If you’re exploring a career as a landscaper or gardener in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2026, understanding salary expectations and job trends is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down average earnings, factors that influence pay, salary by experience level, job outlook, benefits, and ways to increase your income in the landscape and gardening field — all presented in a clear, user‑friendly format.
💰 Average Salary in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
Salary estimates vary depending on the role and data source, but here’s a realistic snapshot for 2026:
🧑🌾 Landscaper / Landscape Worker Salaries
| Position | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Worker (Salary.com) | $65,974 | ~$32/hr |
| Average Salary Range | $56,966 – $76,233 | $27 – $37/hr |
| Landscaping Maintenance | $40,729 | ~$20/hr |
| Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers | $28,930 | Variable ($22–$65 range) |
| Reported local Glassdoor landscaper range | ~$41,100 – $58,790 | ~$20 – $28/hr |
🌿 Gardener Salaries
| Role | Average Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gardener (Indeed) | ~$19.43/hr (~$40,000/yr) | Based on local job data |
| Typical Low–High | ~$14.81 – $26.43/hr | Based on reported wages |
➡️ Overall, landscapers in Colorado Springs can expect to earn between roughly $40,000 and $76,000 per year, depending on experience and employer. Gardeners typically earn around $19–$20 per hour (~$40,000 annually) based on recent local salary surveys.
📊 How Experience Impacts Salary
Experience is one of the biggest factors that influence pay in this field.
🌱 Entry Level
Entry roles (landscaping maintenance, groundskeeping) usually start at $20,000 – $35,000 annually.
Garden helpers and laborers often start around $14–$18/hr (~$30,000 – $38,000/yr).
🌿 Mid‑Level (2–5 Years)
Mid‑career landscapers often earn closer to the city average ($55,000 – $70,000).
With solid skills, you’re more likely to get steady hours and better benefits.
🌳 Experienced (5+ Years)
Highly experienced landscapers or those who can operate equipment and manage projects often earn toward the upper end of the pay range (~$70,000+).
Supervisory roles and specialized gardening skills can push earnings higher.
🌱 Key Factors That Influence Earnings
Several aspects shape how much you can earn as a landscaper or gardener in Colorado Springs:
📍 1. Type of Employer
Commercial landscaping companies often pay more than small local services.
Municipal or parks work may offer structured pay and benefits.
Residential contracting can vary widely based on client budgets.
🛠️ 2. Skill Level & Specialization
Training in lawn care technology, irrigation systems, hardscaping, and plant care increases value.
Certification in pesticide application or horticulture can raise pay.
🧰 3. Certifications & Training
Optional courses in horticulture, safety practices, turf management, and landscape design improve credentials and opportunities for higher pay.
⏰ 4. Hours & Seasonality
Landscaping jobs may be seasonal in Colorado due to winters, with more work in spring and summer.
Full‑time year‑round gigs often come with better benefits than strictly seasonal work.
📈 Job Market Trends in Colorado Springs
The landscaping and gardening job sector continues to show stable demand in Colorado Springs:
Population growth and suburban development fuel landscaping work.
Commercial property management and healthcare campuses require routine grounds maintenance.
Residential gardening demand remains strong as homeowners prioritize outdoor living spaces.
Employment growth for landscaping and groundskeeping workers is expected to remain steady as outdoor aesthetics and property values grow. Specialized skills in irrigation and sustainable landscaping are increasingly sought after.
🌟 Benefits of Working in Landscaping & Gardening
Working in this field can offer benefits beyond salary:
Outdoor work environment — ideal for those who enjoy physical activity and nature.
Flexible schedules — seasonal or year‑round opportunities.
Skill development — from plant science to machinery operation.
Career progression — potential to move into supervision or start your own landscaping business.
📋 Career Paths & Advancement
| Career Path | Typical Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping Laborer | ~$28,000–$40,000 | Entry role with physical tasks |
| Landscaper / Groundskeeper | ~$40,000–$76,000 | Core role in industry |
| Gardener | ~$40,000/yr (est) | Based on hourly pay rates |
| Landscape Foreman | ~$47,984 | Supervisory role oversees crews |
| Landscape Project Manager | ~$77,063 | Higher responsibility role |
| Landscape Manager | ~$137,425 | Senior role managing large operations |
Progression into project management or foreman positions typically requires experience, leadership skills, and sometimes formal training — often resulting in significantly higher compensation.
🏙️ Salary Comparison: Colorado Springs vs Nearby Cities
| City | Typical Landscaper Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | ~$65,974 average | Based on 2026 salary estimates |
| Denver, CO | ~$69,165 average | Slightly higher due to bigger market |
| Boulder, CO | Likely higher than CO Springs | Higher cost of living can drive pay up (general trend) |
Colorado Springs is competitive with other Colorado cities, though major metro areas like Denver can offer slightly higher average salaries due to demand.
💡 Tips to Increase Your Salary
Gain Specialized Certifications – horticulture, equipment safety, or irrigation tech skills.
Develop Soft Skills – reliability, communication, and customer service can lead to better retention and raises.
Pursue Leadership Roles – crew lead or project management opens higher pay tiers.
Network Locally – connect with landscape contractors and property managers.
🧠 Final Thoughts
In 2026, a career as a landscaper or gardener in Colorado Springs, CO offers a blend of outdoor work, steady demand, and opportunities for growth. Salaries vary widely based on skill, experience, and role — from entry‑level maintenance work to management positions commanding six‑figure pay. Whether you’re just starting or planning long‑term career growth, the landscape industry offers a pathway to rewarding work and potential progression.