Landscape workers — including landscapers, gardeners, and grounds maintenance professionals — play a vital role in keeping outdoor environments healthy, beautiful, and functional. Whether you’re considering this as a career or negotiating a job offer, understanding the 2026 salary landscape in Durham, NC is crucial. This guide covers average salary ranges, experience‑based earnings, job market trends, benefits, and how Durham compares with nearby cities.
📊 Average Salary Range in Durham, NC
Salaries for landscaping and gardening roles can vary widely depending on the employer type, skills, certifications, and level of responsibility. Here’s what the data shows for 2026:
🌿 Typical Pay for Landscapers & Gardeners
| Job Title | Typical Pay in Durham, NC |
|---|---|
| Landscaper (general) | Approximately $36,121/yr (~$17/hr) State average |
| Landscaper (Institutional/College job) | $43,624–$54,530/yr (full‑time salary range) |
| City Landscape/ Grounds Worker | $39,141–$44,045/yr range |
| Landscape Foreman (supervisory) | ~$43,427/yr average |
| Gardener (per job postings) | ~$15.78/hr (approx. $32,000/yr) |
👉 Note: Entry‑level landscaping laborers in Durham have been listed at around $18.70/hr in seasonal job postings, indicating slightly higher rates for some manual positions.
📈 Factors That Influence Landscaping Earnings
Several key aspects influence what a landscaper or gardener makes in Durham:
1. Experience and Skill Level
Entry‑level roles (basic grounds maintenance) generally pay closer to the lower state and market averages.
Crew leads, foremen, or specialist landscapers earn significantly more, reflecting supervisory duties and advanced skills.
2. Type of Employer
Institutional roles (e.g., campus landscaping) often offer stable wages with benefits.
City government positions include structured pay scales with benefits like retirement and paid time off.
3. Location Within the Region
While Durham offers competitive pay within its region, nearby cities sometimes offer slightly higher wages depending on demand and cost of living.
4. Certifications, Knowledge & Tools
Certifications in horticulture, pesticide application, or turf management can help you negotiate higher wages.
Skill in operating equipment (e.g., mowers, trimmers) also increases your value.
💼 Salary by Experience Level
Experience matters in landscaping careers. More seasoned workers can command higher pay and more responsible positions:
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | ~$28,000–$32,000/yr (basic labor or gardening) |
| Skilled Landscaper (2–4 yrs) | ~$32,000–$38,000/yr |
| Senior Landscaper / Lead | ~$38,000–$45,000/yr+ |
| Foreman / Supervisor | ~$40,000–$55,000/yr+ |
These ranges combine state average estimates with Durham‑specific posted range data.
📈 Job Market Trends in Durham & Beyond
📌 Steady Demand for Landscaping Services
Durham and the Triangle area (including Raleigh and Chapel Hill) show ongoing demand for landscape and grounds maintenance workers due to:
Residential growth and urban development
Institutional landscaping jobs (universities, public parks)
Commercial landscaping contracts
Seasonal hiring in spring and summer
📌 Broader Trends
Across North Carolina, the average landscaper salary hovers near $36,121 per year as of 2026, with variations based on job title and location within the state.
🌆 Comparison With Nearby Cities (North Carolina)
| City | Average Landscaper/Gardener Salary |
|---|---|
| Durham, NC | Around $36,000–$44,000+ depending on role |
| Raleigh, NC | Similar market, around $36,000/yr for gardeners, with higher demand in some sectors |
| Chapel Hill, NC | Comparable regional wages due to proximity and similar job market |
| Wilmington, NC | Higher landscape salaries overall in some roles, ~$60,000/yr average for general landscape positions (though figures can vary widely) |
➡️ Conclusion: Durham’s landscaping wages are competitive within the region, though specialist or supervisory roles often pay more than basic groundskeeping.
🍃 Benefits of a Career in Landscaping / Gardening
✔️ Tangible Job Satisfaction
Work outdoors in green spaces.
Visible results from your efforts.
Fans of horticulture and environment thrive in this career.
✔️ Stable Seasonal and Full‑Time Opportunities
Especially in spring through fall.
Full‑time institutional or municipal roles include benefits.
✔️ Skill Development & Certifications
Certifications in horticulture, turf management, pesticide safety, and landscape design can increase earnings.
Some employers may offer training programs.
📊 Job Outlook & Growth Potential
📌 Moderate Growth
Demand for landscaping and gardening services is expected to continue steadily as:
Residential development increases.
Businesses and municipalities invest in outdoor spaces.
Sustainable landscaping practices gain popularity.
📌 Career Mobility
From entry‑level landscaper to lead foreman, and even onto landscape contractor or business owner, there’s room for growth in pay and responsibility.
🚀 Skills & Certifications That Boost Salary
Here are credentials that can help you earn more:
Horticulture or Landscape Technology Associate Degrees
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Pesticide Applicator License
OSHA safety training
Such qualifications improve employability and can justify higher pay, especially in supervisory or specialized green landscape roles.
🪴 Summary: What to Expect in 2026
🌱 Average annual salary: Landscapers around $36,000–$44,000+ with variation by role.
📍 Entry wages: Often in the low‑to‑mid $30K range.
🚜 Experienced roles: Leads, foremen, and specialty landscapers can exceed the median.
📈 Job trend: Stable demand, with growth in residential and institutional segments.
Durham, NC offers a solid labor market for landscapers and gardeners in 2026, with competitive pay and upward potential, especially for workers who gain experience, certifications, or specialized skills.