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software:
Citilabs TRANPLAN
Location allocation decision support system LADSS
Scientific Software Group ModTech
Transportation planning software
Compliance software:
Accela PERMITS Plus
Accela Tidemark Advantage
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
3D urban simulation modeling software
Autodesk 3ds Max Design
Autodesk AutoCAD Map 3D
Caliper TransCAD
CommunityViz
e-on VUE
MultiGen Paradigm 3D GIS
Tangible Media Group Luminous Table
UrbanSim
Data base user interface and query software:
Database software
dBASE
Land management databases
Street address databases
Desktop communications software:
RhinoSoft FTP Voyager
Desktop publishing software:
Adobe PageMaker
Development environment software:
Software development tools
Document management software:
Interwoven software
Electronic mail software:
Email software
IBM Lotus Notes
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
Accela KIVA DMS
WorkTech MAXIMO
Geographic information system (scroll table below):
Esri ArcGIS
ESRI ArcInfo
ESRI ArcView
ESRI software
ESRI What if?
Geographic information system GIS software
PlanGraphics Citywide GIS Utility
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe FreeHand MX
Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Graphics software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Map creation software (scroll table below):
Criterion Planners INDEX
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Intergraph MGE
ITC Integrated Land and Water Information System ILWIS
ITSpatial InterSCOPE
Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
RockWare ArcMap
Spatial decision support systems SDSS software
Telogis GeoBase
Office suite software:
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Project management software:
Oracle Primavera Systems
Spreadsheet software:
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Time accounting software:
Sage Timeslips
Web page creation and editing software:
Adobe Dreamweaver
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 56.0 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 40.0 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 40.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 20.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 12.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 12.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Certified Economic Developer External Link
Certified Planner External Link
Professional Transportation Planner External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) External Link
International City/County Management Association (ICMA) External Link
National Association for County Community & Economic Development (NACCED) External Link
National Association of Counties (NACO) External Link
National League of Cities (NLC) External Link
Planners Network (PN) External Link
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Urban and Regional Planners" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Transportation Planners
2 - Project Management Specialists
3 - Chief Sustainability Officers
4 - Sustainability Specialists
5 - Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
6 - Climate Change Policy Analysts
7 - Environmental Restoration Planners
8 - Landscape Architects
9 - Conservation Scientists
10 - Industrial Ecologists
11 - Management Analysts
12 - Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
13 - Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
14 - Information Technology Project Managers
15 - Range Managers
16 - Emergency Management Directors
17 - Chief Executives
18 - Geographers
19 - Hydrologic Technicians
20 - Water Resource Specialists


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Urban and Regional Planners". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Urban and Regional Planners". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Urban and Regional Planners". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Urban and Regional Planners


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Urban and Regional Planners" occupation.






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