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Landscape Architect
Also called: Site Designer · Landscape Designer · Park Planner · Licensed Landscape Architect
What landscape architects do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a landscape architect do?
Landscape architects design parks, campuses, streetscapes, residential areas and other outdoor spaces, balancing beauty, function and environmental care. The median pay is $79,870 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4–5 years + experience, and employment is projected to grow +4.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$79,870$38.40/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.4%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year1,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4–5 years + experienceTypical program length
- U.S. jobs23,500Employment, 2025
What landscape architects do
Landscape architects shape the places people live, work and play outdoors. They analyze sites, design layouts, select plants and materials, plan grading and drainage, design green infrastructure that manages stormwater, prepare construction drawings and oversee installation. Projects include parks, plazas, campuses, trails, housing and restoration sites.
Most landscape architects earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture, gain experience under licensed professionals and pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) for a state license.
Typical duties
- Analyze sites and client needs
- Develop design concepts
- Select plants and materials
- Plan grading and drainage
- Prepare construction drawings
- Coordinate with engineers and architects
- Observe construction
Work environment and schedule
Landscape architects work in offices with regular site visits in all weather.
Schedule: Most work full-time, with occasional evening meetings and deadline crunches.
A day in the life
- Review a site survey for a new park.
- Sketch concepts for a plaza.
- Meet engineers about stormwater design.
- Refine the planting plan in CAD.
See a full day in the life of a landscape architect →
Landscape Architect salary
Half of landscape architects earned more than $79,870 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $54,770 for the lowest 10% to $130,190 for the top 10%.
Full landscape architect pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a landscape architect
- Study design and environment
- Earn an accredited degree
- Gain experience
- Pass the LARE
- Advance
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture is typical, followed by supervised experience and licensing.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a landscape architect →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Site design
- CAD and design software
- Plant knowledge
- Grading and drainage
- Construction documents
People skills
- Creativity
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem solving
All landscape architect skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Creative, meaningful work
- Blend of design and nature
- Shape public spaces
- Licensed professional career
Cons
- Long education and licensing path
- Deadlines
- Public review and revisions
- Tied to construction cycles
Certifications and licenses
- State landscape architect license: Required to practice in all states.
- LARE: The licensing exam from CLARB.
- LEED Accredited Professional: Green building credential.
- SITES AP: Sustainable sites credential.
Career path
- Landscape Designer: Support projects.
- Licensed Landscape Architect: Lead design.
- Project Manager: Manage projects.
- Principal or Firm Owner: Lead a firm.
Learn the job before day one
Our Landscape Architect training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as conduct a site analysis and design a rain garden, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Landscape Architect vs. Landscaping Supervisor · Landscape Architect vs. Civil Engineer · Landscape Architect vs. Interior Designer · Landscape Architect vs. Surveyor
Landscape Architect FAQ
Do landscape architects need a license?
Yes, all states license them.
What’s the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?
Landscape architects are licensed and handle complex public projects; designers usually focus on residential work.
How long does it take?
Usually a degree plus a few years of experience before licensing.
How much does a landscape architect make?
The median annual wage for landscape architects was $79,870 ($38.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $54,770 and the highest 10% earned more than $130,190.
How long does it take to become a landscape architect?
Most people need about 4–5 years + experience of training. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture is typical, followed by supervised experience and licensing.
Do you need a degree to be a landscape architect?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More landscape architect questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-1012 (Landscape architects).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Landscape architects (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.