Find a Job You Really Want In
As the demand for sustainable design and outdoor spaces continues to rise, landscape designers play a crucial role in shaping the environment. These professionals are not limited to states like California or regions in the South; they are found throughout the United States, contributing to various projects from urban gardens to expansive parks.
At Zippia, we explored which states offer the best opportunities for landscape designers in 2026. Our analysis focused on job availability, salary, and career growth potential, ensuring that designers can thrive at every stage of their careers.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of the top states for landscape designers in terms of job prospects and compensation. Here’s our comprehensive ranking:
- Oklahoma
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Colorado
- California
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Alabama
- Tennessee
As you can see, Oklahoma stands out as the leading state for landscape designers, offering abundant opportunities and competitive salaries.
Curious about how we arrived at these conclusions? Keep reading for insight into our research methodology and detailed information on the top ten states.
How We Determined the Best States for Landscape Designers
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers and understand their priorities. Our research identified two key factors that job seekers value:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To pinpoint the best states for landscape designers, we assessed where job opportunities are most abundant and how well designers are compensated. Our evaluation criteria included:
- Location quotient: This metric reflects how prevalent a job is within a specific state.
- Average annual salary: The overall earnings for landscape designers.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions: What newcomers can expect to earn.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals: Compensation for those with more years in the field.
We adjusted salary figures to account for differences in the cost of living across states. For instance, while landscape designers in California may earn an average salary of $77,540, the cost of living there is significantly higher compared to other states, such as Illinois, where the average salary is $58,780 but may stretch further to cover living expenses.
By ranking each state according to these criteria, we created a composite Job Score, with the lowest score indicating the best state for landscape designers.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these states stand out for landscape designers.
1. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 290
Average Annual Salary: $67,220
Average Entry Level Salary: $46,340
Average Experienced Salary: $94,540
Location Quotient: 1.27
2. Massachusetts
Total Jobs: 640
Average Annual Salary: $86,670
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,530
Average Experienced Salary: $122,810
Location Quotient: 1.3
3. Washington
Total Jobs: 1,070
Average Annual Salary: $71,670
Average Entry Level Salary: $43,220
Average Experienced Salary: $106,210
Location Quotient: 2.48
4. Colorado
Total Jobs: 520
Average Annual Salary: $76,020
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,110
Average Experienced Salary: $101,580
Location Quotient: 1.49
5. California
Total Jobs: 3,340
Average Annual Salary: $77,540
Average Entry Level Salary: $50,540
Average Experienced Salary: $117,360
Location Quotient: 1.5
6. Georgia
Total Jobs: 1,100
Average Annual Salary: $68,590
Average Entry Level Salary: $39,900
Average Experienced Salary: $96,400
Location Quotient: 1.86
7. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 430
Average Annual Salary: $75,760
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,550
Average Experienced Salary: $121,220
Location Quotient: 0.72
8. Texas
Total Jobs: 1,390
Average Annual Salary: $65,460
Average Entry Level Salary: $40,360
Average Experienced Salary: $102,480
Location Quotient: 0.83
9. Alabama
Total Jobs: 50
Average Annual Salary: $67,810
Average Entry Level Salary: $46,420
Average Experienced Salary: $93,110
Location Quotient: 0.18
10. Tennessee
Total Jobs: 280
Average Annual Salary: $80,460
Average Entry Level Salary: $36,240
Average Experienced Salary: $121,410
Location Quotient: 0.69
There You Have It
If you’re considering a career as a landscape designer, these states should top your list. With competitive salaries, ample job opportunities, and potential for career advancement, they offer a promising environment for professionals in the field.
For those interested in the less favorable states for landscape designers, here are the bottom three:
Detailed List Of The Best States For Landscape Designers
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $67,220 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $86,670 |
| 3 | Washington | $71,670 |
| 4 | Colorado | $76,020 |
| 5 | California | $77,540 |
| 6 | Georgia | $68,590 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $75,760 |
| 8 | Texas | $65,460 |
| 9 | Alabama | $67,810 |
| 10 | Tennessee | $80,460 |
| 11 | Missouri | $63,920 |
| 12 | Connecticut | $80,550 |
| 13 | Virginia | $70,440 |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $67,940 |
| 15 | West Virginia | $67,560 |
| 16 | Kentucky | $62,270 |
| 17 | Ohio | $62,080 |
| 18 | Utah | $57,410 |
| 19 | Florida | $70,230 |
| 20 | Montana | $64,440 |
| 21 | South Dakota | $57,910 |
| 22 | North Dakota | $55,680 |
| 23 | Idaho | $61,590 |
| 24 | Maryland | $64,250 |
| 25 | Michigan | $59,040 |
| 26 | Nebraska | $60,040 |
| 27 | New York | $71,490 |
| 28 | Delaware | $66,030 |
| 29 | Wyoming | $59,380 |
| 30 | South Carolina | $56,880 |
| 31 | Arizona | $58,550 |
| 32 | Minnesota | $58,200 |
| 33 | New Jersey | $57,710 |
| 34 | Kansas | $55,300 |
| 35 | Iowa | $50,700 |
| 36 | Hawaii | $0 |
| 37 | Illinois | $58,780 |
| 38 | Rhode Island | $0 |
| 39 | Wisconsin | $50,910 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $45,500 |
| 41 | Arkansas | $46,770 |
| 42 | Indiana | $0 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
