Can You Make Six Figures as a Landscape Designer? The Answer Might Surprise You!
If you think landscape designers just plant flowers and make small gardens, you might be wrong! Many landscape designers are earning six-figure salaries, sometimes even more than traditional high-paying jobs. How do they do it? This article will break down the earning potential of landscape designers and show you strategies to increase your income.
Part 1: How Much Do Landscape Designers Really Make?
In the U.S., landscape designer salaries vary based on experience, location, and project type. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Average Salary: Around $70,000 per year.
Top 10% Earners: Can make between $115,000 and $150,000+ per year.
Salary Differences by Location
Your income depends a lot on where you work. Here are some examples:
California: In cities like San Francisco, landscape designers earn $90,000-$110,000 on average. High-end professionals can make over $150,000.
New York: Due to high demand for premium design services, salaries in New York City range from $85,000 to $120,000, with top earners exceeding $200,000.
Texas: Growing cities like Austin and Dallas offer salaries of $75,000-$100,000, while freelancers in high-end markets can earn $130,000+.
Florida: In luxury areas like Miami, experienced designers can earn between $95,000 and $140,000 per year.
If you want to earn six figures, working in a high-demand location or specializing in high-end projects can help you get there faster.
Part 2: How to Make Six Figures as a Landscape Designer
1. Focus on High-End Clients
Not all landscaping projects pay well. If you want to make six figures, high-end projects are key.
Luxury homes: Wealthy homeowners spend big on unique outdoor designs.
Commercial & resort properties: Hotels, apartment complexes, and shopping centers invest heavily in landscaping.
Public spaces: Government-funded parks, plazas, and green spaces offer large project budgets.
What You Can Do: Research high-end clients in your area, build a strong portfolio, and network with real estate developers and architects.
2. Build Your Personal Brand & Use Social Media
Many successful landscape designers use Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to showcase their work and attract high-paying clients.
How to Stand Out:
Post high-quality photos of your designs on Instagram and Pinterest.
Use LinkedIn to connect with real estate developers, architects, and business owners.
Create short videos (TikTok, YouTube Shorts) explaining your design ideas.
Have a personal website with your portfolio, testimonials, and contact details.
Success Story: Growing a Business with Instagram
Jessica, a landscape designer, started posting her designs on Instagram. She shared before-and-after photos, design tips, and behind-the-scenes videos. Within a year, she gained 150,000 followers, including high-end clients and real estate companies.
Now, she gets direct offers for large projects and even remote design consultations worth $10,000 per project. Today, she earns over $200,000 per year and has additional income from online courses and brand partnerships.
3. Improve Your Skills & Certifications
Higher skills = higher pay. Getting certified and mastering advanced design tools can help you charge more.
Top Certifications & Skills to Learn:
CLARB License (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards)
LEED Certification (Green Building & Sustainable Design)
3D Design Software (Autodesk Revit, SketchUp)
Also, learning about eco-friendly landscaping, smart irrigation systems, and vertical gardens can give you a competitive edge.
4. Start Your Own Business or Go Freelance
Owning a business or working as a freelancer can significantly increase your income.
Success Story: Mike’s Journey to Six Figures
Mike worked at a landscaping company earning $65,000 per year. He started posting his projects on LinkedIn, networking with real estate developers and architects.
A year later, he quit his job and started working as a freelance landscape designer. His strategy:
Only took projects worth $50,000+, charging between $25,000 and $60,000 per project.
Hosted local seminars in high-end neighborhoods to attract wealthy clients.
Partnered with construction firms to secure long-term projects.
Now, he completes just 5-7 projects per year and makes over $180,000 annually.
5. Create Multiple Income Streams
Besides offering design services, you can increase your earnings with additional income sources:
Consulting (Charge $150-$300 per hour for expert advice)
Online courses & training (Teach beginners landscape design and make passive income)
Books or blogs (Build your brand and attract clients)
YouTube & Patreon (Share industry knowledge and earn ad revenue or memberships)
By adding multiple income streams, you can boost your earnings while reducing your reliance on client projects.
Part 3: Landscape Design Can Be a High-Paying Career!
Many people don’t realize how much money landscape designers can make. But with the right strategies, you can easily earn six figures.
✅ Target high-end clients for bigger project budgets
✅ Use social media to attract wealthy customers
✅ Get certified & learn new skills to increase your value
✅ Start your own business or go freelance to control your income
✅ Diversify your income streams for long-term success
If you’re a landscape designer or considering this career, now is the time to take action! You might be closer to six figures than you think.
Refer to the following recruitment websites：
1、Indeed
2、LinkedIn
4、Monster