Landscape Architects

SOC code 17-1012 · O*NET-SOC 17-1012.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering

Landscape Architects pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$79,870

a year

Hourly

$38.40

per hour

10th$54,770Median$79,87090th$130,190

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$88,780

$42.68 per hour

Middle 50%

$64,170 – $104,090

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$54,770 – $130,190

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

19,600

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $54,770; $26.33/hr
25th percentile: $64,170; $30.85/hr
Median percentile: $79,870; $38.40/hr
75th percentile: $104,090; $50.04/hr
90th percentile: $130,190; $62.59/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+3%

Growing about as fast as average

21,800

jobs in 2024

22,600

projected for 2034

About 800 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a landscape architect do?

Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans.
Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or work, or advise clients or construction personnel.
Prepare site plans, specifications, or cost estimates for land development.
Integrate existing land features or landscaping into designs.
Collaborate with architects or related professionals on whole building design to maximize the aesthetic features of structures or surrounding land and to improve energy efficiency.
Prepare graphic representations or drawings of proposed plans or designs.
Inspect proposed sites to identify structural elements of land areas or other important site information, such as soil condition, existing landscaping, or the proximity of water management facilities.

How to become a landscape architect

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 85% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree85%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate10%
Master's Degree5%

Common questions

How much does a landscape architect earn?

The national median is $79,870 a year. The full range runs from $54,770 at the 10th percentile to $130,190 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a landscape architect without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is landscape architect in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.1/5
Speaking4.1/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Writing3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Design4.7/5
Building and Construction4.0/5
Geography3.9/5
Engineering and Technology3.8/5
English Language3.8/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Operations Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.