How to Become a Urban Planner

About Urban Planner

A professional who practices in the field of Urban Planning is regarded as an Urban Planning Engineer or Urban Planner. These professionals majorly focus on a specific area of practice. Urban Planners are divided into different categories such as Regional Planner, Town Planner, City Planner, Environmental Planner, Parks Planner, Transportation Planner etc. 

An Urban Planner is a professional who is responsible for using land planning in order to develop communities, physical facilities, and accommodate population growth in counties, cities, towns, and metropolitan areas. The major responsibilities of an Urban Planner include administration of government land programs, conduct field investigation, review sites, analyse the data collected and propose required changes. All the details about a career as an Urban Planner such as eligibility, job roles, top recruiting agencies/ organizations and salary structure can be checked here. 

Eligibility to become Urban Planner

• To pursue a career as an Urban Planner, the candidates will have to fulfil the given below eligibility criteria:
• The candidate must have pursued a Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning accredited by Regional Planning Board.
• The candidates with a Master’s degree in urban design or geography can also apply for the job as an Urban Planner.
• Candidates who have passed Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering are also eligible for various jobs in the field of Urban Planning. 

Career Path - When and How to Start?

• The best way to start a career in Urban Planning is choosing PCM stream in Class 12th. The candidates must have studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject to be eligible for higher studies. 
• After Class 12th, the candidates can appear for JEE Main Paper 2 or Paper 3, which are conducted for B.Arch and B.Planning. 
• The candidates can also appear for NATA
• The most suitable course after Class 12th can be B.Planning. In case, you are not able to get a seat in the respective course, you can choose B.Arch.
• Candidates who have completed B.Plan are eligible for Urban Planning jobs in different sectors, but a Master’s degree in Urban Planning will enhance your career opportunities. 
• After passing Bachelor’s degree, choose Masters in Urban Planning/ Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. 
• You can apply for Group 2 civil services in your respective state or you can appear for Civil Services Exam such as UPSC. 
• At the same time, you can also apply for Urban Planner jobs in Municipal Corporations. 

Types of Job Roles Urban Planner

The different job roles for an Urban Planner are given below: -

Urban Planner: An Urban Planner is the professional who is responsible for analyzing the land program and suggesting best practices to use the land resources for better growth of a community.

Regional Planner: A Regional Planner is a professional who is responsible for using the land resources for better growth and revitalization over a large region of land.

Surveyor: A Surveyor is a professional who is responsible for surveying the different aspects of land and preparing a report to submit to the senior urban planner.

Economic Development Planner: An Economic Development Planner is a professional who is responsible for providing assistance in economic development of a community including the retention, expansion and coordination of the resources.

Resources Planner: A Resources Planner is the professional who is responsible for planning the available resources in such a way that the resources are used optimally to meet up to the required developments.

Employment Sectors or Industries for Urban Planner

The various employment sectors/industries for an Urban Planner are: -

1. Engineering, Architectural, and related services
2. State Government
3. Municipal Corporations
4. Construction Agencies/ Companies
5. Scientific, Management, and IT Consulting Services

Top Recruitment Companies/Agencies/Organisations for Urban Planner

The top recruitment companies/agencies/organisations for an Urban Planner are:

1. CRISIL Risk and Infrastructure Solutions Limited
2. Townland Consultants Pvt Ltd
3. Tata Consulting Engineers
4. ICRA Management Consulting Private Limited

Pay Scale/Salary of Urban Planner

The pay scale for an Urban Planner depends upon the type of School and experience of the professional. The average pay scale for an Urban Planner on the basis of experience level is given in the table below: -

Note: The salary structure mentioned above is indicative only and is subject to change unconditionally.

Books & Study Material to Become Urban Planner

Some of the best books and study materials for an Urban Planner are given below:

• Building and Dwelling: Ethics for the City by Richard Sennett
• Sustainable Nation: Urban Design Patterns for the Future by Douglas Farr
• Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps to Making Better Places by Jeff Speck
• Redevelopment and Race: Planning a Finer City in Postwar Detroit by June Manning Thomas

Pros of becoming a Urban Planner

• An opportunity to bring change in Urban Areas 
• Opportunity to work in major planning, finance and transportation projects
• Higher career scope in Government jobs

Cons of becoming a Urban Planner

• Higher pressure of meeting up to customer’s demand
• Constant field job
• Long working hours