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Job outlook for senior landscape architects in the United States
Senior landscape architect job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior landscape architect job growth rate is 0% from 2018-2028.
About 0 new jobs for senior landscape architects are projected over the next decade.
Senior landscape architect salaries have increased 11% for senior landscape architects in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,230 senior landscape architects currently employed in the United States.
There are 77,064 active senior landscape architect job openings in the US.
The average senior landscape architect salary is $65,120.
Are senior landscape architect jobs in demand?
Senior landscape architect job and salary trends over time
Senior landscape architect jobs over time
Senior landscape architect job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,230 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,410 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,249 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 6,670 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 6,806 | 0.00% |
Average senior landscape architect salary over time
Senior landscape architect salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,120 | $31.31 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $63,949 | $30.74 | +1.7% |
| 2023 | $62,907 | $30.24 | +3.8% |
| 2022 | $60,630 | $29.15 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | $58,528 | $28.14 | --0.5% |
Senior landscape architect jobs by state
Most common states for senior landscape architects
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 148 | 20% |
| 2 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 933 | 15% |
| 3 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,620 | 13% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 456 | 13% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 169 | 13% |
| 6 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 137 | 13% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 129 | 13% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,250 | 12% |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,187 | 12% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,101 | 12% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 925 | 12% |
| 12 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 695 | 12% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 669 | 12% |
| 14 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 85 | 12% |
| 15 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 185 | 11% |
| 16 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 2,845 | 10% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,336 | 10% |
| 18 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 583 | 10% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 185 | 10% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 57 | 10% |
Most common cities for senior landscape architects
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Towson | 1 | 2% | $62,859 |
| 2 | Deerfield Beach | 1 | 1% | $60,638 |
| 3 | Loveland | 1 | 1% | $72,142 |
| 4 | Rockville | 1 | 1% | $62,499 |
| 5 | Salt Lake City | 1 | 1% | $76,607 |
| 6 | West Palm Beach | 1 | 1% | $60,579 |
| 7 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $70,684 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $62,839 |
| 9 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $73,497 |
| 10 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $72,562 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $45,742 |
| 12 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $80,063 |
| 13 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $60,413 |
| 14 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $85,136 |
| 15 | Tucson | 1 | 0% | $52,582 |
Senior Landscape Architect job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior landscape architect experts
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Florida
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
SUNY at Buffalo
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
University of Oregon
Truckee Meadows Community College
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
The Catholic University of America
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
University at Buffalo – The State University of New York
Seminole State College of Florida
Rochester Institute of Technology
What general advice would you give to a Senior Landscape Architect?
Rebecca Dolgas: 2. The ability to implement VR, AR, and AI capabilities. Clients are coming to expect photorealistic renderings and to be able to walk through their space virtually. Having the skill set to implement these tools will be crucial in keeping clients informed and pleased with your work.
Heath Pickerill PhD
Assistant Teaching ProfessorMissouri University of Science and Technology
Architectural Engineering
What Senior Landscape Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heath Pickerill PhD: Being competent in CAD software, especially 3D modeling such as Revit, as well as demonstrating strong project management skills, which can be honed through leadership opportunities in professional organizations and design teams. Graduates should also understand the ethical implications and limitations of AI software in the production of written documents and basic design solutions.
What will help Senior Landscape Architects increase their earning potential?
Heath Pickerill PhD: By boosting your resume through participation in professional organizations and design teams within the field, as well as diverse work experience with on-the-job training through internships and co-ops.
What Senior Landscape Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Pettigrew AIA, NCARB, MIT M.Arch ʼ88: Adaptability, the ability and desire to constantly learn new tools, techniques, business practices, and construction technologies/methodologies. The architecture profession has changed dramatically since the introduction of computers into practice, and all indications are that architectural practice will continue to change as computers, fabrication machines that talk to and work with computers, and technologies related to issues of sustainability, continue to adapt to the economics, business, practice, and significance of the architecture profession.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Landscape Architect?
Martin Gold FAIA: The most widespread complaint from people in the field is that it consumes ones attention, requires long hours, and relative to other professions, such as medicine, law, accounting, or engineering, the pay is lower on a per hour basis. On the other hand, architecture is more of an art than other professions and offers opportunities for creative people to have prosperous careers. The famous French architect Le Corbusier would say, architecture is a way of life.
What Senior Landscape Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: I would advise architecture students to be as flexible as possible. While NAAB accredited schools award 6,000 to 7,000 professional degrees per year, NCARB states that fewer than 3,500 architects reach licensure each year. This suggests that many of those educated as architects are actually finding work in allied subjects. I know of many graduates who are set to become architects who end up becoming real estate professionals, construction professionals, policy-makers, academics, and more. Even for those dead set on architectural practice, these opportunities in adjacent fields can open doors to more design-focused practice.
What will help Senior Landscape Architects increase their earning potential?
Grant Mosey Ph.D.: Familiarity with Building Information Modeling software like Revit is already all but a requirement to find professional work. Increasingly, firms are also looking for those who are capable of using visual programming like Grasshopper or Dynamo not only to generate forms but to optimize their workflow. In addition to those, professionals should familiarize themselves with modeling programs including SketchUp and Rhino and visualization platforms like VRay, Enscape, and Twin Motion. Soft skills like being personable and being able to present ideas extemporaneously will never go out of style.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Landscape Architect?
Elaine Chow AIA, RA, NCARB: Adaptability will always be an important skill. There will be software improvements and changes that you need to stay aware of and technology that will benefit both the design and construction sides of the industry. Communication will remain an important part of the way we work together in teams.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Landscape Architect?
Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez: It is important for recent graduates to recognize that Architecture is no longer limited to the physical realm, as transformative technologies are providing interesting career opportunities in the digital realm as well. This rapidly evolving context offers many opportunities and new directions for the discipline and remaining (or becoming!) current in new developments in computing power, digital visuals, manufacturing technologies, and robotics, are ways in which a recent graduate can secure a good paying job.
What Senior Landscape Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Alison Kwok PhD, RA, FAIA, LEED BD+C, CPHC: Because of the urgent need to address climate challenges in energy, materials, water, ecosystems, fire and so on, one person cannot do it all. Gone are the days of the "starchitect". What's most important is learning ways of collaboration, communicating, and team building; energy modeling at small and large holistic scales; life cycle accounting for materials.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Landscape Architect?
Kreg Mebust: Climate change is at the forefront of many discussions, locally and nationally. Landscape
Architects can and do play a vital role in this discourse and outcomes. For example, they are trained to
mitigate the global rise in temperatures by analyzing and mitigating urban heat islands, selecting
appropriate drought resistant plants and trees and planning open spaces and parks for respite from the
heat allowing users to reconnect with nature's restorative qualities. In my position, as a professor
teaching the subject of landscape architecture, I have found that our next generation is concerned about
our environment and want to be a part of the solution.
What Senior Landscape Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kreg Mebust: While every job has its plusses and minuses, landscape architecture is not immune. Landscape
architects may often be frustrated when creating policy changes via city municipal codes are a lengthy
and time-consuming process. It is often said, that we plant a tree for the enjoyment of the next
generation, and while some solutions see results overnight, some require patience. As for the joy of
Landscape Architecture, it is a splendid combination of the creative and analytical sides of our brains.
As stated, we are graphic problem solvers. In my position, as a practicing landscape architect for more
than 35 years, it is rewarding to see a design vision come to fruition. It is meaningful to see a design
solution mitigate an environmental concern. In closing, design matters and should be enjoyed and
accessible by all. Conversely, our pool of Landscape Architects is coming from more diverse cultures and
backgrounds. A field once dominated by men, today more and more females can be found within the
profession.
What will help Senior Landscape Architects increase their earning potential?
Kreg Mebust: At the core, Landscape Architects are graphic problem solvers. It is a licensed profession that
protects the health, safety, and welfare of citizens and provides stewardship of the environment. On a
daily bases, they can be found working on design problems that often include: the design of city and
neighborhood parks, parking lot layouts, reconfiguring topographical contours to safely move people
along sidewalks or along a backcountry trail, creating spatial experiences or places accessible to all
people using plant material, hardscapes, and outdoor furnishings. To ensure the success of these places
they analyze soils, select suitable plantings and design irrigation systems specific to each site. They are
aware of one of our most precious resources - water. Landscape Architects are trained to convey water
safely without causing soil erosion. They can be found evaluating the efficacy of bioretention swales
and mitigating sediment buildup in our waterways. In addition, Landscape Architects can be found
"knee-deep" in coordination meetings with clients and the many related design professionals such as
architects, civil engineers, geo-technical engineers, regulatory municipalities, etc. It is common to find a
landscape architect serving their community by joining community advisory boards, state regulatory
boards, home owners' associations, historical preservation committees, and volunteering to help write
the questions for the Landscape Architectural Registration Exam. For as much as Landscape architecture
is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and health, welfare and safety discipline it is
creativity that brings many to the field. Landscape Architecture is a beautiful blend of science and art.
Many Landscape Architects are talented at hand sketching and computer graphic arts, while others use
their skills in the artful creation and implementation of our beloved 3-dimensional public art pieces that
help give our communities context and tie us together.
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design ProgramUniversity Of Nevada, Las Vegas
School of Architecture
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Landscape Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.: COVID-19 has changed the playing field, and future skills will need to include creative ways to use materials and systems for enhanced infection control. This will consist of thinking differently about ventilation systems, space planning, and material specifications.
Robin Puttock
Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Visiting Assistant ProfessorThe Catholic University of America
School of Architecture and Planning
What general advice would you give to a Senior Landscape Architect?
Robin Puttock: In addition to all of the above, I recommend students stay connected with their professors. Most of us have a vast network that we would love to invite you into. Often, an introduction is the pivotal component to a new opportunity. Relationships are key, especially when a recent graduate does not have significant professional experience. In addition, recent graduates should be sure to spend time on crafting their cover letters, their resumes, their work samples, and their portfolios. Make sure you are putting your best foot forward when an opportunity does arise.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Senior Landscape Architects to find work opportunities?
James Shields: Areas of the country that have been experiencing booming growth rates like North Carolina, Texas, and Colorado are expected to generate increased demand for architectural services as the pandemic is controlled. Look for cities whose growth rates top the US charts as you contemplate a location to settle after your time at the University, but don't be afraid to use the contacts you have already developed elsewhere as a rising economic tide raises all boats.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Landscape Architect job market given the pandemic?
Korydon Smith: To the above point, I anticipate growth in both the mainstream field of healthcare design (e.g., hospital design) and emergent fields at the intersection of architecture and health, such as renovating buildings to improve air quality, accommodate flexible functioning and spatial distancing, etc.
Christy Graves
Professor/Program ManagerSeminole State College of Florida
School of Engineering, Design and Construction
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Senior Landscape Architects in the next 3-5 years?
Christy Graves: BIM (building information modeling) technology will continue to become more important in the architectural engineering technology profession.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Senior Landscape Architect job market given the pandemic?
Christy Graves: From what I've seen, I believe job opportunities will continue to be available for architectural technology engineering graduates. While many industries have suffered from layoffs and unemployment during this pandemic, it seems that the built environment is still going strong. I think one of the biggest changes we may see is that once the pandemic is over, many employees are going to work remotely full-time, or the amount of time that was previously spent in the office environment will decrease.
What Senior Landscape Architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christy Graves: I'd suggest trying to get part-time work to enhance the skills that were taught while going to school. Students should contact the career development center at their respective schools for part-time work opportunities.
Clyde Eiríkur Hull
Professor of Strategic ManagementRochester Institute of Technology
Saunders College of Business
What type of skills will young Senior Landscape Architects need?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: Graduates entering the workforce now and in the future will need to be comfortable in a digital workplace. Working digitally, whether in an established company or as a digital entrepreneur, was a growing trend before the pandemic, but it was pushing against a lot of inertia. That inertia has switched. Anything that works better, for the employer, digitally instead of in person is going to stay. Even if you aren't working remotely, you'll deal with many people who are. Graduates will need to be more capable of independent work, whether in virtual teams or on their own. But at the same time, interpersonal skills are going to become more important. People aren't interacting as much as they did, so their human skills are rusting. Anyone with polished interpersonal skills is going to stand out more.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Senior Landscape Architects to find work opportunities?
Clyde Eiríkur Hull: I'm told that the best cities for architects are Atlanta, Chicago, and West Palm Beach (see archinect.com), but look for the construction booms. Given trends, I'd suggest that sustainable architecture, in particular, is due to take off in a major way.