My Colorado Journey
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Public HealthTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Urban and Regional Planner

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

Annual openings

138

Median wage

$101,340

Typical education

Bachelor's degree. There is dual Masters in Public Health/Masters in Urban Regional Planning that is valued by some employers.

Growth 2026–2032

+9%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Bachelor's degree. There is dual Masters in Public Health/Masters in Urban Regional Planning that is valued by some employers.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Most of these positions exist in urban areas.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerYes
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Government
  • Public Administration

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
  2. Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
  3. Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
  4. 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.
  5. Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
  6. Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
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