If you’re considering a career in outdoor maintenance and green spaces — such as a landscaper or gardener — Atlanta, Georgia offers consistent opportunities with competitive pay, especially as demand for landscaping services grows. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down average salary ranges, factors influencing earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, and certifications or education that can impact wages in 2026.
📊 Average Salary Range — Atlanta, GA (2026)
In Atlanta, compensation for landscaping and gardening roles varies based on job description, employer, and skill level. Here’s what the 2026 estimates show:
| Job Title | Average Hourly | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (Glassdoor) | ~$18/hr to $27/hr* | $38,115 – $56,305* |
| Landscaping Worker (Salary.com) | ~$19/hr | ~$40,488 |
| Gardener (Indeed) | ~$18.14/hr | Est. ~$37,700* |
| Landscape Technician (Indeed) | ~$17.56/hr | Est. ~$36,500* |
*Annual figures for hourly roles are estimated (hourly × typical full‑time schedule). Actual annual pay can vary by employer and hours worked.
🌱 Factors That Influence Salaries
Several variables play a role in how much landscapers and gardeners earn in Atlanta:
🧰 1. Type of Role
General Landscapers: Often focused on lawn care, planting, trimming, and general maintenance.
Landscaping Workers: May include more physical or machinery‑based tasks.
Gardeners: Can sometimes require more horticultural knowledge depending on employer expectations.
Different roles can have slightly different pay rates and responsibilities.
⭐ 2. Experience Level
More experienced workers usually command higher wages — especially those with specialized skills like irrigation systems, plant health management, or hardscaping installation.
📍 3. Employer Type
Residential landscaping companies
Commercial maintenance contracts
Municipal or institutional landscaping
Larger employers or long‑term contracts often provide steadier pay and sometimes benefits.
📈 4. Certifications or Training
Completing certifications — such as a Certified Landscape Technician (CLT), horticulture coursework, or safety training — can enhance credibility and potential salary.
📊 Salary by Experience
Experience significantly impacts earning potential. While exact Atlanta‑specific experience breakdowns are limited, we can extrapolate standard landscaping salary progression:
| Experience Level | Expected Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–2 yrs) | ~$30,000 – $38,000* |
| Mid‑Level (3–5 yrs) | ~$38,000 – $45,000* |
| Experienced (5–8+ yrs) | ~$45,000 – $60,000+* |
| Specialized or Supervisor | $60,000+* |
*Ranges inferred from Atlanta data and general landscaping industry trends (e.g., broad wage scale variations).
📈 Job Market Trends in Atlanta
📊 Growing Demand
The landscaping industry is evolving thanks to several trends:
Residential property renovations and outdoor living spaces continue to drive demand.
Commercial property management requires ongoing landscaping maintenance.
Environmental focus on sustainable landscapes and native plantings boosts the need for skilled workers.
These trends support steady employment opportunities through 2026.
🧑🌾 Labor Demand
Landscaping and groundskeeping positions typically do not require advanced degrees, making them accessible pathways into the green industry. Many positions are full‑time with seasonally adjusted work schedules.
🌟 Benefits of a Landscaping Career
Working as a landscaper or gardener offers perks beyond pay:
Flexible work settings: Outdoor work with varied daily tasks.
Physical activity: Good for those who enjoy non‑desk work.
Skill development: Opportunities to learn plant care, equipment operation, and landscape design.
Advancement potential: Lead technician, crew supervisor, or business ownership pathways exist with experience and training.
Some employers may also offer health benefits, paid days off during off‑season, and equipment training depending on company size and structure.
🎓 Education & Certifications That May Boost Salary
While formal degrees are not required, the following can improve credentials and increase earning potential:
📌 Recommended Credentials
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Horticulture or Turf Management Courses
OSHA Safety Certifications
Irrigation Technology Certifications
These credentials show expertise in areas valued by employers and can lead to better pay or supervisory opportunities.
🪴 Atlanta vs. Nearby Cities
Here’s how landscaper salaries in Atlanta stack up against nearby Georgia cities:
| City | Typical Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | ~$38,000 – $56,000+* |
| Roswell, GA | Avg. ~$41,849* |
| Duluth, GA | Avg. ~$40,000* |
| Lawrenceville, GA | Avg. ~$38,825* |
*Data from regional salary comparisons show slightly higher averages around Atlanta’s suburbs, influenced by local market demand and employer type.
📌 Job Outlook Through 2026
Overall, the landscape and gardening field is expected to remain stable with moderate growth thanks to:
Continued emphasis on outdoor property improvements.
Expansion in commercial property maintenance contracts.
A steady pipeline of new landscaping projects in residential and urban developments.
Increasing preference for sustainable and eco‑friendly outdoor environments.
The skill‑based nature of this work means automation has limited impact on core job duties, keeping demand sustained through 2026.
🧾 Summary — Key Points
2026 Atlanta landscaper salaries typically range between ~$38,000 and $56,000+ annually depending on role and experience.
Hourly rates for landscaping and gardening work are near $17–$19+ per hour on average.
Experience, certifications, and technical skills can meaningfully increase earning potential.
Demand for quality landscaping and gardening services remains strong in Atlanta and surrounding cities.
If you enjoy outdoor work, variation in daily tasks, and opportunities to grow your skills, landscaping and gardening careers in Atlanta, GA offer solid compensation and a promising future in 2026.