How to become an Urban and Regional Planner
Develops and implements plans and policies for the controlled use of urban and rural land, assesses development, and advises on economic, environmental and social factors affecting land use.
Main tasks
- Conducts research and analysis to assess current land use patterns and trends
- Inspects sites to assess compliance with land use regulations and policies
- Consults with stakeholders such as government officials, community groups and developers, to gather input and feedback on land use plans
- Advises governments and organisations on urban and regional policy and resource planning
- Undertakes development assessments and prepares, reviews and evaluates environmental impact reports, incorporating digital spatial information to inform decision-making
Ways in
- University: Architecture & Built Environment degrees, Offered by 24 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM60322)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $120,432 a year
- About 20,500 people work in this job group now, and about 24,100 are projected by 2035. (+17.6%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Urban and Regional Planner?
Ways in include: Architecture & Built Environment degrees; Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning.
How much does an Urban and Regional Planner earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $120,432 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Urban and Regional Planner a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2035, from about 20,500 to about 24,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Urban and Regional Planner?
Usually. 86% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Urban and Regional Planner?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04