If you’re considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in St. Paul, Minnesota, it’s important to understand what you can expect to earn and how to grow your income. In 2026, landscaping and garden care remain steady fields with competitive pay in the Twin Cities area thanks to ongoing demand for outdoor maintenance, residential beautification, and commercial grounds care. This article provides an in-depth look at landscaper and gardener salaries, factors that influence earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, job outlook, and comparisons with nearby cities.
💰 Average Salary Range in St. Paul, MN (2026)
Landscaper Salaries
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (standard) | ~$42,673 | ~$37,818 to $55,273 |
| Landscaper (low 10%) | ~$32,000 | — |
| Landscaper (high 10%) | ~$64,000 | — |
Gardener Salaries
| Job Title | Average Hourly | Equivalent Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gardener (general) | ~$23.55/hr | ~$49,000* |
| Gardener (assistant, seasonal) | $19.66–$22.06/hr | $40,893–$45,885 |
*Annual figures based on a full‑time 40‑hour workweek; actual income may vary.
Landscapers typically earn a median annual salary around $42,000–$43,000 in St. Paul, while gardeners have hourly averages around $23–$24, often translating to competitive incomes when employed full time.
📊 Factors That Influence Earnings
Several key factors influence how much landscapers and gardeners make in St. Paul:
🔹 Experience
Experience is one of the biggest pay drivers. Workers with more years on the job often earn near the top of local salary ranges.
🔹 Skills & Specializations
Landscapers with technical skills like irrigation systems, hardscaping, landscape design basics, or machinery operation can command higher pay.
🔹 Employment Type
Commercial landscaping firms often offer more stable work and benefits.
Seasonal or part‑time roles may pay hourly without benefits.
Full‑time municipal or parks positions (such as assistant gardeners) typically include benefits like health coverage and retirement plans.
🔹 Certifications and Education
Certifications related to turf management, pesticide application, arboriculture, or horticulture can improve earning potential, especially for technical or manager‑level positions.
🧠 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how experience tends to impact salaries in the landscaping and gardening field:
| Experience | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–2 yrs) | ~$32,000–$38,000 |
| Mid‑Level (3–5 yrs) | ~$38,000–$48,000 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | ~$48,000–$64,000+ |
With experience, landscapers can move into supervisory or specialized roles that pay more. Gardeners working in parks, conservatories, or corporate environments also see wage increases as skills deepen.
📈 Job Market Trends in St. Paul, MN
The landscaping and gardening job market in St. Paul continues to show steady demand due to:
🌿 Residential Growth
Homeowners increasingly hire professionals for lawn care, garden maintenance, and seasonal landscaping services.
🏙️ Commercial and Institutional Needs
Office parks, schools, and city parks require ongoing grounds care, especially in spring through fall.
🍃 Sustainability Focus
A growing interest in sustainable landscaping, native plantings, and eco‑friendly yard practices is creating niche opportunities with potentially higher pay.
📈 Job Outlook (2026 and Beyond)
Landscaping and garden care are expected to see continued, steady demand:
Moderate growth as outdoor spaces remain a priority for residential and commercial clients.
Seasonality plays a role—Minnesota winters may limit full‑time outdoor work without greenhouse or winter plant care specialties.
Roles with year‑round employers (e.g., municipal parks departments) may offer more stability.
🌟 Benefits Beyond Salary
Working in landscaping and gardening often offers benefits beyond base pay:
Flexible work schedules — seasonal and part‑time roles can fit varied lifestyles.
Outdoor work environment — great for those who prefer active work outside.
Skill development — opportunities to learn plant care, machinery operation, landscape design principles, and more.
Municipal roles often include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, unlike many seasonal private jobs.
🎓 Certifications and Education That Boost Earnings
Getting formal training or certifications can impact how much you earn:
Recommended Certifications
Pesticide Applicator License — useful for larger commercial landscapes.
Horticulture or Plant Science Certificates — improve plant care expertise.
Landscape Technician Certifications — validate skills for higher‑paying jobs.
While not required for entry‑level jobs, certifications can open doors to supervisory or specialized positions.
📍 Salary Comparison: St. Paul vs Nearby Cities
Here’s how landscaper compensation compares in neighboring areas:
| City | Average Landscaper Salary |
|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN | ~$42,673 avg. |
| Minneapolis, MN | ~$43,403 avg. |
| Minneapolis‑Saint Paul Region (general) | ~$40,798 |
St. Paul and nearby Minneapolis generally offer similar compensation levels, reflecting the interconnected Twin Cities labor market.
🧾 Final Thoughts
In 2026, landscapers and gardeners in St. Paul, MN enjoy competitive salaries that reflect demand for outdoor maintenance and landscape aesthetics. With average wages around $40,000+ for landscapers and $23+/hr for gardeners, this field offers viable income opportunities for workers at many experience levels.
Key takeaways:
✔ Experience and specialization significantly influence pay.
✔ Certifications can boost earnings and career prospects.
✔ Job opportunities remain steady, especially in residential and commercial landscaping.
Whether you’re just starting as a helper or aiming to step into a supervisory landscaping role, St. Paul’s market offers room to grow — both professionally and financially.