Occupation AtlasTransportation Planners
O*NET · 19-3099.01
Transportation Planners
Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.
Also called Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) · ATSS · Fleet Coordinator · Planner · Program Officer · Traffic Analyst · Transit Planner · Transportation Analyst
12 more
Transportation Consultant · Transportation Data Programs Manager · Transportation Designer · Transportation Logistics Analyst · Transportation Management Consultant · Transportation Modeler · Transportation Operations Specialist · Transportation Planner · Transportation Specialist · Transportation Systems Analyst · Transportation Tech · Transportation Technician (Transportation Tech)
Compare with another occupationCompare with Urban and Regional Planners
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ICRInvestigative · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- I Investigative5.60
- C Conventional4.87
- R Realistic3.59
- E Enterprising3.14
- A Artistic2.01
- S Social1.76
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (35%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (45%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (25%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Systems EvaluationImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- CoordinationImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
Show the other 23
- Operations AnalysisImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
- Time ManagementImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- SciencebasicImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- ProgrammingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
21 core · 1 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Define regional or local transportation planning problems or priorities.Importance 4.4
- Participate in public meetings or hearings to explain planning proposals, to gather feedback from those affected by projects, or to achieve consensus on project designs.Importance 4.3
- Prepare reports or recommendations on transportation planning.Importance 4.2
- Collaborate with engineers to research, analyze, or resolve complex transportation design issues.Importance 4.2
- Recommend transportation system improvements or projects, based on economic, population, land-use, or traffic projections.Importance 4.2
- Develop computer models to address transportation planning issues.Importance 4.1
- Design transportation surveys to identify areas of public concern.Importance 4.1
- Analyze information related to transportation, such as land use policies, environmental impact of projects, or long-range planning needs.Importance 4.1
- Interpret data from traffic modeling software, geographic information systems, or associated databases.Importance 4.1
- Collaborate with other professionals to develop sustainable transportation strategies at the local, regional, or national level.Importance 4.0
- Evaluate transportation project needs or costs.Importance 4.0
- Analyze information from traffic counting programs.Importance 3.9
Show the other 10
- Review development plans for transportation system effects, infrastructure requirements, or compliance with applicable transportation regulations.Importance 3.8
- Prepare necessary documents to obtain planned project approvals or permits.Importance 3.8
- Prepare or review engineering studies or specifications.Importance 3.7
- Produce environmental documents, such as environmental assessments or environmental impact statements.Importance 3.7
- Develop or test new methods or models of transportation analysis.Importance 3.6
- Evaluate transportation-related consequences of federal or state legislative proposals.Importance 3.5
- Design new or improved transport infrastructure, such as junction improvements, pedestrian projects, bus facilities, or car parking areas.Importance 3.4
- Define or update information such as urban boundaries or classification of roadways.Importance 3.3
- Direct urban traffic counting programs.Importance 3.1
- Represent jurisdictions in the legislative or administrative approval of land development projects.Importance 3.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- TransportationImportance 4.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- English LanguageImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- MathematicsImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- GeographyImportance 3.7Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- DesignImportance 3.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- AdministrativeImportance 2.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 2.9
- Building and ConstructionImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- History and ArcheologyImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- PhysicsImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- ChemistryImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- BiologyImportance 1.5Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
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- VisualizationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Information OrderingImportance 3.6Level 4.1
- OriginalityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Far VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Number FacilityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Time SharingImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.1Level —
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.8Level 5.6
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.7
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.4Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.4Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Processing InformationImportance 4.4Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.1Level 5.7
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.7
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.8Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.5Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
45 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (13)
- ESRI ArcGIS softwarehot
- Microsoft Accesshot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft Power BIhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- SAP softwarehot
- Structured query language SQLhot
- Tableauhot
- Geographic information system GIS systems
- Transportation management system TMS software
Hot (13; 11 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Bentley MicroStation
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Python
- SAS
Other tools (19)
- Caliper TransCAD
- Citilabs Cube
- Crash Mapping Analysis Tool CMAT
- Dowling Associates TRAFFIX
- ESRI ArcView
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Iteris Turbo Architecture
- MapInfo
- McTrans Center TSIS-CORSIM
- McTrans HCS+
- PTV VISUM
- Quadstone Paramics
- Roundabout Delay RODEL
- Strong Concepts TEAPAC
- Texas Transportation Institute TTI Progression Analysis and Signal System Evaluation Routine PASSER
- Traffic signal software
- TRL Software TRANSYT
- Visual Solutions VisSIM
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Urban and Regional Planners
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.6, Active Learning −0.5
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.0, Operation and Control −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Actuaries
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.0, Coordination −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.2, Judgment and Decision Making −0.8
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.0, Programming −0.9
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.7, Systems Evaluation −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Investment Fund Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −1.4, Operations Analysis −1.3
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
Industrial Ecologists
Average difference 0.2 points · Science +1.2, Operations Analysis −0.9
O*NET · Zone 5 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.