Landscapers and gardeners play a vital role in maintaining and beautifying outdoor spaces — from residential gardens to commercial lawns. In Chesapeake, Virginia, this profession remains in steady demand as homeowners, businesses, and municipalities invest in outdoor aesthetics and environmental care. This comprehensive guide breaks down the expected 2026 salary, factors influencing pay, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, and more to help you understand the career landscape in this region.
📊 Average Salary: Landscaper / Gardener in Chesapeake, VA
In 2026, landscaper and gardener earnings in Chesapeake vary based on role, experience, and employer — but overall figures show competitive pay for outdoor professionals:
| Position | Average Hourly | Average Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gardener (general) | ~$21.71/hr | ~$45,000* (est.) |
| Landscaper (local average) | ~$17.75/hr* | ~$36,800* |
| Estimated Range | $15 – $25/hr* | $30,000 – $53,000* |
*Estimated from local data and broader Virginia averages.
Key Highlights
Gardeners in Chesapeake earn around $21.71 per hour, which is above the national average.
Landscapers locally average around $36,874 per year (~$17.80/hr).
The pay range reflects skills, job duties, and seasonal demand.
💰 How Experience Impacts Salary
Experience significantly influences pay in landscaping and gardening careers. Generally, more experienced workers command higher wages due to their skills and ability to handle complex tasks:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay Impact |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | Lower end of pay scale – learning basic tasks |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | Steady increase with more responsibility |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | Higher rates, potential leadership tasks or crew focus |
Though exact Chesapeake-specific percentile data isn’t published, broader Virginia data shows that more experience typically leads to modest pay increases.
📈 Factors That Influence Earnings
Several elements can influence how much landscapers and gardeners earn in Chesapeake:
1. Type of Work
Routine maintenance work (mowing, trimming, weeding) tends to pay at industry standard wages.
Specialized tasks like landscape design, irrigation installation, or horticultural care can command higher pay.
2. Employer Type
Landscaping companies, municipal parks departments, and commercial landscape maintenance firms may offer different pay scales and benefits.
Larger companies could provide benefits (health, retirement plans) alongside wages.
3. Skill Set & Certifications
Knowledge of plant species, pest management, irrigation systems, or heavy equipment operation can make a worker more valuable.
Certifications in horticulture or pesticide application can boost employability and salary.
4. Seasonality & Weather
Landscaping work fluctuates with seasonal demand, potentially affecting hours and overtime pay.
🌍 Job Market & Trends in Chesapeake
The landscaping and gardening job market in Chesapeake reflects ongoing demand driven by:
Residential landscaping needs as homeowners invest in outdoor spaces.
Commercial properties requiring regular maintenance.
Municipal and public space work — parks, recreation areas, and public gardens.
Sustainability trends leading to pollinator gardens, native plant landscapes, and eco-conscious designs.
Landscaping roles are generally stable with steady openings in Chesapeake and nearby Virginia Beach or Hampton areas, where employers often offer hourly rates from $18 to $22 depending on experience.
📌 Salary Comparison: Chesapeake vs Nearby Cities
| City | Average Landscaper Salary | Gardener Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake, VA | ~$36,874 / yr (~$17.8/hr)* | ~$21.71/hr* |
| Hampton, VA | ~$39,343 / yr (higher regional average)* | Higher regional variation |
| Virginia Beach, VA | ~$38,600 / yr* | Slightly lower than gardener average |
| Statewide (VA) | ~$38,276 / yr (~$18/hr)* | ~$19.29/hr* |
*Data based on regional reporting.
Overall, Chesapeake landscapers and gardeners earn competitive wages for southeastern Virginia, with opportunities for higher pay in nearby urban areas.
🌿 Benefits of a Landscaping / Gardening Career
Working as a landscaper or gardener offers more than a paycheck — it comes with perks that fit many lifestyles:
Outdoor work & physical activity — ideal for those who prefer active jobs.
Seasonal flexibility — opportunities for part-time or seasonal roles.
Skill development — hands-on learning in horticulture, design, and maintenance.
Career advancement — with experience, roles can lead to crew leadership or foreman positions.
Many employers also provide basic benefits like paid time off, retirement contributions, and growth opportunities for dedicated employees.
📘 Certifications & Education That Can Boost Pay
While formal education isn’t always required, certifications and relevant training can enhance earning potential:
📌 Valuable Credentials
Horticulture or Plant Science Certifications
Pesticide Application Certification (where relevant)
Landscape Design or Hardscape Installation Credentials
OSHA or safety-centered training
Employers often prefer applicants who demonstrate professional training alongside practical experience.
🧠 Job Outlook & Growth
The job outlook for landscaping and gardening in Chesapeake remains positive through 2026, with steady employment opportunities fueled by:
Continued demand for lawn care and property maintenance.
Expansion of commercial landscape contracts.
Emphasis on sustainable landscaping solutions.
While automated tools may assist in specific tasks, the core skills of human landscapers — creative design, plant care expertise, and adaptability — remain essential.
📌 Summary: Chesapeake Landscaping Salaries in 2026
🌱 Average landscaper salary: Around $36,874 annually (~$17.8/hr)*.
🌿 Gardener pay: Approximately $21.71 per hour reported locally.
📈 Experience & skills: Higher experience and certifications help increase earnings.
🌍 Job market: Stable with opportunities in residential, commercial, and public spaces.
📚 Growth potential: Pathways into supervisory roles or specialized services.
Whether you’re entering the field or seeking advancement, landscaping and gardening in Chesapeake, VA offers a rewarding blend of steady pay, outdoor work, and opportunities for skill growth in 2026 and beyond.