What Does a Zoning Technician Do?
Zoning Technicians typically work closely with Land Use Planners to assure that building plans and land use plans are in line with current building codes, health laws, safety standards, and environmental protection policies. They will typically do this by examining building plans and permits to assure that everything is in compliance with the necessary requirements. Zoning Technicians also perform a great deal of every day administrative duties, such as filing, record-keeping, composing staff reports, attending meetings, and researching public policies that are relevant to a project.
Where Does a Zoning Technician Work?
Zoning Technicians spend most of their time working in an office environment performing administrative tasks like answering phones and emails. They spend a great deal of time going over zoning policies, examining plans, and communicating with others during the planning stages. Zoning Technicians will sometimes be required to travel to sites and perform inspections to assure that buildings meet up to current safety and environmental codes.
Most Zoning Technicians work full-time during normal business hours, but sometimes may be required to travel to job sites.
What Is the Average Zoning Technician's Salary?
Zoning Technicians make an average salary of $35,870. On the lower end, a Zoning Technician makes an average of $21,940, and, on the higher end, around $57,990.
Higher education, work experience, and specific employer typically has a sizeable impact on salary.
| State | Total Employment | Bottom 25% | Median Salary | Top 75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 180 | $26,120 | $33,510 | $44,330 |
| Arkansas | 70 | $25,180 | $29,170 | $38,590 |
| California | 2,490 | $34,920 | $48,930 | $58,760 |
| Colorado | 150 | $38,110 | $43,440 | $51,020 |
| Connecticut | 60 | $39,850 | $53,740 | $62,280 |
| District of Columbia | 2,160 | $33,980 | $43,880 | $58,960 |
| Florida | - | $23,840 | $31,410 | $36,160 |
| Georgia | 230 | $32,510 | $38,490 | $48,980 |
| Hawaii | 50 | $34,030 | $41,660 | $46,850 |
| Illinois | 280 | $28,170 | $46,780 | $67,090 |
| Indiana | 1,350 | $29,790 | $41,810 | $48,870 |
| Iowa | 130 | $27,060 | $34,460 | $42,150 |
| Kentucky | 50 | $32,810 | $41,140 | $62,640 |
| Louisiana | 120 | $17,180 | $18,790 | $30,400 |
| Maine | 230 | $34,390 | $39,760 | $46,000 |
| Maryland | 690 | $36,540 | $47,740 | $64,960 |
| Massachusetts | 1,870 | $39,290 | $47,760 | $59,590 |
| Michigan | 1,490 | $25,070 | $30,210 | $37,910 |
| Minnesota | 80 | $39,250 | $48,300 | $63,200 |
| Missouri | 60 | $33,890 | $45,150 | $58,680 |
| New Mexico | 40 | $36,780 | $47,540 | $57,000 |
| New York | 6,990 | $17,530 | $22,690 | $43,570 |
| North Carolina | 1,380 | $35,690 | $43,130 | $53,160 |
| Ohio | 210 | $30,140 | $37,280 | $46,880 |
| Oregon | 460 | $31,820 | $41,440 | $48,670 |
| Pennsylvania | 690 | $32,670 | $38,190 | $48,200 |
| Rhode Island | 50 | $41,470 | $53,880 | $74,560 |
| South Carolina | 100 | $32,780 | $40,990 | $55,030 |
| Tennessee | 570 | $21,670 | $25,550 | $41,680 |
| Texas | 870 | $28,360 | $36,010 | $45,210 |
| Utah | 160 | $34,160 | $44,390 | $56,840 |
| Virginia | 940 | $32,580 | $42,870 | $60,810 |
| Washington | 290 | $32,230 | $35,920 | $42,220 |
| West Virginia | 150 | $35,900 | $43,600 | $53,430 |
| Wisconsin | 320 | $34,200 | $44,240 | $53,390 |
| Wyoming | 40 | $27,280 | $32,600 | $38,430 |
Table data taken from BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes194061.htm)
What Is the Job Demand for Zoning Technicians?
Zoning Technician jobs are expected to increase by 15% in the next 10 years, which is faster than the average career. Increasing populations and public interest in environmental matters creates a healthy job market for current and aspiring Zoning Technicians.
What Zoning Technician Degree Options Exist?
Zoning Technicians must have, at minimum, an associate's degree in urban planning, architecture, construction management, or other related field. However, most Zoning Technicians possess a Bachelor's degree in one of these subjects. Some even go on to pursue their Master's Degree in urban planning. Coursework should focus on improving communication and writing abilities, as well as statistical analysis, technological skills, and knowledge of zoning laws and regulations. On-the-job experience is highly valued, especially if you only possess an associate's degree.
Related Degree Options for Zoning Technicians
What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Zoning Technicians Have?
Zoning Technicians can also browse through these organizations and websites for valuable resources:
- American Planning Association (APA) https://www.planning.org
APA helps Zoning Technicians and other planning professionals connect with other people in the industry, spread educational materials about the field, and provide other invaluable resources.
Many states have their own zoning associations that are worth taking a look at, as well.
