Below is a table that shows the best paying jobs for landscape architects, broken down by type, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023.
| Rank | Position Title | National Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Urban Planning Landscape Architect | $101,110 |
| 2 | Commercial Landscape Architect | $98,230 |
| 3 | Environmental Landscape Architect | $96,570 |
| 4 | Residential Landscape Architect | $94,350 |
| 5 | Parks and Recreation Landscape Architect | $92,930 |
It’s important to note that actual salaries can vary significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, level of education, and company size. Continue reading to learn more about these various roles.
Urban Planning Landscape Architect
An Urban Planning Landscape Architect combines expertise in urban design and landscape architecture to shape sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. This specialized role focuses on integrating green spaces, infrastructure, and urban development to create cohesive city landscapes that enhance quality of life and environmental sustainability.
Primary Duties
- Develop comprehensive urban landscape plans that align with city development goals
- Collaborate with city planners, architects, and engineers on large-scale urban projects
- Design sustainable green spaces and infrastructure within urban environments
- Conduct environmental impact assessments for proposed urban landscape projects
Experience Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Urban Planning
- Work Experience: 7-10 years in landscape architecture with a focus on urban projects
- Skills: Proficiency in CAD software, strong understanding of urban ecology, excellent project management abilities
Resume Tips
- Highlight specific urban planning projects you’ve contributed to, emphasizing your role in integrating landscape elements with city infrastructure.
- Showcase your ability to balance aesthetic design with practical urban planning considerations, using concrete examples from your work experience.
Commercial Landscape Architect
A Commercial Landscape Architect specializes in designing outdoor spaces for business and public properties, focusing on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance the value and appeal of commercial developments. This role requires a deep understanding of both design principles and business needs, balancing visual impact with practical considerations such as traffic flow, accessibility, and maintenance requirements.
Primary Duties
- Develop comprehensive landscape plans for commercial properties, including office complexes, retail centers, and public spaces
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and property developers to integrate landscape designs with overall site plans
- Create sustainable and cost-effective landscape solutions that meet client objectives and local regulations
- Oversee project implementation, ensuring designs are executed accurately and within budget
Experience Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture
- Work Experience: 5-7 years in landscape architecture with a focus on commercial projects
- Skills: Proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling software, strong knowledge of plant selection and sustainable design practices, excellent project management abilities
Resume Tips
- Highlight specific commercial landscape projects you’ve completed, emphasizing how your designs improved property value or solved unique challenges.
- Showcase your ability to balance aesthetic considerations with practical business needs, using quantifiable results where possible (e.g., increased foot traffic, reduced maintenance costs).
Environmental Landscape Architect
An Environmental Landscape Architect specializes in creating sustainable and ecologically sound outdoor spaces that harmonize with the natural environment. This role focuses on preserving and enhancing ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and implementing green infrastructure solutions to address environmental challenges such as climate change, water management, and habitat conservation.
Primary Duties
- Design and implement sustainable landscape projects that minimize environmental impact
- Conduct environmental impact assessments and develop mitigation strategies
- Create habitat restoration plans and oversee their implementation
- Develop green infrastructure solutions for stormwater management and urban heat island reduction
Experience Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture with a focus on Environmental Design or Ecology
- Work Experience: 5-7 years in landscape architecture with emphasis on environmental projects
- Skills: Proficiency in GIS and environmental modeling software, strong knowledge of native plant species and ecosystems, expertise in sustainable design practices
Resume Tips
- Highlight specific environmental landscape projects you’ve completed, emphasizing their ecological benefits and sustainability features.
- Showcase your ability to balance environmental conservation with functional design, using quantifiable results where possible (e.g., increased biodiversity, improved water quality).
Residential Landscape Architect
A Residential Landscape Architect specializes in designing outdoor spaces for private homes, focusing on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance the property’s value and the homeowners’ quality of life. This role requires a deep understanding of residential design principles, local zoning regulations, and the ability to translate clients’ visions into practical, beautiful outdoor living spaces.
Primary Duties
- Develop comprehensive landscape plans for residential properties, incorporating elements such as gardens, patios, water features, and outdoor living areas
- Collaborate with homeowners to understand their needs, preferences, and budget constraints
- Create sustainable and low-maintenance landscape designs that suit the local climate and ecosystem
- Oversee project implementation, ensuring designs are executed accurately and within budget
Experience Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture
- Work Experience: 3-5 years in landscape design with a focus on residential projects
- Skills: Proficiency in CAD software, strong knowledge of plant selection and hardscape materials, excellent communication and project management abilities
Resume Tips
- Highlight specific residential landscape projects you’ve completed, emphasizing how your designs improved property value or solved unique challenges for homeowners.
- Showcase your ability to balance aesthetic considerations with practical needs of residential clients, using before-and-after examples or client testimonials where possible.
Parks and Recreation Landscape Architect
A Parks and Recreation Landscape Architect specializes in designing and planning public outdoor spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas that serve community needs while preserving natural resources. This role requires a unique blend of creativity, environmental knowledge, and understanding of public space usage to create accessible, sustainable, and engaging outdoor environments that promote physical activity, social interaction, and connection with nature.
Primary Duties
- Develop comprehensive plans for parks and recreational areas, incorporating elements such as playgrounds, sports facilities, walking trails, and natural habitats
- Collaborate with local government officials, community members, and other stakeholders to understand and meet public needs and preferences
- Design sustainable landscapes that conserve natural resources and promote biodiversity
- Oversee project implementation and ensure compliance with safety regulations and accessibility standards
Experience Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture with a focus on public space design
- Work Experience: 5-7 years in landscape architecture with emphasis on public parks and recreational projects
- Skills: Proficiency in CAD and 3D modeling software, strong knowledge of native plant species and ecosystems, expertise in sustainable design practices, and understanding of public space regulations
Resume Tips
- Highlight specific parks and recreation projects you’ve designed, emphasizing how they improved community engagement or solved unique challenges in public space usage.
- Showcase your ability to balance community needs with environmental conservation, using quantifiable results where possible (e.g., increased park usage, improved accessibility, enhanced biodiversity).