If you’re considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in Kansas City, Missouri, understanding salary expectations, influencing factors, experience impacts, job market trends, and growth opportunities is essential. This guide offers a detailed, SEO‑friendly breakdown to help job seekers, students, and career changers make informed decisions.
💰 Average Salary Overview in Kansas City, MO (2026)
Landscapers and gardeners are responsible for maintaining outdoor spaces, planting and caring for vegetation, and creating attractive landscapes. In Kansas City, MO, these roles are in steady demand, and salaries vary based on skill level, experience, and specific job duties.
Typical Pay Ranges
| Role | Average Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (Glassdoor estimate) | ~$39,405 – $56,401/yr | Standard landscaping role with range based on experience & employer |
| Landscaping & Lawn Care (Salary.com) | ~$67,007/yr average | Broader category including lawn care and general maintenance |
| Gardener (Indeed avg) | ~$20.03/hr (~$41,660/yr) | Pays per hour; varies widely |
| Gardener (specific company) | ~$21.36/hr | Example from Williams Landscape & Garden |
Summary: Landscapers in Kansas City, MO typically earn from about $39,000 to $67,000 per year, with hourly gardener roles averaging around $20–$21/hr.
📌 Factors That Influence Earnings
Several elements affect how much landscapers and gardeners earn in Kansas City, including:
1. Experience Level
Experience dramatically impacts pay. Entry‑level workers often start at lower wages, while seasoned landscapers commanding advanced skills or leadership roles earn more.
2. Type of Employer
Landscaping firms may offer higher base salaries for full‑time workers.
Smaller maintenance crews or independent gardeners might pay by the hour.
Commercial contracts often offer steadier work and better benefits.
3. Skills and Certifications
Specialized knowledge in plant care, irrigation systems, pest management, or landscaping design can boost earnings. Certifications from horticulture or landscaping programs help differentiate candidates.
4. Job Responsibilities
Roles that include design input, machinery operation, or supervisory duties may command higher pay.
🧑🌾 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how pay can progress with experience:
| Experience | Typical Pay (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level | ~$39,000+ | Starting salary for basic landscapers |
| Mid‑Level | ~$45,000 – $56,000 | More tasks, increased responsibility |
| Experienced | ~$60,000+ | Skilled workers, possibly crew leaders or specialized roles |
| Advanced / Lawn Care Specialist | ~$67,000+ | Broader landscaping & lawn care role averages |
Note: Some landscape specialists and lawn care professionals with advanced expertise may exceed these averages, especially with managerial duties or premium residential projects.
📈 Job Market Trends in Kansas City
The job outlook for landscapers and gardeners is shaped by several trends:
Steady Demand for Outdoor Services
Homeowners and commercial property owners continue to invest in outdoor aesthetics, driving demand for landscape maintenance and planting services.
Growth of Lawn Care & Groundskeeping
Landscaping roles encompassing lawn care, hardscaping, and groundskeeping command broader earnings due to diversified responsibilities.
Seasonal Work Patterns
Landscaping jobs are often seasonal in Kansas City, with peak demand in spring and summer. However, full‑year opportunities exist, particularly with commercial clients.
Urban Development and Property Improvements
Ongoing housing development and urban renewal projects contribute to the need for landscape professionals.
🌿 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper or Gardener
Landscaping roles offer tangible benefits beyond salary:
Outdoor work environment with physical activity
Flexible employment options, including seasonal and year‑round positions
Skill development in horticulture, design, and equipment operation
Pathways to self‑employment or small business ownership
Potential for tips and bonuses in residential service roles
Landscapers may also receive employer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off—especially in larger firms.
📚 Certifications, Training & Education Impact
While formal education isn’t mandatory, training and credentials can boost employability and pay:
Recommended Credentials
Horticulture or Botany Courses
Landscaping Design Certificates
Irrigation System Training
Safety Certifications for Equipment Use
Continued learning and certification signal professionalism and may lead to advanced roles like crew leader or landscape designer.
🏙️ Salary Comparison with Nearby Cities
| City | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO | ~$39,000 – ~$67,000+ annually |
| Kansas City, KS | Similar landscape roles with competitive pay |
| St. Louis, MO | Comparable or slightly higher due to market size |
| Springfield, MO | Slightly below KC averages |
Kansas City’s landscaping salaries are competitive for the Midwest region, thanks to a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional landscaping demand.
📌 Career Outlook & Growth Opportunities
Looking ahead through 2026 and beyond:
Landscape maintenance and lawn care sectors are projected to grow due to sustained homeowner and commercial demand.
Urban beautification initiatives and commercial property investments support job stability.
With experience, workers can move into supervisory or business owner roles.
Advanced areas, such as landscape design or sustainable landscaping practices, offer specialization opportunities.
🧠 Tips to Increase Earnings
Here are practical ways to boost your landscaping career income:
Gain experience with diverse landscaping tasks
Earn certifications in plant care and hardscaping
Develop customer service and project management skills
Consider seasonal entrepreneurship or freelance landscaping
Network with local landscaping companies and contractors
🌟 Final Takeaways
In 2026, landscapers and gardeners in Kansas City, MO can expect a robust job market with competitive salaries ranging from entry‑level wages around $39,000 to seasoned landscapers and lawn care professionals earning mid‑$60,000+ per year. Hourly gardener roles average around $20–$21 per hour, with opportunity for advancement through experience, skills, and certifications.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal work, a full‑time landscaping career, or aiming to specialize, Kansas City offers a promising environment for growth and long‑term success in outdoor services. 🌿