Career comparison
Landscape Architect vs. Landscaping Supervisor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Landscape architects earn more at the median ($79,870 vs. $58,430), while landscaping supervisors usually get to work faster (Under 5 years of experience of training). Landscape architects design parks, campuses and outdoor spaces that work for people and nature. Landscaping supervisors lead landscaping and grounds crews to deliver great outdoor spaces.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Landscape Architect | Landscaping Supervisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) | $58,430 ($28.09/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $54,770 – $130,190 | $40,560 – $85,650 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.4% (about as fast as average) | +4.0% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 1,700 | 23,900 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4–5 years + experience | Under 5 years of experience |
| Key credential | State landscape architect license | NALP Landscape Industry Certified Manager |
| Work setting | Landscape architects work in offices with regular site visits in all weather.. | Supervisors work outdoors at job sites and in trucks, with some office time for scheduling and estimates.. |
What each job does
Landscape Architect
- Analyze sites and client needs
- Develop design concepts
- Select plants and materials
- Plan grading and drainage
- Prepare construction drawings
Landscaping Supervisor
- Schedule and assign crew work
- Train and supervise workers
- Inspect work quality
- Order materials and plants
- Maintain equipment and vehicles
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working outdoors, problem-solving, teamwork, and high responsibility. Both are part of the agriculture, landscaping & animal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose landscape architect if…
- I love design and nature
- I like drawing and planning
- I want to shape public spaces
Choose landscaping supervisor if…
- I like leading crews
- I enjoy outdoor work
- I’m organized
Still torn? Take the Landscape Architect fit quiz and the Landscaping Supervisor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, landscape architect or landscaping supervisor?
Landscape Architects earn more at the median: $79,870 versus $58,430 for landscaping supervisors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Landscaping Supervisors typically train faster (Under 5 years of experience) than landscape architects (4–5 years + experience).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects landscape architects to grow +4.4% from 2025–35, compared with +4.0% for landscaping supervisors.