How Much do Landscapers Make in 2025?
If you’re considering a career in landscaping—or you’re already working in the field and wondering, “How much do landscapers make?”—you’re not alone.
Landscaping combines creativity, hands-on work, and a connection to nature, making it an appealing profession for many. But what about the financial side? Is it rewarding enough to support your goals?
Let’s dive into the details. We’ll explore how factors like location, experience, and specialization affect a landscaper’s earnings, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in this vibrant industry.
Content Table
The Basics: How Much Do Landscapers Make?
On average, landscapers in the United States earn around $30,000 per year, with variations depending on experience, location, and the type of services offered. Whether it’s designing outdoor spaces, gardening, or performing maintenance, the scope of work significantly influences income.
Many landscapers are paid hourly, offering flexibility but also leading to seasonal income fluctuations. Entry-level landscapers typically earn between $13,25 and $16,63 per hour, while seasoned professionals or specialists can command upwards of $25 to $30 per hour. Some positions, especially those in management or specialized services, can bring in even higher earnings.
Does Location Matter? Absolutely!
Where you work plays a significant role in your earning potential as a landscaper. Urban areas or states with a higher cost of living—like California or New York—tend to offer higher wages than rural regions. However, it’s essential to consider that living expenses in these areas will also be higher, which can offset the increased income.
For instance, a landscaper in San Francisco might earn significantly more than one in a small town in Ohio, but the cost of housing, transportation, and other essentials will be far greater.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual salaries in some popular states:
- California: $36,000–$50,000
- New York: $33,000–$48,000
- Texas: $28,000–$42,000
- Florida: $26,000–$40,000
- Ohio: $24,000–$38,000
It’s also worth noting that areas with a booming construction market or high demand for outdoor spaces—such as cities with expanding suburbs—often provide more opportunities for landscapers to earn competitive wages.
Landscaper Earnings by Experience Level
Like most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining a landscaper’s earning potential. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- Entry-Level Landscapers: Newcomers earn about $12 per hour or $25,000–$30,000 annually.
- Experienced Landscapers: With a few years under their belt, hourly rates jump to $20–$30, translating to $35,000–$45,000 per year.
- Supervisors or Crew Leaders: Those managing teams or large projects often earn $45,000–$60,000 or more annually.
Pro Tip: Investing in professional development, such as leadership training or industry certifications, can help you move into these higher-paying roles faster.
Specialization Makes a Difference
Landscaping isn’t just about mowing lawns or planting flowers.
Specializing in specific areas can significantly boost your earnings and set you apart from competitors. Here are some examples:
- Landscape Designers and Architects: $50,000–$70,000 per year for crafting stunning outdoor spaces.
- Arborists and Tree Care Specialists: $40,000–$60,000 per year, focusing on tree health and safety.
- Hardscapers: $45,000–$65,000 per year for building patios, walls, and pathways.
- Irrigation Technicians: $35,000–$55,000 per year for managing water systems.
Residential vs. Commercial Landscaping
The type of clients you work with can also impact your earnings:
- Residential Landscaping: These projects tend to pay less, with annual earnings around $25,000–$40,000. However, they offer opportunities for long-term client relationships and recurring work.
- Commercial Landscaping: Projects for businesses or large properties often pay more, with salaries ranging from $30,000–$50,000 per year. These jobs can also provide a steady workload.
- Government Projects: Working with municipal or federal contracts can yield stable, often higher earnings, typically $35,000–$55,000 or more.
Interestingly, one of the highest-paying industries for landscapers is in motion pictures and video, with workers earning an average of $113,873 per year. While these jobs are rare, they highlight the unique opportunities available in specialized segments of the industry.
Seasonal Work: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the challenges of landscaping is its seasonal nature. Demand for landscaping services peaks during the spring and summer months, while winter can bring reduced hours or even unemployment in some regions.
To maintain a steady income year-round, many landscapers diversify their services by offering snow removal, holiday lighting installation, or winter pruning during the off-season. These additional services not only keep the income flowing but also build relationships with clients who may hire you again for landscaping projects.
Independent vs. Employed Landscapers
Should you work for yourself or join an established company? Each option has its pros and cons.
- Independent Landscapers enjoy the freedom to set their own rates, choose their clients, and build their business. However, this path requires handling expenses like equipment, insurance, and marketing independently. It’s a rewarding option for self-starters who want to maximize their earnings.
- Employed Landscapers, on the other hand, benefit from steady income, provided equipment, and sometimes even employee benefits like health insurance or paid time off. However, their earning potential may be capped, and they have less flexibility in their schedules.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering going independent, check out our guide on How to Price Landscaping Jobs [link to article 3] to set yourself up for success.
How Landscaping Compares to Other Skilled Trades
Landscaping may start with lower earning potential than some trades, but with experience and specialization, it can become just as lucrative. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Electricians: $56,000 per year
- Plumbers: $55,000 per year
- Carpenters: $49,000 per year
With opportunities to specialize and take on higher-paying roles, landscaping can offer a competitive salary within skilled trades.
Want to Earn More? Here’s How
Looking to boost your earnings as a landscaper? Consider these strategies:
- Gain Specialized Skills: Training in hardscaping, tree care, or irrigation can increase your value.
- Get Certified: Certifications like arborist or irrigation technician credentials can make you stand out.
- Build a Client Base: For independent landscapers, having a loyal customer base ensures steady income.
- Diversify Services: Offer complementary services like snow removal or pest control to maintain year-round income.
- Use Invoicing Tools: Platforms like Invoice Fly help you manage paperwork and get paid faster.
- Climb the Ladder: Take on supervisory roles to unlock higher salaries.
Final Thoughts
Landscaping is a dynamic and fulfilling career that blends outdoor work with creativity.
While it may take time to build up your earnings, specializing in high-demand services and investing in your skills can lead to a financially rewarding path.
Ready to grow your landscaping career? Download InvoiceFly to manage your business, track your income, and unlock tools designed to help you thrive in the landscaping industry.
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