Landscape Architects
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.
Also called: AP BD+C (Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction), Environmental Designer, Environmental Planner, Exterior Designer, Golf Course Architect, Golf Course Designer
Median pay
$79,870
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$54,770 – $130,190
People employed
19,600
Holland code
RIA
Realistic · Investigative · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Landscape Architects pay by state
Annual median pay by state (40 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What landscape architects do
- 01Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
- 02Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans.
- 03Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or work, or advise clients or construction personnel.
- 04Prepare site plans, specifications, or cost estimates for land development.
- 05Integrate existing land features or landscaping into designs.
- 06Collaborate with architects or related professionals on whole building design to maximize the aesthetic features of structures or surrounding land and to improve energy efficiency.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Geography
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from landscape architects
- Civil Engineers85% · +26%
- Architectural and Civil Drafters81% · −17%
- Environmental Restoration Planners78% · group pay
- Transportation Engineers75% · group pay
- Interior Designers73% · −16%
Change into landscape architects
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Interior Designers83% · $67,190
- Transportation Engineers75% · $100,840
- Architectural and Civil Drafters74% · $66,150
- Civil Engineers69% · $100,840
- Commercial and Industrial Designers67% · $83,910
Majors that lead here
- Environmental Design/Architecture
- Landscape Architecture
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.