According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), landscapers and other grounds workers make about $37,270 per year on average.
This is across all industries and locations in the United States. While this information is helpful, it doesn’t quite give you the full picture.
For example, what if you work in a specific industry or location? What if you have a lot of experience?
To get a better understanding of the average landscaper salary, it’s important to take these factors into consideration. Here are some examples of how different factors affect landscaper pay.
By the end, we hope to not only satisfy your curiosity but also inspire you to consider a fulfilling career in gardening and landscaping through Stratford Career Institute.
An Overview of National Landscaper Salary Data
Landscaping is a profession that combines art, science, and hard work. It’s about more than just mowing lawns and trimming hedges; it involves designing, implementing, and maintaining spaces that enhance the natural beauty of the environment.
So how much do landscapers make for their valuable contribution to our surroundings?
How Much Does a Landscaper Make Per Hour?
On an hourly basis, the earnings can vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of landscaping work. However, the average landscaper salary per hour in the United States is $17.92, according to the most recent BLS data.
This is lower than the national average for all occupations, which is around $29.76. In fact, the top 10% of earners working as landscapers make less than this, with an average wage of $23.33.
How Much Does a Landscaper Make a Year?
As we mentioned earlier, landscapers make an average of $37,270 per year. However, the highest earners make significantly more, with the top 10% earning $48,530 annually. Typically, workers with this type of salary work in a specialized industry or a location that has high demand and a high cost of living.
Factors That Influence Earnings
Several factors influence how much landscapers make, ranging from where they work to the type of employer they have. Sometimes, these factors may make the difference between just scraping by and having a comfortable life.
This is why it’s important to take these factors into account if you’re considering a career as a landscaper: not all places offer the same pay. Let’s take a deeper look at how these factors influence landscaper pay.
Location
How much do landscapers make in states across the country? Generally speaking, areas with higher living costs tend to offer higher wages. Additionally, regions with a year-round demand for landscaping services provide more consistent income opportunities. But what does the data show?
Based on the most recent information from the BLS, the five locations with the highest landscaper salaries are:
- District of Columbia – $48,650
- Washington – $45,260
- Massachusetts – $44,600
- Alaska – $43,770
- Rhode Island – $43,040
While not every state on this list has a high cost of living or year-round demand, there may be other factors at play here. For example, all these states are known for their gardens, and some also have scarcity. For example, there aren’t that many landscapers in Alaska (only around 870), so they tend to earn a higher salary than those in areas with more workers.
Industry
When looking at pay data, it helps to consider what types of industries tend to pay more. Thankfully, the BLS collects data on this as well. In total, there are around 548,980 landscapers employed in landscaping for residential and commercial buildings.
This industry has the largest employment of landscapers by far. As expected, the average pay for these landscapers is very close to the average for all landscapers, at around $37,890.
But how much do landscapers make in other industries? Well, the highest paying industry is the executive branch of the US government. In this industry, the average salary for landscapers tops out at $55,420. However, it is a niche industry, with only 530 landscapers employed.
Compare that to local governments, which have more than 70,000 landscapers employed and pay an average of $39,080. That is a 35% difference in pay, despite the similarities of the jobs.
Experience
Like in most other careers, more experience typically commands higher pay for landscapers. According to Payscale, entry-level landscapers can expect to earn $6.32 less per hour than landscapers with 20+ years of experience. This is based on more than 1,200 salaries reported by landscapers throughout the country.
Still Interested in Landscaping? Stratford’s Course Can Teach You the Basics
The landscaping profession offers a rewarding job path for those passionate about the outdoors and hard work. If you’re ready to turn your passion for nature into a career, consider enrolling in Stratford Career Institute’s Gardening & Landscaping course.
In our course, we discuss everything you need to know, from growing certain plants and drafting landscapes to pricing and installation of irrigation systems. Take the first step toward a fulfilling career—enroll now and cultivate your future success!
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