How much does a traffic planner earn?
Traffic planners develop concepts for roads, public transport, cycling and walking as well as mobility overall: they analyse traffic, build forecasts and models, plan measures and coordinate with authorities, municipalities, engineering firms and the public. Entry is typically via a degree (e.g. transport planning, civil engineering, spatial or urban planning), a dual degree or comparable qualifications. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements (e.g. TVöD), employer, project responsibility and specialisation. As a guide, practising traffic planners in Germany in 2026 often earn about €4,200–€5,200 gross per month; in dual study, internships or entry phases around €1,150–€1,500 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. The training column refers to dual study, internship or trainee/entry phases in transport planning; qualified means practising traffic planners. Actual pay depends on collective agreements (e.g. TVöD, engineering consultancies), employer, region, project size, extra qualifications and experience and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A traffic planner links mobility and space: traffic is surveyed and assessed, variants calculated and measures prepared for implementation. Everyday work shifts between analysis at the computer, coordination with agencies and planning partners, and site visits – with high demands on data quality, standards and communication.
- Evaluate traffic surveys, build forecasts and models, and compare options for roads, public transport, cycling and walking.
- Draft mobility and transport concepts, access and junction designs, and document them in reports and plans.
- Coordinate with municipalities, authorities, engineering firms, operators and the public; support statements and public participation.
- Use transport planning, GIS and simulation software; derive indicators for load, accessibility and safety.
- Factor legal and technical frameworks (e.g. road rules, guidelines, environmental and noise aspects) into planning.
- Keep project deadlines, costs and quality in view and prepare recommendations for decision-makers.
