Landscape Architect Salary in 2026
Landscape architects design outdoor spaces including parks, gardens, campuses, and public plazas. They create plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability.
Median Salary
$79,870
$6,656/mo
Entry Level
$56,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$112,300
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012) at a national median of $79,870 per year (mean $88,780), or $38.40 per hour, with 19,600 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Landscape Architect Overview
Landscape architects design outdoor spaces including parks, gardens, campuses, and public plazas. They create plans that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental sustainability.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
20K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$38.40/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,656
Landscape Architect Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Landscape Architect salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Landscape Architect Salary
$93,000
$7,750/month · $3,577/biweekly · $44.71/hr
Landscape Architect Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Landscape Architect field.
Entry-level Landscape Architects earn around $56,700, while the top 10% earn $128,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Landscape Architects
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $94,000 | +$14,130 |
| New York | $92,000 | +$12,130 |
| Massachusetts | $89,000 | +$9,130 |
| Texas | $78,000 | $-1,870 |
| Florida | $78,000 | $-1,870 |
Top Paying Cities for Landscape Architects
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $94,000 | +$14,130 |
| Los Angeles | $89,000 | +$9,130 |
| Boston | $89,000 | +$9,130 |
| Miami | $81,000 | +$1,130 |
| Houston | $79,000 | $-870 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Landscape Architect Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Landscape Architect from entry level to expert.
$56,700
0-2 years
$85,000
3-7 years
$112,300
8-14 years
$144,700
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Landscape Architect Salary FAQ
How much does a Landscape Architect make in 2026?
The median salary for a Landscape Architect in the United States is $79,870 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012); the mean is $88,780. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $56,700, senior professionals around $112,300, and top earners at $144,700 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Landscape Architect?
A Landscape Architect typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include AutoCAD, Site Design, Horticulture. Relevant certifications such as PLA License or LEED AP can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Landscape Architects?
The job market for Landscape Architects is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 20K Landscape Architect positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 14%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Landscape Architects the most?
The highest-paying states for Landscape Architects include California, New York, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $94,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Landscape Architect salary?
To increase your Landscape Architect salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like AutoCAD and Site Design. Pursue certifications such as PLA License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $56,700 to $112,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Landscape Architect Salary
How we calculate Landscape Architect salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Landscape Architects (SOC 17-1012), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $79,870, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Landscape Architects; BLS mean $88,780; BLS hourly median $38.40.
- Entry-level ($56,700) and senior-level ($112,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 19,600 Landscape Architects jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $79,870; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Landscape Architect compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Landscape Architect job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Landscape Architect salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (AutoCAD, Site Design, Horticulture), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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