If you’re looking to work outdoors maintaining lawns, gardens, and greenspaces in Calgary, Alberta, understanding the potential salary and career outlook for landscapers and gardeners in 2026 can help you plan your future. This guide breaks down average wages, factors affecting earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with nearby cities — providing practical insights for job seekers and career planners.
💼 Average Salary for Landscapers & Gardeners in Calgary (2026)
In Calgary, landscapers and gardeners typically earn competitive wages thanks to the city’s active landscaping industry, which serves residential, commercial, and municipal clients.
| Role | Estimated Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (general) | $18.00 – $30.50/hr (prevailing range) | ~$37,000 – $63,000* |
| Landscape Gardener (specialized) | $21.82/hr average reported | ~$45,000* |
| Higher-skilled Landscaper | $28.85 – $30.35/hr reported job offers | ~$60,000+* |
*Annual estimates assume full‑time work (40 hrs/week) and can vary based on hours, employment type, and seasonality. Prevailing wage data from local labour surveys provide context for typical earners.
Median wages for landscapers near Calgary are around $22.50/hr.
Gardener roles have an average reported wage of around $21.82/hr.
Some job postings advertise higher rates around $28–$30/hr for experienced candidates.
📊 Factors That Influence Earnings
A variety of elements determine how much a landscaper or gardener earns in Calgary:
🌱 1. Experience Level
Wages generally increase with experience:
Entry-level workers may start near the lower end (around $18/hr) of prevailing ranges.
With several years of hands‑on experience or specialized skills, wages can reach $28+/hr.
🌿 2. Skill Set & Specialization
General maintenance tasks typically pay around the median.
Advanced landscaping skills like irrigation installation, hardscape construction, or plant identification can command higher wages.
🏢 3. Employer Type
Larger contractors and commercial clients sometimes offer better pay and benefits.
Smaller residential jobs may offer lower wages but greater flexibility.
⏱ 4. Seasonality
Many landscaping roles are seasonal, with peak work in spring and summer — offering overtime opportunities during busy months.
📍 5. Certifications & Education
Formal horticulture or landscape technician training isn’t always required but can improve prospects and pay.
🧠 Salary by Experience (2026 Estimates)
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Rate | Approx. Annual Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | $18.00 – $20.00 | ~$37,000 – $42,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | $20.00 – $24.00 | ~$42,000 – $50,000 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $24.00 – $30.00+ | ~$50,000 – $63,000+ |
*Note: Annual figures assume 40 hrs/week and include the high end for full-year employment; actual yearly income can be influenced by seasonality and overtime. Prevailing Survey data help illustrate typical ranges.
As with many labour roles, experience and a strong work portfolio directly influence higher pay.
📈 Job Market Trends in Calgary
The landscaping sector in Calgary is shaped by several trends:
🌦 1. Residential & Commercial Growth
Ongoing construction and urban development support demand for landscaping maintenance and installation services.
🏙 2. Municipal & Greenspace Projects
Public parks, boulevards, and city beautification projects provide steady work.
🌿 3. Environmental & Sustainability Focus
Sustainable landscaping, native plants, and water‑wise design are growing priorities, creating opportunities for certified specialists.
📈 4. Seasonal Overtime Opportunities
Spring and summer increase workloads and sometimes lead to seasonal bonuses or overtime pay.
Though weather influences the length of peak seasons, landscaping remains a stable occupation in Calgary’s broader labour market.
🌟 Benefits of Being a Landscaper / Gardener
Working in landscaping offers several benefits:
Outdoor working environment
Physical activity and varied tasks
Flexible scheduling in some roles
Opportunities for advancement
Skill development in horticulture and design
Some employers offer health benefits, tool allowances, or bonuses for performance.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Boost Salary
Investing in training can improve your prospects:
📌 Helpful Credentials
Horticulture or landscaping technician certificates
WSA/WHMIS safety training
Irrigation system accreditation
Plant health and pest management courses
Formal training isn’t always required for entry‑level roles, but credentials can differentiate you and support higher wages and leadership roles.
🌍 Comparing Calgary With Nearby Cities (2026 Estimates)
| City / Area | Typical Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary, AB | ~$18.00 – $30.50/hr | Median about $22.50/hr locally. |
| Edmonton, AB | Similar ranges reported for Alberta cities | Often similar provincial labour conditions. |
| Red Deer, AB | Comparable province wage trends | Rural/urban mix may slightly influence scale. |
| Canada average | $20.00 – $38.63/hr nationally (landscaping) | Calgary near national mid‑range. |
Calgary’s landscaping salaries align with other major Alberta cities and are competitive with broader Canadian averages for this occupation.
🌱 Career Outlook & Growth
Looking ahead, landscaping careers in Calgary are expected to remain strong, supported by ongoing construction, sustainable urban planning, and continued demand for outdoor space maintenance. With experience and specialized qualifications, workers can progress to supervisory or design roles with higher incomes.
📌 Summary
💵 Average wages for landscapers/gardeners in Calgary for 2026 range broadly, with median around $22.50/hr and higher opportunities exceeding $30/hr for skilled roles.
🧠 Experience significantly impacts earnings, and specialized training boosts career opportunities.
📊 Job market trends remain stable with opportunities in residential, commercial, and municipal sectors.
🌿 Education and certifications improve earning potential and advancement prospects.
Landscaping and gardening in Calgary offers a rewarding mix of outdoor work, skill development, and competitive wages — making it a solid career option in 2026 and beyond.