Landscapers and gardeners play a vital role in creating and maintaining attractive outdoor spaces — from residential lawns to commercial properties and parks. If you’re considering a career in landscaping or gardening in Omaha, Nebraska, understanding the salary landscape for 2026 can help you make informed decisions about your career path. This detailed, SEO‑friendly guide covers average salary ranges, experience levels, job market trends, benefits, and more.
🌱 Average Salary Range in Omaha, NE (2026)
The salary for landscaping and gardening roles in Omaha varies by experience, skills, and employer type. Here’s a breakdown of typical earnings:
| Role | Typical Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping & Lawn Care Worker | ~$34,000 – $44,000 | Omaha 2026 estimate |
| Landscaper (All Industries) | ~$40,000 – $57,000 | Glassdoor range |
| Landscape Laborer | ~$30,600 – $43,500 | Salary.com range |
| City of Omaha Landscape Gardener | ~$52,000 – $60,000 | Higher public sector pay |
| Landscape Technician (Hourly) | ~$17 – $26+ | Indeed hourly data |
Average Base Estimates
Entry‑level / Lawn Care Worker: Around $34,000 – $38,000 annually (~$16‑$19/hr)
Mid‑level Landscaper: Around $40,000 – $47,000 annually (~$19‑$23/hr)
Experienced / Public Sector Gardener: Often $52,000 – $60,000+ annually
These figures reflect a broad landscape of roles — from general groundskeeping work to more specialized gardening and landscape maintenance.
🔍 Factors That Influence Earnings
1. Type of Employer
Public sector jobs such as city landscaping roles often offer higher pay and benefits compared with private companies.
Commercial landscape firms may pay more than small residential companies if they take on large maintenance contracts.
2. Skill Level & Specialization
Certified horticulture or pesticide handling knowledge can boost pay.
Ability to operate heavy landscaping equipment or perform hardscape installation (like patios and retaining walls) may increase earnings.
3. Experience
Experience strongly impacts salary — more on this below.
4. Seasonality
Landscaping is often seasonal in Nebraska’s climate. Some roles offer year‑round work (especially with larger employers), while others are seasonal — affecting total annual earnings.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience impacts how much you can earn. Here’s a generalized view for Omaha:
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range | Typical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0‑2 years) | ~$30,000 – $36,000 | Basic maintenance, mowing, simple tasks |
| Early Career (2‑5 years) | ~$36,000 – $44,000 | Lawn care, plant care, some equipment operation |
| Experienced (5+ years) | ~$45,000 – $60,000+ | Management, crew lead, specialized gardening |
Experienced landscapers with additional skills — such as irrigation setup, landscape design basics, or supervisory experience — tend to command higher pay.
🌆 Omaha Salary Compared to Nearby Cities
| City | Average Landscaper Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE | ~$40,000 – $57,000 typical | Broad range based on role type |
| Lincoln, NE | ~$54,000 – $75,000+ for landscaping & lawn care | Lincoln data suggests higher pay for experienced workers |
| Nebraska (State Average) | Mid‑range ~$40,000 – $57,000 | Statewide Glassdoor data |
Omaha salaries are competitive within Nebraska, though some landscaping roles in other cities — especially larger properties or specialized design firms — may offer higher compensation.
📊 Job Market Trends (2026 and Beyond)
Nebraska’s landscaping and groundskeeping sector is projected to see steady growth:
Growing demand: Landscaping services are expanding with increased residential and commercial development.
Projected job openings: Nebraska may see over 1,000 annual openings in landscaping and groundskeeping by 2026, reflecting moderate growth in the field.
Skill diversification: Landscapers who offer eco‑friendly lawn care, smart irrigation, and sustainable landscape practices are in demand.
Though seasonal weather creates some fluctuations, opportunities remain abundant across maintenance, installation, and specialized gardening services.
🌿 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Here are some advantages of pursuing this career in Omaha:
✅ Tangible, Outdoor Work
Work outside and see daily impact on landscapes and gardens.
✅ Room for Advancement
Skilled workers can advance to crew leader, foreman, or even landscape designer or project manager roles.
✅ Skill Development
Learn valuable horticulture, equipment operation, and project management skills.
✅ Steady Seasonal Demand
Lawn care and landscaping are in demand across multiple sectors — residential, commercial, and municipal.
Employers may also provide health benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off, especially in public or larger private landscaping companies.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Affect Salary
While many landscapers start with a high school diploma or equivalent, additional training can improve pay:
Horticulture or Landscape Technology Certificates — community colleges and trade schools.
Pesticide Applicator Licenses — often required for specialized lawn care roles.
Irrigation Design or Maintenance Certifications — valuable for higher‑pay installation jobs.
Investing in continuing education demonstrates expertise and can help you command higher wages or supervisory positions.
📌 Summary: 2026 Salary Takeaways
💰 Average landscaper/gardener salaries in Omaha generally range from $34,000 – $57,000+ annually, depending on role and experience.
📈 Experience plays a key role — with seasoned professionals earning notably more.
🌱 Job growth remains solid as Nebraska expands and landscaping services are in demand.