Career Pathway for: 
Transportation Planning
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A career in transportation planning involves urban freight research to study the operation of transportation systems implemented by an organization. On a daily basis, Transportation Planners analyze and compile data to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented transportation models and simulations.
Senior Level Occupations
Typical Education and Certification Requirements
Master of Planning (MPL) Transportation & InfrastructureGeographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)Transportation Planning Director
Hiring Demand: Low
Typical Salary: $139,166
Minimum Years Experience Required: 8
Education & Work Experience:
More- Master of Planning (MPL) Transportation & Infrastructure
- Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Principal Transportation Planner
Job Description: Principal Transportation Planners play an important role in directing traffic for different purposes. They may be responsible for coordinating schedules for vehicles arriving at a specific location and establishing the routes for those vehicles.
Hiring Demand: Low
Typical Salary: $89,314
Minimum Years Experience Required: 5
Education & Work Experience:
More- Master of Planning (MPL) Transportation & Infrastructure
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
- Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)
Mid Level Occupations
Typical Education and Certification Requirements
Master’s degree in planning preferred; bachelor’s degree accepted for a majority of positions.American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)Bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying is typically required.Bachelor’s or master’s degree in geography, computer science, engineering, or a related field.Transportation Planner
Job Description: A Transportation Planner is committed to taking on the role of urban freight researcher who studies the operation of transportation systems implemented by an organization.
Hiring Demand: Moderate
Typical Salary: $40,265 – $77,902
Minimum Years Experience Required: 4-6
Education & Work Experience:
More- Master’s degree in planning preferred; bachelor’s degree accepted for a majority of positions.
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Cartographer / Photogrammetrist
Job Description: Cartographers and Photogrammetrists collect, measure, and interpret geographic information in order to create and update maps and charts for regional planning, education, and other purposes.
Hiring Demand: Moderate
Typical Salary: $34,917 – $87,710
Minimum Years Experience Required: 2-4
Education & Work Experience:
More- Bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, geomatics, or surveying is typically required.
GIS Analyst
Job Description: GIS Analysts use geographic information system technology to identify assets, variables, and trends in different locations. Their work involves collaborating with computer-aided design (CAD) technicians, developing web apps and tools, and integrating GIS with other technologies.
Hiring Demand: Moderate
Typical Salary: $30,435 – $52,276
Minimum Years Experience Required: 2
Education & Work Experience:
More- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in geography, computer science, engineering, or a related field.
Entry Level Occupations
Typical Education and Certification Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree with some technical education preferred.Surveying & Mapping Technician
Job Description: Surveying & Mapping Technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist.
Hiring Demand: Moderate
Typical Salary: $31,459 - $69,591
Minimum Years Experience Required: 0.5 + 3 months OJT
Education & Work Experience:
More- High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree with some technical education preferred.