Career comparison
Florist vs. Landscaper
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Landscapers earn more at the median ($39,150 vs. $37,360), while landscapers usually get to work faster (1–4 weeks of training). Florists design flower arrangements for weddings, events and everyday moments. Landscapers plant, mow, trim and care for lawns, gardens and outdoor spaces.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Florist | Landscaper | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $37,360 ($17.96/hr) | $39,150 ($18.82/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $28,600 – $51,000 | $31,150 – $56,730 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -5.6% (a projected decline) | +4.7% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 5,200 | 149,500 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 1–6 months | 1–4 weeks |
| Key credential | AIFD Certified Floral Designer (CFD) | NALP Landscape Industry Certified Technician |
| Work setting | Florists work in shops, coolers, studios and event venues, standing and lifting buckets.. | Landscapers work outdoors in heat, cold and rain, using power equipment and lifting heavy materials.. |
What each job does
Florist
- Process and care for fresh flowers
- Design bouquets and arrangements
- Consult with clients on events
- Take orders and handle sales
- Create sympathy and holiday arrangements
Landscaper
- Mow, edge and trim lawns
- Plant trees, shrubs and flowers
- Spread mulch and install sod
- Prune shrubs and small trees
- Install and repair irrigation
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work. They sit in different fields, arts, media & design and agriculture, landscaping & animal care, but share transferable skills such as creativity and stamina.
Which should you choose?
Choose florist if…
- I love flowers
- I’m creative
- I like working with my hands
Choose landscaper if…
- I love being outdoors
- I don’t mind hard work
- I want to start right away
Still torn? Take the Florist fit quiz and the Landscaper fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, florist or landscaper?
Landscapers earn more at the median: $39,150 versus $37,360 for florists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Landscapers typically train faster (1–4 weeks) than florists (1–6 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects landscapers to grow +4.7% from 2025–35, compared with -5.6% for florists.