If you’re considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in Boise, Idaho, understanding the earning potential, job outlook, and factors that influence wages is essential. This 2026 salary guide breaks down how much professionals in landscaping and gardening earn in Boise, what impacts pay, and how the job market is evolving — helping you make informed career decisions.
🌱 Average Salary Range in Boise, ID (2026)
Landscaper and gardener salaries in Boise can vary widely based on experience, role, and specialization. Here’s a snapshot of typical pay in 2026:
| Job Title | Average Salary | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (general) | ~$41,000–$58,000 annually | ~$20–$28/hr |
| Landscape Technician | ~$62,800 annually | ~$30/hr |
| Maintenance Technician (City Parks) | ~$40,000–$48,000 equivalent | ~$19–$23/hr |
| Landscape Manager | ~$128,000 annually | ~$62/hr |
| Landscape Architect I | ~$52,300 annually | ~$25/hr |
Idaho Gardener Average (Statewide Data)
Gardener in Idaho: ~$18.38/hr on average (~$38,000 annually) with a low of ~$13 and high around ~$25/hr reported.
💡 Overall, entry-level landscapers typically earn around $20–$23/hr, while experienced technicians and specialized roles pay significantly more.
🧩 Factors That Influence Earnings
Several variables affect pay rates for landscapers and gardeners in Boise:
👩🔧 1. Experience Level
Entry-Level: Often part-time crew or labor roles earning lower hourly wages.
Mid-Level Technician: Experience with equipment and maintenance can push wages toward the median.
Senior / Managerial Roles: Supervisors and managers (e.g., Landscape Manager) earn significantly higher pay.
📍 2. Type of Employer
City or Municipal Jobs: Pay set ranges with benefits but often require specific skills (e.g., parks maintenance).
Commercial Landscaping Firms: Often provide more opportunity for wage growth and bonuses.
Residential / Self‑Employed: Earnings vary widely depending on client base and services offered.
🛠️ 3. Skills & Certification
Certifications in horticulture, irrigation systems, pesticide handling, or equipment operation can make professionals more competitive.
Specialized gardening knowledge (e.g., native plants or organic maintenance) may command higher rates.
☀️ 4. Seasonality
Landscaping is often seasonal — busy spring/summer months can mean overtime or contract bonuses, while winter slows work.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how experience impacts typical earnings in Boise:
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Landscaper | ~$32,000–$42,000 | Often general labor with limited experience. |
| Mid-Level Technician | ~$45,000–$60,000 | Skilled with equipment and maintenance duties. |
| Senior Landscaper / Lead | ~$60,000+ | Supervisory and specialized tasks command more. |
| Landscape Manager | ~$110,000–$145,000+ | Leadership roles with management responsibilities. |
💡 Landscape technicians — a common title in Boise — average around $62,800/year, while general landscapers tend to earn closer to $49,000 median.
🌍 Job Market Trends for 2026
The landscaping and gardening field in Boise is influenced by several key trends:
🌿 Growth in Outdoor Living & Sustainability
Demand for sustainable landscaping, xeriscaping, and drought‑tolerant designs is increasing.
Residential and commercial clients increasingly value eco‑friendly landscaping practices.
🏙 Public Sector Demand
City roles like maintenance technicians for parks and public spaces remain steady, offering stable wages and benefits.
📊 Career Mobility
Many professionals start in general landscaping and advance to technician, supervisory, or management roles over time.
💼 Employment Opportunities
Job listings show a range of openings with wages from $16–$28/hr for landscapers and technicians.
💼 Benefits of a Career in Landscaping & Gardening
Landscaping and gardening jobs often come with practical benefits that appeal to many workers:
🌞 Work Environment
Outdoor work with physical activity and variety of daily tasks.
🧑🔧 Transferable Skills
Skills like equipment operation, plant care, and landscape design are valuable across many employers and regions.
📅 Flexible Schedules
Seasonal work, part‑time, and full‑time options offer flexibility.
📈 Advancement Potential
With experience and training, you can move into specialist, supervisory, or managerial roles.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Impact Salary
While a college degree is not required for most landscaping jobs, certain credentials can help boost earnings:
📌 Helpful Certifications
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Irrigation Association Certification
Horticulture or Botany Courses
Safety Certifications for Equipment Operation
These can especially benefit those aiming for higher pay or managerial positions.
📍 Boise vs. Other Cities (Comparative View)
Here’s how landscaping salaries in Boise stack up against nearby areas:
| City | Typical Landscaper Salary |
|---|---|
| Boise, ID | ~$41K–$58K typical, ~$62.8K for technicians |
| Idaho Median (state) | ~$40K–$56K typical landscape roles |
| Boise Agricultural / Specialized roles | Higher potential in niche markets |
Boise’s median pay is roughly in line with Idaho trends, though higher‑skill or managerial roles boost earnings above the general market.
📌 Key Takeaways
🌾 Average landscaper pay in Boise in 2026 is roughly $41,000–$58,000, with median near $49,000.
🪴 Experienced landscape technicians earn higher (~$62,800).
📊 Advanced roles such as Landscape Manager can reach over $128,000/year.
📈 Demand remains steady due to residential and public landscaping needs, with growth in sustainable practices.
🎓 Certifications and specialized skills improve earnings and career prospects.
💡 Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about outdoor work, landscaping and gardening can offer a rewarding and growing career path in Boise, Idaho. With opportunities ranging from entry‑level fieldwork to high‑paying managerial roles, this field allows you to tailor your career growth — whether you enjoy hands‑on plant care or leading teams and managing complex landscape projects.
Interested in a pay comparison infographic or downloadable salary chart for landscaping careers in Boise? Let me know!