Skip to main content
National Careers Service

beta How could we improve this service? Your feedback will help.

  1. Home
  2. Explore careers
  3. Transport planner

Transport planner

Alternative titles for this job include

Transport planners manage road, rail and air transport networks at local, regional and national level.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£44,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a degree and then join an organisation as a trainee transport planner. Most subjects are accepted though you may have an advantage if you study:

  • geography
  • civil engineering
  • economics
  • town planning
  • environmental science
  • business studies

Many graduates go on to do a postgraduate qualification in transport planning approved by the Transport Planning Society.

Getting work experience through internships, summer placements or a year in industry may give you an advantage when applying for graduate roles. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities during your studies.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Transport Planning Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Transport Scheduler Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You might then move on to do a Transport Planner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Transport Planning Society or The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a transport planner from the Transport Planning Society.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • simulate transport problems using computer models
  • analyse and interpret data from transport studies
  • forecast the impact of new developments like shopping centres
  • look at schemes to manage traffic, like congestion charging or parking controls
  • study accident 'black spots' to design road safety improvements
  • write reports for funding bids and planning authorities
  • act as an expert witness during public enquiries
  • promote the benefits of public transport, cycling and walking to get around

Working environment

You could work in an office or visit sites.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

There are opportunities to work in the public and private sector, from local and central government to transport companies, small and large consultancies.

You could become a senior transport planner or traffic engineer and manage projects or teams. You might also move into town planning, policy development or environmental consultancy.

You may improve your career prospects by completing the Transport Planning Professional qualification, or by getting chartered status with a relevant professional body.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Transport Planning Technician (Level 3) - September 2025 intake

  • Wage: £17,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 33 Colston Avenue, Bristol

Transport Planning Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £21,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 23 HATTON WALL, LONDON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a transport planner?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

  • 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
  • 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.