Career comparison
Landscape Architect vs. Urban Planner
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Urban planners earn more at the median ($89,320 vs. $79,870), while landscape architects usually get to work faster (4–5 years + experience of training). Landscape architects design parks, campuses and outdoor spaces that work for people and nature. Urban planners plan how cities and towns grow, from housing and parks to roads and transit.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Landscape Architect | Urban Planner | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) | $89,320 ($42.94/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $54,770 – $130,190 | $60,010 – $134,490 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +4.4% (about as fast as average) | +3.9% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 1,700 | 3,200 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Master's degree |
| Training time | 4–5 years + experience | 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s) |
| Key credential | State landscape architect license | AICP certification |
| Work setting | Landscape architects work in offices with regular site visits in all weather.. | Planners work in government and consulting offices, with site visits and public meetings.. |
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
Urban Planner
- Analyze land use and demographic data
- Write comprehensive plans
- Draft and update zoning codes
- Review development proposals
- Lead public meetings
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, desk work, problem-solving, and high responsibility. They sit in different fields, agriculture, landscaping & animal care and community, social & government services, but share transferable skills such as creativity and communication.
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 urban planner if…
- I care about how cities work
- I like maps and data
- I enjoy public speaking
Still torn? Take the Landscape Architect fit quiz and the Urban Planner fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, landscape architect or urban planner?
Urban Planners earn more at the median: $89,320 versus $79,870 for landscape architects, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Landscape Architects typically train faster (4–5 years + experience) than urban planners (6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects landscape architects to grow +4.4% from 2025–35, compared with +3.9% for urban planners.