Abstract: The transition to professional approach towards urban planning at the current stage of innovative and social transformations from the historical dual model of space and socioeconomic planning to a transdisciplinary approach creates prerequisites for formation of a new image of the urban planner profession in the United States. Having a faster reaction to changes, an employer forms their perception of professional requirements, and thus activates mechanisms impacting the entire organizational system of professional community, including curriculums. The research methodology leans on the conducted analysis of job offerings databases in the area of urban planning in the United States, including web analytics, analysis of the official statistical data “U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics”, data of educational establishments and public authorities of the Unites States in the area of urban development. The research describes the trends towards growth of professional requirements, including academic education. The article examines the qualification by level of professional competences, highlighting the requirements for each one. The author also examines the system of professional regulation of this industry without direct involvement of the government and its ties with the job market; as well makes recommendations on application of experience of training and certification of U. S. urban for the Russian Federation.