Landscaper Salary in the USA

If you are looking for landscaper salary in the USA, a landscaper usually earns around $18 to $20 per hour, but the actual pay can be lower or higher depending on state, experience, type of landscaping work and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the official occupation closest to a landscaper is Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. In May 2025, the national median wage for this group was $18.82 per hour, while the mean wage was $20.33 per hour or about $42,290 a year. So, when people ask how much does a landscaper make, there is not only one number. New workers can start at lower pay, while experienced workers who do planting, irrigation, hardscape, equipment operation or crew leading can make more. Location also make a big difference in landscaper pay.

How Much Does a Landscaper Make in the USA?

A landscaper in the United States can make different amount depending on what type of work he do and where the job is located. Basic lawn mowing, trimming, edging, raking and cleanup jobs are normally closer to the lower end of the pay range. Workers with more skills can handle landscape installation, irrigation, planting, tree and shrub care, outdoor construction and other specialized work, which can bring higher pay.

The latest BLS national data for 2025 shows that Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers had a median hourly wage of $18.82. The mean hourly wage was $20.33, equal to a mean annual wage of about $42,290. The lowest 10 percent earned below $15.01 per hour and the highest 10 percent earned above $28.10 per hour for the broader grounds maintenance occupation. This shows why a single “average landscaper salary” can be misleading when looking at individual jobs.

Many landscapers work full time, but seasonal work is also common. Spring, summer and fall can be busy because lawn mowing, planting, trimming and landscape installation increase. In some areas, workers can take snow removal or other outdoor maintenance work during winter to keep earning income.

Landscaper Hourly Pay and Annual Salary

When people search for landscaper hourly pay, the hourly number is often more useful than annual salary because some landscaping workers work seasonally or have changing hours. A worker paid $18 per hour at a normal full-time schedule can earn around $37,440 before taxes if working 2,080 hours in a year. At $20 per hour, that becomes about $41,600. Actual yearly income can be different if the worker gets overtime, has seasonal breaks, works part time or does extra private jobs.

• Lower-paid landscaping work: often around the mid-teens per hour.
• Typical landscaper pay: around $18 to $20 per hour in national BLS data.
• More experienced work: can move into the low to upper $20s per hour depending on duties and location.
• Supervisor or crew leader work: can pay considerably more than entry-level landscaping jobs.
• Self-employed landscaping: income can be much different because the worker charges customers directly but also pays for equipment, fuel, insurance, labor and business costs.

The BLS data also shows that landscaping is a large occupation, with about 952,640 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in May 2025. Grounds maintenance work includes many different jobs, so the salary of a simple lawn care worker should not be compared directly with a skilled landscape installer or supervisor.

Landscaper Salary by State

Where a landscaper lives can change the pay quite a lot. The following table uses BLS May 2023 state occupational wage data for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers, occupation code 37-3011. The table gives the median hourly wage and mean annual wage reported for each state. These figures are useful for comparing states, but local city wages can be different from the statewide number.

These state numbers show why searches like landscaper salary by state are useful. For example, the BLS 2023 table reported mean annual wages of $48,760 in Massachusetts and $48,010 in Washington, while several southern states reported mean annual wages around or below the mid-$30,000 range. The difference is not only about landscaping demand; local wages, cost of labor, type of employer and type of work can all affect pay.

Landscaper Salary in High-Demand States

Some states have a very large number of landscaping workers because of population, climate, residential development and year-round outdoor work. California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois were among the states with the highest employment levels for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in the BLS May 2023 data.

• California: large landscaping workforce with a mean annual wage of $44,680 in the 2023 state data.
• Florida: large number of landscaping jobs, with mean annual wage of $36,230.
• Texas: one of the biggest employment markets, with mean annual wage of $35,630.
• New York: reported mean annual wage of $44,250.
• Illinois: reported mean annual wage of $42,550.

What Does a Landscaper Do?

A landscaper does more than just cut grass. The daily job can change from one company to another. Some workers mainly do lawn care, while others work on full landscape installation and maintenance projects.

• Mowing lawns and cutting grass
• Edging sidewalks and garden beds
• Trimming bushes, hedges and small trees
• Planting flowers, shrubs and trees
• Spreading mulch and fertilizer
• Removing leaves, branches and unwanted plants
• Watering lawns and landscape areas
• Installing or maintaining irrigation systems
• Laying sod and preparing soil
• Using landscaping hand tools and power equipment
• Helping with patios, walkways and other hardscape work
• Keeping commercial and residential outdoor areas clean and maintained

The work is mostly outside and can be physical. BLS says grounds maintenance workers may frequently bend, kneel, lift and shovel, and some jobs are seasonal. Workers can also use lawnmowers, chainsaws, spray equipment, shovels and other power or hand tools depending on the job.

Landscaper Starting Salary

The landscaper starting salary can be different from the national average because new workers usually do not have much experience. A person entering landscaping for the first time may start with basic work like mowing, trimming, loading materials, cleaning job sites and helping experienced workers. The starting pay can be around the lower part of the local wage range.

New landscapers normally learn many things while working. They may learn how to use commercial mowers, trimmers, blowers and other equipment, how to prepare soil, plant correctly and maintain lawns and gardens. After gaining experience, a worker can move into more skilled landscaping work and may get higher hourly pay.

Location is also important for starting pay. A new landscaper working in a high-wage metro area may receive a different starting wage than someone doing the same work in a smaller town. Company size can also make a difference. Large landscaping companies, golf courses, property management companies and government employers may have different pay structures from small local landscaping businesses.

Landscaper Salary With Experience

Experienced landscaper salary is usually higher when a worker has several years of practical skills and can work without much supervision. An experienced worker may be trusted with expensive equipment, customer properties, irrigation systems, planting projects or larger commercial sites.

Experience can also help a landscaper become a crew leader. A crew leader may organize daily jobs, assign work to other employees, check completed work and communicate with customers or supervisors. This type of responsibility can bring higher pay than a basic landscaping labor position.

• Entry-level landscaper: Usually handles basic lawn and landscape maintenance and works under supervision.
• Experienced landscaper: Can operate equipment and complete more complicated maintenance and installation work.
• Specialized landscaper: May focus on irrigation, landscape installation, hardscaping, tree care or other specialized services.
• Crew leader: Often coordinates workers and daily jobs and may communicate directly with customers.
• Landscape supervisor: Can have responsibility for multiple crews, projects, equipment and schedules.

Commercial Landscaper Salary

A commercial landscaper salary can be different from residential landscaping because commercial properties can be much larger. Commercial landscapers may maintain office buildings, apartment communities, shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, industrial properties and other large properties.

The work can include regular mowing, trimming, seasonal planting, irrigation maintenance, leaf removal, snow-related work in some locations and keeping the entire property looking maintained. Workers who have experience with commercial equipment and larger crews may have opportunities to move into higher positions.

Commercial landscaping companies can also have more regular schedules than some small residential businesses. However, hours can still change based on weather and seasonal demand.

Residential Landscaper Salary

A residential landscaper works mainly on private homes and residential properties. The work can include mowing lawns, trimming bushes, planting flowers, installing mulch, cleaning yards and performing seasonal yard maintenance.

Some residential landscapers work for landscaping companies, while others work independently. An independent landscaper can charge customers directly, but the money collected from customers is not the same as personal salary. Business expenses such as fuel, equipment, repairs, insurance, advertising and materials need to be paid before calculating actual business profit.

Self-Employed Landscaper Income

Self-employed landscaper income can look much higher than employee wages because an independent landscaper charges customers for a complete service instead of receiving only an hourly wage. But this amount should not be confused with take-home income.

A self-employed landscaper may need to pay for a truck or trailer, commercial mower, trimmer, blower, fuel, replacement parts, insurance, business registration, advertising and other costs. If the business has employees, payroll and related costs are also part of the business expenses.

Some independent landscapers start with basic lawn mowing and then add services such as hedge trimming, cleanups, mulch installation, planting, irrigation work and landscape design. Building recurring customers can provide more regular work than relying only on one-time jobs.

What Affects Landscaper Pay?

There are several things that can change landscaper pay in the United States. The job title alone does not decide the wage. The actual duties and local labor market are important.

• Location: Wages can be different from one state or city to another.
• Experience: Workers with more practical experience may qualify for higher-paying positions.
• Skills: Irrigation, hardscape installation, equipment operation and other skills can increase job opportunities.
• Employer: Private landscaping companies, property management firms, golf courses, schools and government employers can have different wage structures.
• Season: Landscaping work can increase during warmer months and decrease in colder areas during winter.
• Overtime: Some workers may have opportunities for additional hours during busy periods.
• Responsibility: Crew leaders and supervisors generally have more responsibility than entry-level workers.
• Type of property: Large commercial properties can require different skills and equipment than small residential lawns.

Landscaping Jobs and Salary

There are many types of landscaping jobs, and not every position has the same pay. Someone searching for landscaping work should look at the actual duties instead of only the job title. A lawn maintenance worker, landscape installer, irrigation technician and crew leader can all work in the landscaping industry but have different responsibilities.

• Lawn Care Worker
• Landscape Maintenance Worker
• Landscape Installer
• Grounds Maintenance Worker
• Irrigation Technician
• Landscape Crew Member
• Landscape Crew Leader
• Groundskeeper
• Golf Course Grounds Worker
• Landscape Supervisor

Workers who develop skills in equipment operation, irrigation, planting and landscape construction can have more career options. Some eventually move into supervisory positions or start their own landscaping business.

Skills Needed to Become a Landscaper

Landscaping is one of the jobs where practical ability can be very important. A person does not always need a college degree to start basic landscaping work. Many workers learn through on-the-job training, although requirements can be different for specialized work.

• Basic knowledge of plants and lawn care
• Ability to safely use landscaping tools
• Physical ability to work outside for long periods
• Ability to lift and move materials
• Basic understanding of soil and planting
• Equipment operation skills
• Basic irrigation knowledge
• Good time management
• Ability to follow safety procedures
• Communication with customers and coworkers
• Ability to work in different weather conditions

Is Landscaping a Good Job?

Landscaping can be a practical career for people who prefer outdoor work instead of sitting inside all day. The work is active and there can be opportunities to enter the field without a long college education. A worker can also build experience and later move into crew leadership, supervision or self-employment.

At the same time, landscaping is physical work. Workers can spend many hours standing, walking, bending, lifting and operating equipment. Heat, rain, cold and other weather conditions can also affect the working day. For this reason, someone considering landscaping should look at both the salary and the actual working conditions.

Landscaper Benefits and Other Pay

Salary is not always the only part of compensation. Benefits depend heavily on the employer and whether the landscaper is a regular employee or an independent worker. Some larger employers may offer health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans or other employee benefits.

• Hourly wages or annual salary
• Overtime pay when applicable
• Paid vacation or paid time off at some employers
• Health insurance at some full-time companies
• Retirement benefits at some employers
• Company-provided tools or equipment
• Work uniforms or safety equipment
• Opportunities for promotion

Self-employed landscapers normally do not receive employee benefits automatically. They have to arrange their own health coverage, retirement savings, insurance and paid time away from work. But they may have more control over their schedule, services and pricing.

How to Increase Your Landscaper Salary

A landscaper who wants to increase income can focus on skills that are useful for higher-level work. Basic mowing is one part of the industry, but landscaping has many other services. Learning irrigation, planting, landscape construction, equipment operation or crew management can create more opportunities.

• Learn commercial landscaping equipment operation.
• Develop knowledge of plants and landscape maintenance.
• Learn irrigation installation and maintenance.
• Gain experience with hardscape projects.
• Become a reliable crew leader.
• Learn how to estimate landscaping jobs.
• Improve customer communication skills.
• Consider specialized landscaping certifications when useful for the local market.
• Build experience with commercial properties.
• Consider starting a landscaping business after gaining enough practical experience.

Landscaper Salary Outlook

The landscaping and grounds maintenance field continues to have demand because homes, businesses, apartment communities, parks, sports facilities and other properties need outdoor areas maintained. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for the broader grounds maintenance worker occupation to grow from 1,395,100 jobs in 2025 to about 1,463,700 jobs in 2035, an increase of 5 percent.

There will also be job openings because workers leave the occupation or move to other jobs. Landscaping can therefore remain an entry point into outdoor maintenance work, while experienced workers can develop skills that lead to more specialized or supervisory positions.

Related Searches About Landscaper Salary

How Much Does a Landscaper Make a Year?

A landscaper's yearly income depends on hourly wage, hours worked, overtime, season and employment type. The BLS reported a mean annual wage of $42,290 for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in May 2025. Individual workers can earn less or more than this amount.

How Much Does a Landscaper Make Per Hour?

The BLS May 2025 national median wage was $18.82 per hour for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers, while the mean wage was $20.33 per hour. Local landscaper hourly pay can be different depending on state, city, experience and job duties.

Do Landscapers Make Good Money?

Landscaper income can provide a regular living for many workers, but earnings depend strongly on location, experience and type of work. Workers who gain specialized skills or move into crew leader, supervisor or business-owner roles can have different earning opportunities than entry-level lawn maintenance workers.

Can a Landscaper Make $50,000 a Year?

Some landscaping workers can reach $50,000 or more in annual earnings, but it is not the typical wage for every landscaper. Higher earnings can come from higher local wages, overtime, skilled work, supervisory positions or running a profitable landscaping business. The BLS national mean for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers was $42,290 in May 2025.

Do Landscapers Get Paid Weekly?

Payment schedules depend on the employer. Some landscaping companies pay weekly, while others pay every two weeks or use another regular payroll schedule. Self-employed landscapers usually collect payment from customers according to their invoices or service agreements.

Final Thoughts on Landscaper Salary

Landscaper salary in the USA is not one fixed amount. National BLS data gives a useful starting point, but the actual wage can change by state, city, experience, job duties and employer. In May 2025, Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers had a national median wage of $18.82 per hour and a mean wage of $20.33 per hour. A person entering landscaping can start with basic maintenance work and later develop skills in irrigation, landscape installation, equipment operation or crew management. Those skills can open different job and income opportunities.

For anyone comparing landscaping jobs, it is useful to look at hourly pay, expected working hours, seasonal work, benefits and the actual duties of the position. For people who eventually want to become self-employed, business revenue should also be separated from personal income because equipment, fuel, insurance and other operating costs reduce the final profit.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers (37-3011), with national May 2025 wage data and state occupational wage data referenced for the state comparison.

Landscaper Salary by Experience Level

Experience can make a noticeable difference in landscaping work. A person who is just starting may mainly follow instructions and do basic maintenance. After spending more time in the field, the worker can handle equipment, complete jobs with less supervision and take responsibility for more parts of a landscaping project.

An experienced landscaper may also become responsible for talking with customers, checking properties, training new workers or leading a small crew. These additional responsibilities can help a worker move beyond basic hourly landscaping work.

Landscaper Salary by Type of Employer

The employer can also affect a landscaper's pay and benefits. A small local landscaping company may have a different pay structure than a large commercial landscaping company. Some workers are employed by property management companies, golf courses, schools, municipalities or other organizations that maintain large outdoor areas.

• Private Landscaping Company: Workers may maintain residential and commercial properties and may have opportunities for overtime during busy periods.
• Property Management Company: Landscapers may maintain apartment communities, office properties and other managed locations.
• Golf Course: Grounds workers can focus on turf, landscaping and maintenance of golf-course property.
• School or College: Grounds workers may maintain lawns, trees, gardens, athletic fields and outdoor facilities.
• Local Government: Workers may maintain public parks, streetscapes, recreational areas and government properties.
• Self-Employed: The worker operates the business directly and keeps the remaining business profit after operating expenses.

Landscaper Salary in Residential and Commercial Work

Residential and commercial landscaping can look similar from the outside, but the daily work can be quite different. A residential landscaper may visit several homes in one day and complete smaller jobs. Commercial landscaping crews can spend the whole day at one large property or move between several business locations.

Commercial properties may require larger mowing equipment, more workers and detailed maintenance schedules. Residential work can include more customer interaction because homeowners may request specific changes to their yards. Both areas can provide opportunities for experienced workers.

Seasonal Landscaping Work and Income

Seasonality is an important part of landscaper income. In warmer parts of the United States, landscaping can continue for much of the year. In colder states, outdoor landscaping can slow down during winter months.

Spring is often a busy period because customers want lawns cleaned, gardens prepared and new plants installed. Summer can bring regular mowing and maintenance. Fall can bring leaf cleanup, pruning and preparation for winter. In colder areas, some landscaping companies add snow removal services during winter.

Because hours can change during different parts of the year, workers should look at the number of guaranteed hours and the employer's seasonal schedule when comparing landscaping jobs. An hourly rate alone does not always show the full yearly earning potential.

Overtime and Extra Income for Landscapers

Some landscapers can earn additional money by working extra hours during busy seasons. Overtime availability depends on the employer, work schedule and applicable wage rules. A worker may also have opportunities to take additional landscaping work outside regular employment, but this should be treated as separate income rather than part of the normal employee salary.

• Overtime during busy landscaping seasons
• Weekend maintenance work
• Seasonal cleanup projects
• Mulch and planting projects
• Storm cleanup work
• Snow removal in suitable locations
• Private lawn maintenance jobs
• Small landscape installation projects

Landscaping Equipment and Job Skills

Equipment knowledge can be valuable for a landscaper. A worker who can safely operate several types of equipment may be able to take on more responsibilities than someone who only performs basic manual tasks.

• Commercial lawn mowers
• String trimmers
• Leaf blowers
• Edgers
• Hedge trimmers
• Chainsaws where appropriate and legally permitted
• Small tractors and utility equipment
• Hand tools
• Irrigation equipment
• Trailer and landscape-material handling equipment

Safety is important because landscaping equipment can cause serious injuries when it is used incorrectly. Employers can provide training, but workers should also follow equipment instructions, protective equipment requirements and workplace safety rules.

Education Needed to Become a Landscaper

Basic landscaping jobs normally do not require a four-year college degree. Many workers learn through on-the-job training. Employers can teach new workers how to use equipment, maintain properties and perform the company's standard procedures.

Some specialized positions can require additional training or education. Landscape design, horticulture, irrigation and certain equipment-related jobs can have different requirements. Licensing or certification may also apply to particular services depending on the state and type of work being performed.

Landscaper Career Growth

Landscaping can be more than an entry-level outdoor job. A worker can build practical skills and gradually take on additional responsibility. One common path is moving from general maintenance work into skilled landscaping, then crew leadership or supervision.

Another path is becoming specialized. A worker may focus on irrigation, planting, turf management, landscape installation or another area. Some experienced landscapers eventually start their own landscaping companies and hire employees to handle larger numbers of customers.

• Landscaping Worker
• Experienced Landscape Technician
• Specialized Landscape Worker
• Crew Leader
• Landscape Supervisor
• Operations Manager
• Landscape Business Owner

Landscaper Salary Compared With Other Grounds Maintenance Jobs

Landscaping overlaps with several other outdoor maintenance occupations. Groundskeepers, lawn care workers, grounds maintenance workers and some gardeners can perform similar duties, although their exact responsibilities can be different.

For someone comparing jobs, the most useful thing is to read the actual job description. One employer may call a worker a landscaper even when most of the work is lawn mowing, while another company may use the same title for a worker doing landscape installation and hardscape projects.

What Is the Future of Landscaping Jobs?

Landscaping and grounds maintenance remains connected to residential construction, commercial property maintenance, public spaces and outdoor property care. Homes, businesses, apartment communities, parks and other properties continue to need lawns and outdoor areas maintained.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth for the broader grounds maintenance worker occupation through 2035. At the same time, landscaping companies can continue to have job openings because workers leave jobs, retire or move into other occupations. This means the number of new job openings can be larger than employment growth alone suggests.

Landscaper Salary: Important Things to Check Before Taking a Job

A job advertisement showing an hourly wage does not always tell the complete story. Before accepting a landscaping position, a worker can check the normal weekly hours, overtime policy, seasonal schedule, benefits, travel requirements and whether tools are supplied by the employer.

• Hourly wage or annual salary
• Expected weekly working hours
• Overtime availability and policy
• Seasonal schedule
• Health insurance availability
• Paid time off
• Retirement benefits
• Travel between job locations
• Company-provided equipment
• Training opportunities
• Promotion opportunities

Frequently Searched Landscaper Salary Questions

How Much Does a Landscaper Make in the USA?

The national BLS May 2025 data for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers reported a median hourly wage of $18.82 and a mean hourly wage of $20.33. The mean annual wage was $42,290. Individual landscaper wages can be higher or lower depending on location, experience and duties.

How Much Does a Landscaper Make an Hour?

The latest national BLS figure for the occupation was $18.82 per hour at the median and $20.33 per hour at the mean in May 2025. Local wages vary across the United States.

How Much Does a Landscaper Make in a Month?

A simple calculation using the national mean annual wage of $42,290 gives about $3,524 per month before taxes. This is only a mathematical annual-to-monthly conversion and does not mean every landscaper receives the same monthly income.

How Much Does a Landscaper Make a Week?

Using the BLS mean annual wage of $42,290 and dividing it across 52 weeks gives about $813 per week before taxes. Actual weekly pay depends on hours, wage rate, overtime and seasonal work.

Can Landscaping Become a Career?

Yes. Landscaping can develop into a long-term career through experience, specialized skills, crew leadership, supervision or business ownership. The career path depends on the worker's skills and local opportunities.

Conclusion

The landscaper salary in the United States depends on many factors, so workers should not look at only one national number. The latest BLS data for May 2025 shows a median wage of $18.82 per hour and a mean wage of $20.33 per hour for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers, with a mean annual wage of $42,290.

State, city, experience, employer and type of landscaping work can all change actual pay. Entry-level workers can start with basic lawn and grounds maintenance, while experienced workers can move into specialized work, crew leadership or management. Some workers also use their experience to build their own landscaping business.

For someone considering this career, landscaping can provide an entry point without requiring a traditional four-year college degree, while still offering room to develop practical skills. The work is physical and often outdoors, and seasonal conditions can affect hours in some parts of the country. Looking at the hourly wage together with hours, benefits, seasonal work and career growth gives a more complete picture of what a landscaper job can offer.