Top Pay for Landscaper: What to Expect and How to Earn More

Some folks think landscaping doesn’t pay much. The truth is, if you know where to look and how to move up, this field can surprise you. Top landscapers aren’t just mowing lawns—they’re managing big projects, leading crews, or running their own businesses. Want to know what size paycheck you can actually expect? It isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there are real numbers out there.

In 2025, base pay for entry-level landscapers still hovers in that $15 to $22 an hour sweet spot. But the top earners? They’re seeing $28 to $40 an hour working for large companies or high-end residential jobs—sometimes even more if overtime is crazy during mowing season or big installs. If you’re in the right city, or you pick up specialized skills, $70,000 to $90,000 a year is totally possible. Heck, top project managers and design pros at big firms clear six figures with bonuses.

If you’re serious about bumping up your pay, keep reading. We’re digging into which cities pay the best, which roles open the most doors, and what skills push you up the ladder quick. You’ll find real-world tips and zero fluff—just straight talk about turning hard work into good money.

• How Much Does a Landscaper Make in 2025?
• Where Do Landscapers Earn the Most?
• Special Jobs and Certifications That Boost Pay
• How Experience and Skills Change Your Income
• Tips to Land Higher-Paying Landscaping Jobs
• Facts About the Landscaping Pay Landscape

How Much Does a Landscaper Make in 2025?

The money in landscaping has changed a lot now that it’s 2025. Wages are up in many places, partly because everyone is scrambling for good workers. If you’re just getting started, the average hourly wage for a landscaper is around $20.25 nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers released early this year. That’s a small bump from last year and it’s a direct sign companies need reliable hands in the field.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Those who stick around past the first couple years usually push into the $25–$30 an hour range, especially if they learn how to work bigger equipment or get some team leader duties. Overtime and seasonal demand will seriously pad that number in areas where grass and gardens don’t really take a break—think southern states or major cities.

If you specialize—like irrigation tech, high-end stonework, or landscape design—you start seeing $40 or even $50 an hour for the best gigs. Management jobs and project leads can hit $80,000 a year or more, with bonuses in busy markets. Guys running their own crews or companies can double that, but it comes with big headaches and long days.

The top pay for landscaper jobs right now? That’s going to be at the high end of commercial projects, big private estates, or in management roles. Here’s what Matt Daley, VP of Operations at YardWorks (a well-known landscaping company), said this spring:

“We’ve had to raise starting pay and offer bonuses. Our lead crew members are earning $33 an hour plus OT, and the folks managing multi-property projects are on track for over $100K. It’s wild compared to a decade ago.”

One thing is clear: if you’re looking to land the top pay for landscaper jobs in 2025, you can’t just stick to lawn mowing. It’s about learning new skills, taking on leadership, and being ready to hustle when the season is on.

Where Do Landscapers Earn the Most?

If you want to make more in landscaping, location makes a massive difference. Big paychecks aren’t spread out evenly across the country—some cities and states are real hotspots for top pay for landscaper jobs. Most of the highest salaries show up in areas with expensive real estate, brutal weather that needs more groundskeeping, or a ton of upscale commercial properties.

Here’s where landscapers are raking in the most, according to data from late 2024. These numbers come from job posts, reported averages, and what companies like BrightView and smaller high-end firms offer:

Wages jump when there’s year-round work, property owners willing to pay for quality, and a shortage of skilled folks. States like California and New York outpace the national average by 25% or more. Urban areas often add bonuses and overtime, especially during spring and early summer. If you speak both English and Spanish or hold special certifications—like pesticide use, irrigation installs, or even landscape design—you’ll land jobs that pay even better.

So, if money is a priority, set your sights on cities with lots of commercial properties or big-money homes. Also, check if they have busy seasons all year, not just in summer. That helps keep your paychecks steady, instead of feast-or-famine like in cold northern states.

• Look for union jobs or government contracts—these pay more, include benefits, and offer stable hours.
• If you’re on the go, check out temp gigs in the south or west where winter isn’t slow season.
• Big firms like BrightView, TruGreen, and The Grounds Guys report their highest pay rates in coastal or large metro areas.

In short, your paycheck follows the money. Go where people invest in their homes or businesses, and you’ll see the best pay as a landscaper.

Special Jobs and Certifications That Boost Pay

If you want to jump from basic wages to top pay, a good move is to aim for special roles or stack up some legit certifications. Many folks mowing lawns never realize what a bump a little paperwork and upskilling can bring. Here’s how people in landscaping are pulling in bigger checks in 2025.

First up, not every job on a landscaping crew is equal. Here are positions that regularly pay more than just general labor:

• Landscape Designer: Drawing up plans for gardens, patios, and outdoor spaces pulls in extra pay, especially if you know how to use design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp.
• Irrigation Technician: Fixing and installing sprinklers sounds basic, but certified techs easily make $5 to $10 an hour above entry-level pay.
• Pesticide Applicator: If you get licensed (think state-approved training), it’s common to see an extra $2,000 to $5,000 yearly—plus, those jobs are always in demand.
• Foreman/Site Supervisor: Leading a crew or managing projects can put you in the $30+ per hour range, sometimes even more at big companies or union gigs.
• Hardscape Specialist: Working with stone, brick, or concrete (think patios or retaining walls) often comes with higher rates thanks to skill and risk involved.

Now let’s talk actual certifications. You don’t need a college degree for most landscaping jobs, but these official titles turn heads with employers and help you make your case for more money:

• Certified Landscape Technician (CLT): Offered by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, this is the gold standard for pros. Employers love it, and many report pay raises of $2 to $5 more per hour after getting certified.
• ISA Certified Arborist: If tree care is your jam, this one’s key. Certified arborists often start at $25 an hour and go up from there, especially in urban or commercial settings where tree work is constant.
• Pesticide Applicator License: Almost every state runs a training course and test. With this paper in your pocket, you’re eligible for many jobs others can’t even apply for.

Here's a quick rundown of how much more some of these jobs and credentials can actually pay you in 2025:

Want to make sure you actually see these higher numbers? The trick is to show off your new skills or paper on your resume, ask for more when you land a job, or specialize if you already have a foot in the door. The top pay for landscaper isn’t out of reach—you just have to work a little smarter and get the right paperwork.

How Experience and Skills Change Your Income

If you’re wondering why some landscapers drive new trucks and others are barely scraping by, it all comes down to experience and what you actually know how to do. Fresh hires usually start at the bottom, but even two or three years in the field can bump your pay.

Landscaping companies and clients notice when you can do more than basic mowing. For example, a landscaper who can install irrigation systems, run heavy equipment, or manage a small team stands out—and gets paid more. According to PayScale and ZipRecruiter data from early 2025, here’s what you can expect:

Certifications turn heads, too. If you’re certified in pesticide application or have a landscape design certificate, you’re instantly more valuable. You don’t need a college degree—just proof you’re trained to handle more responsibility. Big chains and golf courses pay extra for those with a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license or similar.

• Learning to use skid steers and backhoes can add $3-5 an hour to your rate.
• Knowing tree trimming or stump grinding increases your value for commercial clients.
• Being bilingual, especially in Spanish, gives you a leg up as a group leader in many regions.

The top pay for landscaper isn’t just about years under your belt—it’s about stacking skills and getting noticed for what you can do. The guys who move up fast don’t settle for just pushing a mower all day. They find out what the boss hates doing or what clients pay extra for, learn to do it, and ask for that raise.

Tips to Land Higher-Paying Landscaping Jobs

If you want to get paid more in landscaping, you need to approach it like a business. There’s more to it than just clocking in and mowing lawns. The highest earners in this field are usually the ones with an edge—either in skills, certifications, location, or connections. Here’s how you can boost your earnings without spinning your wheels.

• Get Certified: Having a certification like CLT (Certified Landscape Technician) or even a pesticide applicator’s license instantly sets you apart. Homeowners and big companies want proof you know what you’re doing. The National Association of Landscape Professionals reports that certified pros can make up to 20% more on average.
• Specialize: Learn irrigation, hardscaping, or native plant installation. In 2025, companies are paying a premium for skills that help cut labor and water costs. For example, irrigation techs can start at $27 an hour in cities like Denver or Austin.
• Pick Your Location: Pay depends a lot on where you live. Metros like San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle often pay $7–$10 more per hour than midsized towns, just because of higher demand and cost of living.
• Move Up Fast: Show up, work hard, and let your boss know you want to lead a crew. Crew leaders pull in at least $5–$8 per hour more versus entry level. Ask for feedback often and show you can handle bigger responsibilities.
• Network: Connect with property managers, golf course supervisors, or local business owners. Word-of-mouth leads to better jobs—especially if you can point to reliable work and satisfied clients.
• Use Tech: Learn to use landscaping software for design, inventory, and scheduling. More companies are moving to digital, and those who get the tech basics down often get first crack at promotions.

You can see how these factors crank up the paycheck:

Here’s a quick checklist to climb the ladder in top pay for landscaper roles:

1. Take at least one pro-level certification course each year.
2. Ask about cross-training on irrigation, lighting, or hardscaping if you’re bored with mowing.
3. Build a portfolio—snap before-and-after photos of every job and keep client references handy.
4. Join local trade groups or workshops where you might meet hiring managers or business owners.
5. Get comfortable with basic design apps and job scheduling tech on your phone or tablet.

Landscaping isn’t a get-rich-quick game, but being intentional about your skills, location, and reputation will set you up for those higher-paying gigs.

Facts About the Landscaping Pay Landscape

Landscaping pay is a mixed bag—where you are, your skills, and who you work for all make a difference. Here’s what’s actually happening on the ground, not just national averages tossed around online.

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2024, the median hourly wage for landscapers sits around $19.70. But that’s just the middle. If you look at the top 10%—those who hustle, lead big jobs, or have special certs—they’re clocking in at $28 or more an hour.

Some states throw even higher numbers. Right now, New York, California, and the Bay Area are leading with average annual salaries that break $60,000—even before bonuses and overtime. A few private companies in Texas and Georgia pay experienced crew leads or irrigation techs $70,000+, especially during peak months when you rack up hours.

• Commercial landscaping and municipal contracts (think city parks, golf courses, or sports stadiums) pay way more than just basic residential lawn services.
• Specializing—like getting certified in pesticide application, irrigation, or hardscaping—can bump your rate by $5-$10 an hour.
• If you work for yourself, your earning ceiling jumps but so does the risk. Some solo landscaping entrepreneurs pull in $100K+ after a few years, but most hover around $40,000 to $60,000 in take-home pay once you cut out expenses.

It’s worth noting, the demand for landscaping isn’t slowing down either. BLS projects continued growth, especially in urban areas where outdoor living spaces are all the rage. If you’re looking to join the top pay for landscaper club, focus on skills, certifications, and going after bigger contracts—not just more lawns.