How Much Do Landscape Architects Make Per Hour in the US?
Landscape architects play a crucial role in the design and planning of outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and other green spaces. As a result, they play an important role in shaping the appearance and functionality of urban and suburban areas. This, combined with the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally-friendly designs, has led to a rise in the demand for landscape architects. But what kind of pay can you expect if you pursue a career in this field? How much do landscape architects make per hour in the US?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for landscape architects in the US was $32.67 in 2021. However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors, including experience, location, and the size and type of the employer. For example, landscape architects working in larger firms tend to earn higher wages than those working in smaller firms, while those working in cities with higher costs of living tend to earn more than those in rural areas.
Another important factor that affects the hourly wage of landscape architects is experience. As with most professions, the more experience a landscape architect has, the higher their hourly wage will be. For example:
- Landscape architect with 5-9 years of experience may earn an hourly wage of around $30
- Landscape architects with 10-19 years of experience may earn an hourly wage of around $35.
- Landscape architects with 20 or more years of experience can expect to earn an hourly wage of around $40 or more.
In addition to experience, location can also have a significant impact on the hourly wage of landscape architects. The cost of living, as well as the demand for their services, can vary significantly from one region to another. For example, landscape architects in states such as California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to earn higher wages than those in states such as Texas, Florida, and Missouri. For example:
- California: $ 43.12
- Florida: $ 32.99
- Colorado: $ 32.97
- New York: $ 43.85
- North Carolina: $ 31.54
- Vermont: $ 33.20
- Maryland: $ 38.75
- Arizona: $ 27.53
One of the biggest factors that affects the hourly wage of landscape architects is the size and type of the employer. Landscape architects who work for large firms tend to earn higher wages than those who work for smaller firms. This is because larger firms often have more resources and can offer more benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, which can make them more attractive to potential employees. Additionally, landscape architects who work for government agencies tend to earn higher wages than those who work for private firms, as these agencies often have larger budgets and can offer more competitive pay packages.
It is also worth noting that many landscape architects may choose to work as freelancers, in which case their hourly wage will depend on the amount of work they take on and their level of experience. Freelance landscape architects may earn anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and their level of experience.
In conclusion, the hourly wage of landscape architects in the US can vary significantly based on several factors, including experience, location, and the size and type of the employer. The median hourly wage for landscape architects in the US was $32.67 in 2021, according to the BLS. However, experienced landscape architects working for large firms in high-cost regions can earn an hourly wage of around $40 or more. Additionally, freelance landscape architects may earn anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and their level of experience.