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Landscape Designer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Landscape Designer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Landscape Designer I in the United States is $56,302 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Landscape Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $66,618
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,402 to $61,702
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,030

Key Factors That Influence Landscape Designer I Salaries

A Landscape Designer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Landscape Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Landscape Designer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Landscape Designer I (0-2 years): $56,235
  • Intermediate Landscape Architect (2-4 years): $66,413
  • Senior Landscape Architect (4-7 years): $78,473
  • Principal Landscape Architect (7+ years): $96,881
  • Manager of Landscape Architecture (7+ years): $137,511
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Landscape Designer I0-2 years$56,235
Intermediate Landscape Architect2-4 years$66,413
Senior Landscape Architect4-7 years$78,473
Principal Landscape Architect7+ years$96,881
Manager of Landscape Architecture7+ years$137,511

Top Paying Cities for Landscape Designer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $71,002
  • San Francisco: $70,202
  • Oakland: $68,702

What Skills Can Increase a Landscape Designer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 12.35% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Microsoft Office (Mentioned in 2.47% Job Postings): Microsoft Office is a suite of desktop productivity applications that is designed by Microsoft for business use. You can create documents containing text and images, work with data in spreadsheets and databases, create presentations and posters.
  • Adobe (Mentioned in 1.47% Job Postings): A mixture of wet earth and grass made into bricks and dried in the sun, used to build houses. It originated from the oral form of Arabic al-tob, meaning "brick," It is the first materials used to create buildings in the 8th century B.C
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 12.35%
Microsoft Office 2.47%
Adobe 1.47%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Landscape Designer I's salary.

  • Resource Management: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Adobe Photoshop: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Graphic Design: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Resource Management $72,067
28%
Adobe Photoshop $68,125
21%
Graphic Design $67,562
20%

Landscape Designer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Landscape Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $60,392. While startup companies pay approximate $51,115.

Landscape Designer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $51,115
Growth Stage 51~500 $54,055
Established 501~5000 $58,324
Enterprise 5000+ $60,392

Landscape Designer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Landscape Designer I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Construction, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Landscape Designer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Landscape Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Landscape Designer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Construction$67,562$32.020%

How Education impacts a Landscape Designer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Landscape Designer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Landscape Designer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,515 and $58,059).

Landscape Designer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Landscape Designer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 4.2%
Associates 3.1%
Bachelors 56.1%
Masters 35.0%
Doctorate 1.1%

Landscape Designer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Landscape Designer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$50,402
Average $56,302/year
$61,702
$4,200
Average $4,692/month
$5,142
$969
Average $1,083/week
$1,187
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $61,702 $5,142 $1,187 $30
Average $56,302 $4,692 $1,083 $27
25th Percentile $50,402 $4,200 $969 $24

Landscape Designer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Landscape Designer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Landscape Architect role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $66,500 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Landscape Designer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Landscape Designer I

Here are companies hiring for Landscape Designer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Landscape Designer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Landscape Designer I?

The Construction industry offers the highest average compensation for Landscape Designer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Do landscape designers need a degree?

While minimum requirements can vary by employer, most landscape designers typically need at least an associate degree in a plant-related subject to begin their career. The salary for landscape designers ranges from approximately $51,702 to $66,102, with a median salary around $57,802, reflecting the importance of education and experience in this field.

3. What do landscape designers charge per hour?

Many landscape designers charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from approximately $51,702 to $66,102 annually. This translates to an hourly rate of about $25 to $32, depending on experience and project complexity. The fee often covers everything from the initial consultation to design plans and revisions.

4. Is it worth paying a landscape designer?

Hiring a landscape designer can be a valuable investment, especially if you lack experience in horticulture or design. Their expertise in plant selection, growth patterns, and environmental needs can enhance your outdoor space. With salaries ranging from $51,702 to $66,102, their professional guidance can lead to a well-planned and aesthetically pleasing landscape.

5. Can landscaping make good money?

Landscaping can be a lucrative career, with Landscape Designers earning between $51,702 and $66,102 annually, with a median salary of $57,802. While challenges exist, those dedicated to the field can achieve financial success and fulfillment in their work. Passion and commitment can lead to a rewarding career in landscaping.

6. Can you make 6 figures as a landscape architect?

While the average salary for a landscape designer is around $57,802, it is unlikely to reach six figures based on the provided data. The salary range typically falls between $51,702 and $66,102, indicating that while there is potential for growth, achieving a six-figure income may be challenging in this field.

7. What is the highest salary for a landscape designer?

The highest salary for a landscape designer is $66,102. While salaries can vary, the majority typically range from $51,702 to $66,102, with a mid-salary of $57,802. This data reflects a more focused range compared to broader estimates, providing a clearer picture of earnings in this profession.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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