Are you considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in Tucson, Arizona? Landscaping is a hands‑on profession that blends outdoor work, horticulture, and design. In 2026, earnings for these roles in the Tucson area reflect both local market conditions and the varied nature of landscaping jobs. This guide provides a detailed look at salary ranges, factors influencing pay, experience‑based earnings, job market trends, and career growth, giving you actionable insight whether you’re just starting out or planning your next career move.
📊 Average Salary Range in Tucson, AZ
Landscaping and gardening encompass several related roles, each with its own pay scale. Here’s what you can expect in Tucson in 2026:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (General) | ~$39,800 – $56,300* | ~$19 – $27* |
| Landscape & Grounds Maintenance Technician I | ~$36,150* | ~$17* |
| Landscape Contractor | ~$30,500 – $43,390* | ~$15 – ~$21* |
| Gardener | ~$35,952 (state avg.) | ~$17* |
| Landscape Manager (advanced role) | ~$130,600* | ~$63* |
| Landscaping Foreman (supervisory) | ~$76,229* | ~$37* |
* “Typical” salaries are estimates based on local data and may vary by employer and experience.
Key Insight: Most entry‑to‑mid‑level landscaper and gardener positions in Tucson show annual incomes in the mid $30,000s to mid‑$50,000s, with supervisory roles earning significantly more as responsibilities grow.
📈 Factors That Influence Earnings
Several factors shape what landscapers and gardeners earn in Tucson:
🌱 Experience and Skill Level
Experience is one of the strongest predictors of pay. Newer workers typically start near the lower end of wage scales, while seasoned technicians and those with specialized skills (like irrigation or hardscape installation) can earn significantly more.
📍 Type of Employer
Residential landscaping services often pay hourly and may include seasonal work.
Commercial contracts / larger employers (golf courses, corporate campuses) may provide steadier schedules and benefits.
Municipal or institutional positions (e.g., parks departments) often include government benefits.
🧰 Certifications & Training
OSHA safety training
Horticulture or turf management certificates
Specialized equipment operation (e.g., riding mowers, trenchers)
These credentials can make you more competitive and justify higher pay.
⏰ Work Schedule
Overtime, weekend shifts, and seasonal peaks (spring and fall) can boost total earnings.
🌿 Salary by Experience Level
Experience influences pay across roles, from entry landscaping work to more advanced technician or supervisory work:
| Experience | Typical Annual Salary | Typical Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level Landscaper | ~$30,000 – $40,000 | ~$15 – ~$19 |
| Mid‑Level Technician | ~$36,000 – $45,000 | ~$17 – ~$22 |
| Experienced Landscaper/Gardener | ~$45,000 – $56,000+ | ~$22 – ~$27 |
| Supervisory / Foreman | ~$66,000 – $89,000+ | ~$32 – ~$43 |
| Management Level | ~$116,000 – $164,000+ | ~$56 – ~$79 |
This progression shows that with experience and leadership skills, landscapers can move into higher‑paying roles.
📍 Job Market Trends in Tucson
🌞 Steady Outdoor Work Demand
Tucson’s growing population and residential development fuel ongoing demand for landscape maintenance, irrigation, and outdoor beautification.
🏘️ Seasonality
While outdoor work may peak in spring and fall, many landscaping companies adjust schedules to suit Tucson’s climate, offering year‑round roles.
🪴 Industry Diversification
Landscaping jobs now include:
Xeriscape and drought‑tolerant design
Irrigation system installation and maintenance
Hardscape and outdoor living projects
These specialties can command higher wages as client demand increases.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
In addition to earnings, many landscaping jobs offer:
Flexible schedules, including part‑time and seasonal options
Opportunities for entrepreneurship — many landscapers start their own businesses
Outdoor work and physical activity, appealing to those who prefer active trades
Skill development, with pathways into supervisory or managerial roles
🧠 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
While most landscape work does not require a college degree, credentials can make a big difference:
📌 Valued Certifications
Landscape Industry Certified (CLT, CHT, etc.)
Irrigation Association certification
OSHA safety certification
Horticulture or turf management courses
These credentials improve efficiency, safety, and client trust — often leading to higher pay and more job opportunities.
📊 Tucson Salary Comparison: Nearby Cities
| City | Landscaper / Gardener Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Tucson, AZ | ~$39K – $56K typical |
| Phoenix, AZ Metro | Slightly higher wages due to larger metro demand |
| Scottsdale / Paradise Valley | Higher pay (gardeners reported ~$24/hr) |
| Flagstaff, AZ | Varies with climate and seasonal work |
Insight: Salaries in Tucson are competitive for Arizona’s cost of living but may be slightly lower than in higher‑cost metro areas like Scottsdale or Phoenix.
🚀 Job Outlook & Career Growth
The landscaping industry continues to grow as properties — residential and commercial — require maintenance, upgrades, and sustainability practices like xeriscaping. While automation assists with tasks, many landscape jobs remain hands‑on and human‑dependent.
Advancing Your Career
Career paths may include:
Lead Landscaper / Crew Leader
Landscape Foreman
Landscape Manager
Independent Business Owner
Each step up typically offers higher earnings and greater responsibility.
🧩 Key Takeaways
Annual salaries for landscapers and gardeners in Tucson typically range from about $36,000 to $56,000, depending on experience and role.
Advanced roles like foremen and landscape managers can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually.
Experience, certifications, and specialization boost your earning potential.
Job opportunities remain strong with Tucson’s continued development and landscape service demand.
Whether you’re starting out or expanding your landscaping career, Tucson presents steady opportunities with clear pathways for growth and increased earnings.