Average Landscaper Salary: 2025 Guide by State, Experience Level & More

How much you make as a landscaper can vary depending on where you live, your experience level, and whether your work is residential, commercial, or highly specialized. The median salary for landscapers across the U.S. is about $38,090 per year, with the highest-paying states offering closer to $47,000.*

If you’re considering a career in landscaping or looking for ways to increase your earning potential, our guide covers how much landscapers earn across the country, why pay varies from state to state, and what can help raise your rates. We’ll also cover the top-paying jobs in the field and what it takes to branch out and run your own business. 

*Data compiled from a mix of sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reputable salary sites such as Glassdoor and Indeed.

Key highlights:

• Landscapers earn an average of $30,000–$47,000 per year.
• Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Alaska are the highest-paying states. 
• West Virginia and Mississippi pay the least.
• Pay depends largely on experience, employer type, certifications, and location.
• Specialized roles in landscape architecture and design can reach six figures.

How much landscapers make by state: Hourly and annual wages

Where you live plays a major role in what you’ll earn as a landscaper. High-cost, high-demand states tend to pay above the national average, while rural states fall lower. These variations reflect the cost of living, regional demand, and whether the work involves larger commercial projects or mainly residential upkeep.

Here’s a quick look at how much landscapers make by state:

*The BLS stopped publishing Colorado salary data in December 2024 due to unreliable unemployment insurance data during system modernization. The issue is now fixed, but more time is needed before resuming full estimates.

What states pay landscapers the most?

Landscapers make the most in states where demand is strong and living costs are higher. Massachusetts, Minnesota, Alaska, Washington, and Maine all top the list. 

In these areas, landscaping work often extends beyond routine lawn care. Think snow management in northern climates, large-scale commercial projects in cities, and high-end design in coastal communities. That blend of specialized skills and steady demand helps drive up pay. 

What states pay landscapers the least?

West Virginia, Mississippi, South Dakota, Louisiana, and Arkansas rank at the bottom for landscaper pay. While landscaping is still in demand, especially in warmer states with year-round growth, these states generally have lower costs of living and fewer large-scale commercial landscaping projects, which keeps wages modest.

Landscaper salary by experience level

Like most trades, landscaping rewards time and skill. As an industry newbie, you’ll probably start with a lower rate while doing basic upkeep and routine tasks. As you gain experience, you’ll take on more responsibility, manage equipment, or even lead a crew. With each step, pay goes up. 

Here’s what that pay scale usually looks like:

Read more: How to start a lawn care business in 10 easy steps

What is the highest paid landscaper job?

While most landscapers start with hands-on maintenance and installation, some advance into roles that focus on design, planning, and project leadership. With that added responsibility comes more pay.For these roles, you’ll usually need additional education or certifications, but this training opens the door to noticeably higher salaries and long-term career growth. 

Here are some of the highest-paying landscaper jobs:

• Director of landscape architecture ($123,000–$169,500): Oversees large-scale landscaping projects, budgets, and teams, often working with developers and city planners.
• Senior landscape architect ($90,000–$120,000): Leads design work and manages junior staff, focusing on complex projects like parks or commercial properties. 
• Project landscape architect ($76,500–$97,500): Coordinates day-to-day design and construction details for assigned landscape projects. 
• Landscape architect ($69,000–$95,000): Plans and designs outdoor spaces, from residential yards to public spaces, ensuring both function and aesthetics. 
• Landscape designer ($53,000–$74,000): Creates planting plans and design concepts, often focusing on residential or small-scale projects. 

What affects a landscaper’s salary?

No two landscaping jobs look exactly alike and pay reflects that. A landscaper doing seasonal yard cleanups in a rural town won’t earn the same as a crew leader managing large commercial sites in a metro area. Salary depends on the type of work, the skills you bring to the table, and even where you live. 

The biggest factors affecting a landscaper’s salary include:

• Experience and skill set: As an entry-level worker, you might handle mowing, planting, and basic upkeep. As an experienced landscaper, you might operate heavy machinery, design layouts, or supervise teams. And with that extra responsibility comes a bump in pay. 
• Certifications and training: The more credentials and training you have, the more you can earn. Credentials like pesticide application, irrigation installation, or sustainable design not only expand what you can offer but also make you more valuable to employers. 
• Geography and climate: If you live somewhere with a longer growing season or a dense urban center, you might rake in higher wages than in a rural or colder region. 
• Type of employer: Government contracts and commercial clients tend to pay more than residential lawn care companies. So, if you work for one of the first two, you’re likely to make more. 

How to increase your landscaper’s salary

Like many of the trades, your salary as a landscaper will grow with skill. While starting wages may feel modest, there are clear ways to boost your earnings and build a lasting career. Every additional certification, piece of equipment, or leadership role you step into makes you more competitive—and more profitable. 

Here are a few ways to increase your salary as a landscaper:

• Get certifications in specialized services like irrigation, hardscaping, or pest management. This can help you stand out from other landscapers. 
• Take on leadership roles by supervising crews or managing projects. These positions are usually synonymous with higher hourly pay and bonuses. 
• Target higher-paying markets by looking for work in urban areas or focusing on commercial contracts, which usually offer steadier, better-paying jobs. 
• Upsell and specialize by offering premium services, such as outdoor lighting, retaining walls, or custom design. If you live somewhere cold, you could also offer winter services, like sidewalk snow removal or plowing.

Read more: How to market your landscaping business to grow

Starting your own landscaping business

For many landscapers, the best way to increase earning potential is to go out on their own. Running your own landscaping business means you’re no longer limited by hourly rates. Instead, you set your own prices, decide which services to offer, and choose how fast to grow. 

Of course, there’s a trade-off: extra responsibility. You’ll have to manage crews, handle customer communication, and stay on top of paperwork, among other things. 

That’s where the right systems make all the difference. Housecall Pro’s landscaping software helps business owners:

• Schedule and dispatch jobs efficiently so crews stay productive, and projects stay on track.
• Automate invoices and payments to keep cash flow steady without chasing down customers.
• Track profitability with Job Costing to see exactly which jobs make the most money.
• Build repeat business with reviews, customer follow-ups, and Service Plans.

With the right tools in place, starting your own landscaping business is a clear path to higher income, more control over your schedule, and the ability to grow on your own terms.

Ready to take the next step? Try Housecall Pro free today.

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Marriah Plough

Content Writer

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Last Posted September, 2025

About the Author Marriah Plough is a seasoned freelance writer with three years of experience, specializing in crafting compelling blogs and articles that enhance online visibility. With a versatile background in various industries, including home services, health and fitness, and pets, she delivers content that resonates with diverse audiences.

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