Landscaper & Lawn Care Technician Salary Guide
How much do landscapers make in 2026? The national average is $42,000 per year, with experienced crew leaders, designers, and owners earning significantly more.
$42K/yr
National Average
$20/hr
Hourly Rate
+4%
Job Growth
30,000+
Total Employed
Landscaping and lawn care remain essential services for homeowners, commercial properties, and municipalities. Earnings vary based on seasonality, region, and skill level. Entry-level crew members often start around $28,000 to $33,000, while landscape designers and business owners can earn $65,000 to $120,000+. This guide breaks down pay by role, specialization, and the certifications that raise earnings.
Landscaper Salary by Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest driver of pay in the trades. Here's what you can expect at each stage.
Entry Level
$28,000-$33,000
Avg: $30,500/yr
General labor, mowing, trimming, and basic property maintenance under a crew leader.
Crew Leader
$38,000-$45,000
Avg: $41,500/yr
Supervises crews, manages job sites, and handles client communication on routine services.
Landscape Designer
$50,000-$65,000
Avg: $58,000/yr
Creates landscape plans, plant selections, and outdoor living designs with higher margins.
Business Owner
$70,000-$120,000+
Avg: $90,000/yr
Owner-operators who manage crews, sales, and recurring contracts earn the most.
| Experience Level | Years | Salary Range | Avg Annual | Avg Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | 0-1 years | $28,000-$33,000 | $30,500 | $15/hr |
| Crew Leader | 2-5 years | $38,000-$45,000 | $41,500 | $20/hr |
| Landscape Designer | 4-8 years | $50,000-$65,000 | $58,000 | $28/hr |
| Business Owner | 6+ years | $70,000-$120,000+ | $90,000 | $43/hr |
Landscaper Salary Calculator
Estimate your salary based on years of experience and location.
Estimated Annual Salary
$41,000/year
≈ $20/hour · 5 yrs experience · National Average
* Estimate based on BLS data + regional adjustments. Actual salary varies by employer, certifications, and local market.
Landscaper Salary by State (2026)
Where you work matters — salaries can vary by $30,000+ depending on your state. Here are the highest and lowest-paying states.
Top Paying States
| State | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $55,000 | $26/hr |
| Connecticut | $52,000 | $25/hr |
| Massachusetts | $51,000 | $25/hr |
| New Jersey | $50,000 | $24/hr |
| Washington | $49,000 | $24/hr |
Lower Paying States
| State | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $40,000 | $19/hr |
| Ohio | $39,000 | $19/hr |
| Tennessee | $37,000 | $18/hr |
| Alabama | $35,000 | $17/hr |
Salary by Specialization
Your specialty matters. Industrial and commercial work typically pays significantly more than residential service.
Lawn Care Technician
$35K$30,000-$40,000
Mowing, trimming, edging, and routine turf maintenance for residential clients.
Hardscape Installer
$47K$40,000-$55,000
Pavers, patios, retaining walls, and outdoor living projects with higher margins.
Irrigation Technician
$45K$38,000-$52,000
Installs and repairs irrigation systems, timers, and water-efficient upgrades.
Landscape Designer
$58K$50,000-$65,000
Designs planting plans and outdoor spaces; often tied to upselling premium services.
Arborist
$56K$45,000-$65,000
Tree pruning, removal, and health assessments requiring additional training.
Certifications That Increase Pay
Investing in certifications pays off. Many certified tradespeople earn 10–25% more than their uncertified peers.
| Certification | Full Name | Salary Impact |
|---|---|---|
| NALP | NALP Landscape Industry Certified | +$2,000-$6,000/yr |
| ISA | ISA Certified Arborist | +$3,000-$8,000/yr |
| Irrigation | Irrigation Association Certification | +$2,000-$5,000/yr |
| Equipment | Heavy Equipment Operator | +$2,000-$6,000/yr |
Landscaper vs Other Trades
How does Landscaper pay compare to other skilled trades?
| Trade | Avg Annual | Hourly | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| LandscaperYou | $42,000 | $20/hr | +4% |
| Pest Control Technician | $47,000 | $23/hr | +3% |
| Pool Service Tech | $47,000 | $23/hr | +5% |
| HVAC Technician | $52,000 | $25/hr | +6% |
| Plumber | $59,000 | $28/hr | +2% |
| Electrician | $61,000 | $29/hr | +11% |
| Cleaning Business Owner | $90,000 | $43/hr | +6% |
Job Outlook & Growth Projections
+4%
Projected Growth
2022-2032
30,000+
New Jobs Expected
estimated new positions
Yes
Faster Than Average
compared to all occupations
Landscaping demand is tied to regional growth, housing turnover, and seasonal weather patterns. Warmer climates support year-round work, while northern regions see peak seasons with higher overtime. Certifications, irrigation expertise, and the ability to operate equipment reliably move technicians into higher-paying crew leader and designer roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Landscaper salaries, answered.
The national average is about $42,000 per year, or roughly $20 per hour. Entry-level roles start around $28,000-$33,000 and experienced crew leaders earn $38,000-$45,000.
Yes. Landscape designers commonly earn $50,000-$65,000 because design/build projects carry higher margins and require planning expertise.
California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are among the highest-paying states, driven by higher costs of living and strong demand for premium landscape services.
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