Landscaper Earnings: How Much Do Landscapers Really Make?

When you think of a landscaper, a professional who designs, installs, and maintains outdoor spaces like lawns, gardens, and hardscapes. Also known as a landscape technician or groundskeeper, it’s more than just mowing grass — it’s a trade that blends physical labor, design sense, and business savvy. Many assume landscaping is a low-pay job, but the truth? Earnings vary wildly depending on experience, location, and whether you work for someone else or run your own crew.

Most entry-level landscapers earn between $15 and $20 an hour, especially in areas with high demand like California, Texas, or the Northeast. But those with 5+ years of experience? They often hit $25 to $35 an hour — and that’s before overtime, weekend work, or seasonal bonuses. If you’re managing a team or running your own landscaping business, a small company that handles residential or commercial property maintenance and design. Also known as a landscape contractor, it’s a different ballgame entirely. Successful owners pull in $60,000 to $120,000 a year, sometimes more. One guy in Ohio with three trucks and five workers cleared $180,000 last year after expenses. How? He focused on high-margin services like irrigation installation and hardscaping — not just mowing.

What makes the difference? It’s not just hard work — it’s knowing what to charge. A simple lawn cut might pay $30, but installing a stone patio? That’s $5,000 to $15,000. And clients will pay for reliability. One survey found that 72% of homeowners pick a landscaper based on trust, not price. That’s why repeat customers and referrals matter more than cheap bids. Also, seasonal spikes — spring cleanups, fall leaf removal, winter snow removal — can add 30% to 50% to your annual income if you plan right.

And don’t forget the hidden costs: equipment, fuel, insurance, truck maintenance. A good mower runs $3,000. A commercial trimmer? $1,200. If you’re not tracking every expense, you’re bleeding money. That’s why many pros start as employees, learn the ropes, then go out on their own — often with a niche like native plant gardens or smart irrigation systems to stand out.

There’s no single answer to "how much do landscapers make?" But if you’re serious about this work — whether as an employee or an owner — knowing the real numbers helps you plan. You’ll find posts here that break down pay by state, show what tools actually make you money, and reveal how top contractors turn lawn care into a six-figure business. These aren’t guesses. These are real stories from people who’ve done it.