Considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in El Paso, Texas in 2026? Whether you’re just starting out or planning long‑term growth, it helps to understand current salaries, what influences earnings, job market trends, and pathways to boost income. This guide breaks it all down with clear figures, job outlook insights, and comparisons to related cities to help you plan your career.
💰 Average Salary Overview in El Paso, TX (2026)
Hourly and annual earnings vary for landscapers and gardeners depending on experience, employer type, and job responsibilities.
| Role / Title | Typical Hourly / Annual Pay (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Gardener / Landscaper (average) | ~$33,945/year (~$16.33/hr) nationwide estimate adjusted for El Paso (~$33,945) |
| Gardener (local data) | ~$12.99/hr (range ~$7.68–$21.96/hr) |
| Landscape Laborer (entry) | ~$11.30/hr (~$23,500/yr) |
| City Groundskeeper (public sector) | $18.71–$27.31/hr ($38,900–$56,800/yr) |
| Landscaper jobs (job postings) | Typically $13–$14+/hr for entry roles |
💡 Trend: Local reported wages (like job postings) often start in the low‑to‑mid $10s per hour, while more structured roles (e.g., city groundskeeper) and averages for landscaping workers are higher in mid‑to‑upper teens per hour.
📊 Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly affects earnings in landscaping and gardening. While El Paso’s local data is sparse, we can estimate based on broader state and industry figures:
| Experience | Estimated Hourly | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | ~$12–$15/hr | ~$25,000–$31,000 |
| Mid Level (3–5 yrs) | ~$16–$18/hr | ~$33,000–$37,000 |
| Experienced (6+ yrs) | ~$19–$22/hr | ~$39,000–$46,000 |
Statewide landscaping and groundskeeping roles show similar trends — entry averages near $15.72/hr and about $32,691/yr, mid experience around $18.49/hr ($38,460/yr), and senior roles near $21.26/hr ($44,229/yr).
🌱 Key Factors That Influence Earnings
Several elements impact a landscaper or gardener’s salary in El Paso:
📍 Type of Employer
Private residential services might pay hourly, often in entry‑level ranges.
Commercial landscaping companies may offer more structured pay with benefits.
Government positions (like city groundskeeper) often pay higher wages and include benefits.
📚 Skills and Certifications
Certifications can boost earnings and prospects:
Pesticide and herbicide safety certifications
Horticulture or turf management credentials
Equipment operation certifications
OSHA or safety training
While not always required, these qualifications improve employability and may justify higher pay.
🌿 Specialization
Workers with expertise in irrigation systems, landscape design, or sustainable/ xeriscape landscaping can command better pay — especially in commercial or high‑end residential settings.
📈 Job Market Trends & Outlook
📌 Demand Drivers
Population growth and suburban development fuel demand for landscaping services.
Desert‑climate expertise (e.g., drought‑tolerant landscaping) is increasingly valued.
Outdoor living and home improvement trends boost residential landscaping work.
🧑🌾 Career Outlook
Landscaping and gardening roles tend to be stable with steady demand, particularly where outdoor maintenance and aesthetic upgrades are priorities. While automation assists with some tools and machinery, human skill in plant care, design, and maintenance remains essential.
📊 Salary Comparisons: Other TX Cities
How does El Paso stack up against other Texas locations for landscaper and gardener earnings?
| City | Estimated Avg. Salary |
|---|---|
| El Paso, TX | ~$33,945/yr (industry avg.) |
| Statewide Texas Avg. (Gardener) | ~$17.08/hr (~$35,500/yr) |
| Dallas, TX | Typically higher wages for gardeners (~$23+/hr local reported) |
| Fort Worth, TX | Similar elevated gardener wages (~$21.87/hr) |
El Paso’s average is slightly lower than some larger Texas cities, reflecting the local cost of living and competitive labor markets.
🎯 Benefits of Working in Landscaping / Gardening
Landscaping can provide perks beyond just a paycheck:
Outdoor, active work environment
Flexible seasonal or full‑time opportunities
Skill development in horticulture and design
Potential for tips/bonus in residential roles
Career advancement into supervisory or specialized technical roles
Many companies also offer equipment training, paid time off, and health benefits — especially in larger commercial or government positions.
📘 Certifications and Education That Impact Salary
While formal degrees aren’t usually required, certain credentials can elevate your career:
🛠 Valuable Certifications
Pesticide Applicator License
Certified Landscape Technician
Irrigation Technician Certification
OSHA Safety Training
📌 Helpful Knowledge Areas
Plant identification and care
Soil and turf management
Irrigation and water conservation
Landscape design principles
Workers with these skills often secure higher‑paying roles or enter supervisory positions.
📈 Career Growth Opportunities
Landscaping offers clear pathways for advancement:
📌 Typical Progression
Landscape Laborer / Gardener → Entry‑level
Skilled Landscaper / Groundskeeper → Mid experience
Crew Leader / Supervisor → Management track
Specialist Roles (Irrigation, Design, Horticulturist)
Higher roles usually come with both higher pay and more responsibility.
📌 Final Takeaways
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect for landscaper and gardener salaries in El Paso in 2026:
Average annual earnings for landscapers/gardeners in El Paso are generally around $33,900/year, with local variations based on role and experience.
Entry‑level jobs may pay in the low $10s to mid‑$10s per hour, while experienced or government roles offer higher wages.
Skills, certifications, and specialization can boost earning potential.
Job demand is steady, supported by housing growth, outdoor trends, and commercial landscaping needs.
If you’re planning your landscaping career in El Paso, TX — 2026, focusing on skill development, certifications, and experience can significantly improve your income and long‑term prospects.