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What is a planner/scheduler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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Planner/schedulers organize an organization's information to improve efficiency and optimize the performance of business processes. Planner/schedulers may also create reports about how processes perform and assist in the overall organizational decision making.

A planner/scheduler can work in construction, industrial, or business setting where they spend their day creating schedules for staff and equipment. The job is often critical to the smooth operations in an organization with many moving parts. Planner/schedulers ensure that every process gains access to the needed resources.

Aside from deciding who and what goes where, planners/schedulers may also be responsible for ensuring that meetings actually occur and meet stipulated guidelines and safety regulations. These professionals have strong organizational and time management skills.

To become a planner/scheduler, you'll need a degree in production-related fields, as well as extensive industry experience. Many employers prefer experience and expertise to formal education when hiring to fill this role.

ScorePlanner/SchedulerUS Average
Salary
5.6

Avg. Salary $71,955

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.8

Growth rate -3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.53%

Asian 7.01%

Black or African American 10.20%

Hispanic or Latino 16.83%

Unknown 4.94%

White 60.49%

Gender

female 34.67%

male 65.33%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Planner/scheduler career paths

Key steps to become a planner/scheduler

  1. Explore planner/scheduler education requirements

    Most common planner/scheduler degrees

    Bachelor's

    54.2 %

    Associate

    24.5 %

    High School Diploma

    9.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific planner/scheduler skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service9.24%
    Production Schedules4.75%
    MRP4.54%
    Preventive Maintenance4.35%
    CMMS4.29%
  3. Complete relevant planner/scheduler training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New planner/schedulers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a planner/scheduler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real planner/scheduler resumes.
  4. Research planner/scheduler duties and responsibilities

    • Review maintenance backlog and identify work to be accomplish along with PMs and assist in establishing priorities.
    • Design, implement and manage MFCY J2's USG, DOD, Interagency and IC external engagement strategy.
    • Coordinate and manage high visibility and important customer BOM changes.
    • Act as interface between sales/project managers, engineering, manufacturing operations, purchasing and inventory control / logistics.
  5. Prepare your planner/scheduler resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your planner/scheduler resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a planner/scheduler resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable planner/scheduler resume templates

    Build a professional planner/scheduler resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your planner/scheduler resume.
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    Planner/Scheduler Resume
  6. Apply for planner/scheduler jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a planner/scheduler job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first planner/scheduler job

Zippi

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Average planner/scheduler salary

The average planner/scheduler salary in the United States is $71,955 per year or $35 per hour. Planner/scheduler salaries range between $49,000 and $105,000 per year.

Average planner/scheduler salary
$71,955 Yearly
$34.59 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do planner/schedulers rate their job?

3/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Planner/scheduler reviews

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3.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2020
Pros

Because you will know able equipment and know the planning produce,system like SAP or A/N, PO, PR and SES PROCESS

Cons

Are love the short and long time plant, it make you know so many process in that. thanks


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

I have my hands on the pulse of the project or at least our portion of the project and keeping others on track when I see a constraint . But I think the thing Iike the most about the job is I'm not responsible for anything but the data I receive from others, if something doesn't get done, i can't be blamed. I just calls'em as I see'um and that's it.

Cons

There isn't much i don't like with the exception that I'm not thrilled about giving presentations or hosting meetings. I don't mind because it's part of the job in some companies, but it really isn't that bad.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2019
Pros

I work with an amazing team. To an extent I feel as if I have creative freedom. There are stressful days. In the end, its worth it and I love the challenge.

Cons

The stressful days, and disappointment associated with it.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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