Landscaping and gardening are vital professions that keep Halifax’s homes, commercial properties, parks, and public spaces thriving. Whether you’re starting out or seeking to grow your career, it helps to understand the salary expectations, factors affecting pay, experience levels, job trends, benefits, and local comparisons for landscapes and gardeners in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
🌿 Average Salary Range in Halifax, NS (2026)
In 2026, landscaping and gardening roles in Halifax typically pay within the following ranges:
📌 Annual & Hourly Salary Estimates
| Role | Typical Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper | CA$29,000 – CA$50,000 (median ~CA$38,000) | ~$14 – ~$24/hr |
| Landscaping Labourer (Halifax Region) | Median ~CA$18/hr | ~$16.50 – ~$22.50/hr |
| Gardener | ~CA$41,400* (based on $19.92/hr) | ~CA$19.92/hr |
| Senior Gardener / Higher-Level | Up to ~$25+ hr reported | ~CA$25+/hr |
Note: The gardener wage above was reported by Indeed Canada as an average hourly rate.
These figures reflect a mix of full-time, part-time, and seasonal opportunities in the region and show that landscaping and gardening salaries in Halifax are competitive within Atlantic Canada.
🌱 What Influences Landscaper & Gardener Pay?
Several factors affect how much professionals can earn:
🔧 1. Experience Level
Entry-Level / Labourer: Often around minimum to median regional wages (~$16.50–$18.00/hr).
Mid-Level Landscaper / Gardener: With 2–5 years of experience — closer to median Ottawa wages (~$18–$20+/hr).
Senior / Specialist Roles: With design, supervision, or horticultural expertise — often reaching higher pay brackets (~$22–$27/hr+).
📍 2. Job Type
Routine Maintenance & Lawn Care: Often pays around median hourly rates.
Landscape Design & Site Work: May offer higher income depending on skill level.
Municipal or Contract Work: Can pay differently due to collective agreements or contract specifications.
📅 3. Seasonality
Many landscaping jobs are seasonal in Halifax due to winter weather, meaning summer months often have higher demand and sometimes higher pay.
🍃 4. Special Skills & Certification
Horticulture or Arborist Certifications
Landscaping Technician Courses
Experience with heavy tools and machines
These qualifications can make candidates more valuable and often lead to higher wages.
👷 Salary by Experience — What to Expect
Experience greatly impacts potential earnings. Here’s how roles typically scale:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly Rate | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | ~CA$16.50–$18.00 | ~CA$30,000 – CA$36,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | ~CA$18.00–$21.00 | ~CA$36,000 – CA$42,000 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | ~CA$21.00–$24.00+ | ~CA$42,000 – CA$50,000+ |
| Senior / Specialized | ~$25.00+ | ~$50,000++ |
These estimates reflect a mix of market data and reported employer wages (including occasional higher values for advanced skills).
🌎 Job Market Trends in Halifax
📈 Demand Drivers
Halifax’s landscaping sector remains active due to several local trends:
Growth in residential and commercial property development, increasing outdoor maintenance jobs.
Public and municipal landscaping projects boosting mid- to long-term work.
Community and private gardening initiatives rising as homeowners invest more in outdoor spaces.
Seasonality is a key factor — spring and summer months see peak hiring, while some employers maintain year-round work with indoor or greenhouse tasks.
🌼 Benefits of Landscaper & Gardener Roles
While pay is important, many jobs offer value beyond wages:
✔️ Flexible and varied outdoor work
✔️ Physical and engaging tasks
✔️ Potentially seasonal yet recurring positions
✔️ Opportunities in design, horticulture, and management for advancement
Many larger landscaping firms in the region also offer benefits like paid time off, tools & equipment support, and professional development opportunities.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Can Boost Salary
While formal degrees are not always mandatory for entry-level roles, the following can help increase earnings and career prospects:
Horticulture or Landscape Technician Certificates
Arborist or Plant Health Care Credentials
Landscape Design Training
Safety and equipment operation certifications
These credentials signal advanced expertise and often lead to higher-paying roles or supervisory positions.
📊 Comparing Halifax Wages with Nearby Cities
| City | Typical Landscaper / Gardener Pay |
|---|---|
| Halifax, NS | CA$29K–$50K/yr (~$14–$24/hr) |
| Moncton, NB | ~CA$36K–$42K/yr (reported online)* |
| Halton Region, ON | Higher avg due to Ontario market* |
| Saint John, NB | ~CA$18–$20/hr in job postings* |
*Note: Some nearby city figures are from job posting data or general private employer wages and may vary with economic conditions.
Halifax’s wages are competitive for Atlantic Canada, though larger urban centers (e.g., some Ontario cities) commonly offer higher pay due to cost of living and market demand.
🌟 Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
If you want to earn more as a landscaper or gardener in Halifax:
🌱 Gain experience and specialize (e.g., design or horticulture).
🌱 Pursue relevant certifications.
🌱 Consider supervisory roles as you progress.
🌱 Work in high-demand peak seasons (spring/summer).
🌱 Explore municipal or contract landscaping positions.
🧾 Final Thoughts
In **2026, Halifax’s landscapers and gardeners can expect stable employment with a typical salary range that reflects the region’s market — generally between approximately CA$29,000 to CA$50,000+ depending on skill, experience, and position type.
While the work may vary seasonally, there are clear pathways for career growth, higher pay through certification, and a strong local demand for quality landscape professionals.