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Number of Jobs, 2021
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What Landscape Architects Do
Landscape architects design parks and other outdoor spaces.
Landscape architects spend much of their time in offices, where they create designs, prepare models, and meet with clients. They spend the rest of their time at jobsites.
How to Become a Landscape Architect
All states require landscape architects to be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state but usually include at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited school, internship experience, and passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
The median annual wage for landscape architects was $67,950 in May 2021.
Employment of landscape architects is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,500 openings for landscape architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for landscape architects.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of landscape architects with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about landscape architects by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do ->
What Landscape Architects Do About this section
Landscape architects create graphic representations of plans.
Landscape architects design parks and the outdoor spaces of campuses, recreational facilities, businesses, private homes, and other open spaces.
Landscape architects typically do the following:
Meet with clients, engineers, and building architects to understand the requirements of a project
Prepare site plans, specifications, and cost estimates
Coordinate the arrangement of existing and proposed land features and structures
Prepare graphic representations of plans using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software
Select appropriate landscaping materials
Analyze environmental reports on land conditions, such as drainage and energy usage
Inspect landscape project progress to ensure that it adheres to plans
Seek new work through marketing activities or by giving presentations
Landscape architects design attractive and functional public parks, gardens, playgrounds, residential areas, college campuses, and public spaces. They also plan the locations of buildings, roads, walkways, flowers, shrubs, and trees within these environments. Landscape architects design these areas so that they are not only easy to use but also harmonious with the natural environment.
Landscape architects use various technologies in their work. For example, using CADD software, landscape architects prepare models of their proposed work. They present these models to clients for feedback and then prepare the final look of the project. Many landscape architects also use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which offer GPS coordinates of different geographical features. This helps landscape architects design different environments by providing clues on where to start planning and how to anticipate future effects of the landscape, such as rainfall running into a valley.
The goals of landscape architects are to enhance the natural beauty of a space and foster environmental benefits. Landscape architects may plan the restoration of natural places that were changed by humans or nature, such as wetlands, streams, and mined areas. They also may design green roofs (roofs that are covered in soil and plants) or rooftop gardens that can retain storm water, absorb air pollution, and cool buildings while also providing pleasant scenery.
Work Environment About this section
Landscape architects may design gardens for resorts.
Landscape architects held about 19,800 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of landscape architects were as follows:
Architectural, engineering, and related services
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
Landscape architects spend much of their time in offices, where they create plans and designs, prepare models and preliminary cost estimates, and meet with clients and workers involved in designing or planning a project. They spend the rest of their time at jobsites.
How to Become a Landscape Architect About this section
Interns are often supervised by more experienced landscape architects.
Landscape architects usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a state-issued license, which typically requires completion of an internship.
Landscape architects typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in landscape architecture or a related field, such as architecture. There are two undergraduate landscape architect degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). These programs usually require 4 to 5 years of study.
Accredited programs are approved by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB). Prospective landscape architects whose undergraduate degree is in another field may enroll in a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) graduate degree program, which typically takes 3 years of full-time study.
Courses typically include landscape design and construction, landscape ecology, and site design. Other relevant coursework may include history of landscape architecture, plant and soil science, and professional practice.
The design studio is a key component of any curriculum. When possible, students are assigned projects that offer hands-on experience. These projects allow students to work with computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), model building, and other design software.
To become licensed, candidates must meet experience requirements determined by each state. A list of training requirements is available from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards.
New hires awaiting licensure may be called intern landscape architects. Although duties vary with the type and size of the employing firm, interns typically must work under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect for the experience to count toward licensure. Potential landscape architects may benefit by completing an internship with a landscape architecture firm during educational studies. Interns may improve their technical skills and gain an understanding of the day-to-day operations of the business, including learning how to recruit clients, generate fees, and work within a budget.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states require landscape architects to be licensed. Candidates for licensure must pass the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE), which is sponsored by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards.
Candidates who are interested in taking the exam usually need a degree from an accredited school and experience working under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect, although standards vary by state. For candidates without a degree in landscape architecture, many states offer alternative paths—which usually require more work experience—to qualify to take the LARE.
In addition to the LARE, some states have their own registration exam to test for competency on state-specific issues, such as earthquakes in California or hurricanes in Florida. State-specific exams may focus on laws, environmental regulations, plants, soils, climate, and other characteristics unique to the state.
Licensed landscape architects also may obtain voluntary certification from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, which might make it easier to get licensed in another state.
Analytical skills. Landscape architects must understand how their designs will affect locations. When designing a building’s drainage system, for example, landscape architects must understand the interaction between the building and the surrounding land.
Communication skills. Landscape architects share their ideas, both orally and in writing, with clients, other architects, and workers who help prepare drawings. Effective communication is essential to ensuring that the vision for a project gets translated into reality.
Creativity. Landscape architects create the overall look of gardens, parks, and other outdoor areas. Their designs should be both pleasing to the eye and functional.
Problem-solving skills. When designing outdoor spaces, landscape architects must be able to provide solutions to unanticipated challenges. These solutions often involve looking at challenges from different perspectives and providing the best recommendations.
Technical skills. Landscape architects use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) programs to create representations of their projects. Some also must use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for their designs.
Visualization skills. Landscape architects must be able to imagine how an overall outdoor space will look once completed.
Pay About this section
Median annual wages, May 2021
Architects, surveyors, and cartographers
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The median annual wage for landscape architects was $67,950 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $115,380.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for landscape architects in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Architectural, engineering, and related services
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
Job Outlook About this section
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Architects, surveyors, and cartographers
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of landscape architects is projected to show little or no change from 2021 to 2031.
Despite limited employment growth, about 1,500 openings for landscape architects are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Improving technologies are expected to increase landscape architects’ productivity, which should reduce overall demand for the occupation over the decade.
However, there will continue to be some need for these workers to plan and develop landscapes for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Environmental concerns and efforts to conserve water and prevent waterway pollution also may create some demand for landscape architects.
Employment projections data for landscape architects, 2021-31
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
State & Area Data About this section
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.
CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
Similar Occupations About this section
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of landscape architects.
Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
Civil engineers design, build, and supervise infrastructure projects and systems.
Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.
Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Surveying and mapping technicians collect data and make maps of the Earth's surface.
High school diploma or equivalent
Surveyors make precise measurements to determine property boundaries.
Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.
Interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items.
Contacts for More Information About this section
For more information, including a list of colleges and universities offering accredited programs in landscape architecture, visit
American Society of Landscape Architects
For information on registration or licensing requirements, visit
Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards
Career Outlook: "Interview with a...Landscape architect"
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Landscape Architects,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/landscape-architects.htm (visited September 08, 2022).
Last Modified Date: Thursday, September 8, 2022
The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.
The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.
How to Become One
The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.
The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH.
State & Area Data
The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.
The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.
The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.
Contacts for More Information
The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760.
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Work experience in a related occupation
Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.
Number of Jobs, 2021
The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2021, which is the base year of the 2021-31 employment projections.
The projected percent change in employment from 2021 to 2031. The average growth rate for all occupations is 5 percent.
The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031.
Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.
Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.
Employment Change, projected 2021-31
The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031.
The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2021 to 2031.
Projected Number of New Jobs
The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031.
The projected percent change in employment from 2021 to 2031.
The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. In May 2021, the median annual wage for all workers was $45,760.
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