How to become an urban and land use planner
Official title: Urban and land use planners
Also called: Planner, City planner, Park planner, Site planner, Town planner, Urban planner, Land use planner, Regional planner, Community planner, Municipal planner, Recreation planner, Land use specialist
Urban and land use planners develop plans and recommend policies for managing land use, physical facilities and associated services for urban and rural areas and remote regions. They are employed by all levels of government, land developers, engineering and other consulting companies, or may work as private consultants.
Main tasks
- Compile and analyze data on demographic, economic, legal, political, cultural, sociological, physical and other factors affecting land use
- Confer with municipal, provincial and federal authorities, civic leaders, social scientists, lawyers, land developers, the public and special interest groups to formulate and develop land use or community plans
- Prepare and recommend land development concepts and plans for zoning, subdivisions, transportation, public utilities, community facilities, parks, agricultural and other land uses
- Prepare plans for environmental protection, such as wildlife preserves, national and provincial parks, and protection of watersheds
- Present plans to civic, rural and regional authorities and hold public meetings to present plans, proposals or planning studies to the general public and special interest groups
- Review and evaluate proposals for land use and development plans and prepare recommendations
- Process application for land development permits and administer land use plans and zoning by-laws
- Formulate long-range objectives and policies relative to future land use and the protection of the environment
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, engineering or a related discipline is required. A master's degree in one of these disciplines may be required. Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually required. Urban and land use planners are regulated in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and membership in a provincial planning institute may be required in other provinces. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $89,993 a year The middle half earn $73,925 to $107,250.
- About 15,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 17,700 are projected by 2033. (+13.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an urban and land use planner?
A bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, geography, architecture, engineering or a related discipline is required. A master's degree in one of these disciplines may be required. Membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners is usually required. Urban and land use planners are regulated in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and membership in a provincial planning institute may be required in other provinces. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
How much does an urban and land use planner earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $89,993 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $73,925 to $107,250.
Is an urban and land use planner a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 14% by 2033, from about 15,600 to about 17,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an urban and land use planner?
Usually. 73% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03