Grows with AI

Urban and regional planners

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

AI Resistance Index 23 of 99

Changing faster than most: more resilient than 23% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is very high (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it very high), and US jobs are projected to change by +3.9% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on creative vision and emotional intelligence.

AI can help with many of the tasks, and demand is still growing. Being fluent with AI is the edge here.

Median pay (2025): $89,320
Job growth to 2035: +3.9%
Openings a year: 3,200
People doing it (2025): 45,800
Usual route in: Master's degree

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Where people already use AI for this work

Advise others on business or operational matters
Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Develop plans for managing or preserving natural resources
Design structures or facilities
Mediate disputes

What the work looks like

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

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

EpidemiologistsGrows with AI, Index 65, +18.7%
Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teachers, postsecondaryChanging shape, Index 26, +2.7%
Agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletesGrows with AI, Index 46, +9.7%
Educational instruction and library workers, all otherChanging shape, Index 26, +1.8%

Also known as: Community Development Planner, Planner, Planning Consultant, Planning Technician, City Planner, Community Planner, Development Technician, Housing Development Specialist.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.