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
$69,000
$5,750/mo
Entry Level
$49,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$97,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
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)
25K
5-Year Growth
+14%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$33.17/hr
Monthly Pay
$5,750
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
$81,000
$6,750/month · $3,115/biweekly · $38.94/hr
Landscape Architect Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Landscape Architect field.
Entry-level Landscape Architects earn around $49,000, while the top 10% earn $111,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Landscape Architects
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $81,000 | +$12,000 |
| New York | $79,000 | +$10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $77,000 | +$8,000 |
| Texas | $68,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $68,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Landscape Architects
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $81,000 | +$12,000 |
| Los Angeles | $77,000 | +$8,000 |
| Boston | $77,000 | +$8,000 |
| Miami | $70,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $68,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Landscape Architect Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Landscape Architect from entry level to expert.
$49,000
0-2 years
$73,000
3-7 years
$97,000
8-14 years
$125,000
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 $69,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $49,000, while senior professionals earn up to $97,000. Top earners in the field can make $125,000 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 25K 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 $81,000. 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 $49,000 to $97,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Landscape Architect Salary
How we calculate Landscape Architect salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $69,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Landscape Architect in the Engineering sector.
- Entry-level ($49,000) and senior-level ($97,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 25K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 14% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Engineering sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $69,000.
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 Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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