How to Become A Landscape Technician (Career Guide)
Every well-kept campus, park, and neighborhood is somebody’s daily work. Landscape technicians build and maintain the outdoor spaces people enjoy.
Landscape technicians install and maintain lawns, plantings, irrigation, and outdoor hardscapes. The field rewards people who like physical, outdoor work and offers a clear path from crew member to crew leader to business owner.
Quick answers
At a glance
- Role: Plant, prune, mulch, and maintain trees, shrubs, and turf.
- Typical training: see the pathways table below - most people start with a certificate program or on-the-job training.
- Median pay: $39,150 per year nationally (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
- Credential: Voluntary (NALP Landscape Industry Certified); state license required only for pesticide application.
Q and A
- What does a landscape technician do? Plant, prune, mulch, and maintain trees, shrubs, and turf, plus install and repair irrigation systems and related work.
- Is a license required? Most landscaping work requires no license.
- How much does the job pay? The national median is $39,150 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); pay varies widely by state and experience.
- Where do they work? Landscaping and lawn care companies, Golf courses, parks, and campuses, Municipal grounds departments.
What Landscape Technicians Do
Landscape Technicians handle the day-to-day work of the trade. Landscape technicians install and maintain lawns, plantings, irrigation, and outdoor hardscapes.
Typical Responsibilities
- Plant, prune, mulch, and maintain trees, shrubs, and turf
- Install and repair irrigation systems
- Build walkways, patios, and other hardscape features
- Operate mowers, trimmers, and light equipment safely
- Follow landscape plans and maintenance schedules
Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Plant and turf care fundamentals
- Safe equipment operation
- Physical stamina for outdoor work
- Attention to detail on finished appearance
- Reliability and teamwork on crews
Work Settings
Landscape Technicians may work in:
- Landscaping and lawn care companies
- Golf courses, parks, and campuses
- Municipal grounds departments
- Independent landscaping businesses
How to Become A Landscape Technician (5 Steps)
1. Meet the basic requirements
There is no formal education requirement for most entry-level landscaping jobs. A high school diploma or GED helps, and a driver's license is often expected.
2. Learn the fundamentals
Landscape technology certificate programs cover plant identification, turf care, irrigation, and equipment operation. Many workers instead learn directly on a crew.
3. Gain on-the-job experience
Crew work builds speed, plant knowledge, and equipment skills. Employers commonly provide paid on-the-job training.
4. Add credentials where they help
The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) offers the voluntary Landscape Industry Certified credential. Applying pesticides commercially requires a state applicator license - check your state's agriculture department for its process.
5. Advance your career
Experienced technicians may move into crew leadership, irrigation or hardscape specialties, account management, or their own landscaping business.
Education, Training, and Credentials
Most landscaping work requires no license. Commercial pesticide application is the exception - every state licenses applicators through its agriculture department, so confirm your state’s process before offering that service. The NALP Landscape Industry Certified credential is voluntary.
| Pathway | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Direct entry on a crew | Immediate | Paid on-the-job training |
| Landscape technology certificate | 6-12 months | Plant care, irrigation, and equipment fundamentals |
| Landscape Industry Certified (NALP) | Exam-based | Voluntary credential that may help advancement |
| State pesticide applicator license | Varies by state | Required for commercial pesticide application |
Career Growth and Advancement
Experienced landscape technicians can expand into:
- Crew Leader / Foreman - Run daily crews and job sites
- Irrigation Technician - Specialize in system design and repair
- Account / Operations Manager - Manage client portfolios and scheduling
- Landscaping Business Owner - Run your own maintenance or install company
Cost and Duration of Training
- Training Cost: varies by provider and format - compare programs and ask for a full cost breakdown before enrolling
- Duration: see the pathways table above - entry routes range from direct on-the-job training to certificate programs
Program availability, admissions requirements, costs, and outcomes vary by school - contact schools directly to confirm details.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy entry with paid on-the-job training
- Outdoor, active work
- Clear path to running a crew or a business
Cons
- Physically demanding and weather-exposed
- Seasonal slowdowns in colder regions
- Entry wages are modest until you specialize
Take the First Step
Training is the fastest way to find out whether this career fits you. Compare programs near you and ask each school the questions that matter: schedule, hands-on time, and job placement support (outcomes vary by school and student).
Compare Training Programs
Quick Facts: Landscape Technician Salary, Education, and Outlook
Note: BLS reports wages for this program under the broader occupation “Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers” (SOC 37-3011).
Wage and Employment Charts
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $31,150 |
| 25th | $36,190 |
| 50th (median) | $39,150 |
| 75th | $46,830 |
| 90th | $56,730 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,192,500 |
| 2034 projected | 1,235,000 |
| Percent change | +3.6% |
Landscape Technician Salary and Requirements by State
Select your state for local wage data, training options, and requirements:
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Workplace Safety Snapshot
BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 232.0 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in landscaping and groundskeeping workers (about 2.32 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does landscape technician training take?
Many landscape technicians start working immediately and learn on the job. Certificate programs in landscape technology typically run 6 to 12 months and cover plant care, irrigation, and equipment skills that can speed up advancement.
How much do landscape technicians make?
The median annual salary for landscape technicians is $39,150 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $31,150, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $56,730. Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization.
What is the job outlook for landscape technicians?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3.6% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is about as fast as average. Approximately 158,200 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field.
Do you need a college degree to work as a landscape technician?
No. There is no formal education requirement for most landscaping jobs. Certificate programs can deepen plant and irrigation knowledge, but many technicians learn everything on a crew with paid on-the-job training.
Which states pay landscape technicians the most?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for landscape technicians are District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Alaska. Median annual wages: District of Columbia ($48,790); Massachusetts ($48,670); Alaska ($47,690).
Which states employ the most landscape technicians?
BLS reports the largest concentrations of landscape technicians in California, Florida, and Texas. Employment levels: California (106,180 workers); Florida (86,040 workers); Texas (63,430 workers) (May 2025).
How much do experienced landscape technicians earn?
The top 10% of landscape technicians earn more than $56,730 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior roles, specialty skills, or their own business.
What is entry-level pay for landscape technicians?
BLS reports the bottom 10% of landscape technicians earn under $31,150 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise with experience and specialization.
How many landscape technicians work in the United States?
BLS reports approximately 952,640 landscape technicians employed nationwide as of May 2025.
How many job openings are expected for landscape technicians each year?
BLS projects approximately 158,200 openings per year for landscape technicians from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out.
Is landscape technician a growing career?
BLS projects 3.6% employment growth for landscape technicians between 2024 and 2034, classified as about as fast as average. Employment is projected to go from approximately 1,192,500 jobs in 2024 to 1,235,000 in 2034, with about 158,200 openings per year.
How much do landscape technicians make per hour?
The median hourly wage for landscape technicians is $18.82, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $14.98 (bottom 10%) to $27.28 (top 10%).
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
Landscape Technology Salary by State
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |