Landscapers and gardeners play a vital role in maintaining attractive, healthy outdoor spaces — from residential lawns and community parks to commercial landscapes and estate gardens. If you’re considering a career in this field in Charlotte, North Carolina, understanding the 2026 salary landscape can help you plan and grow your career. This article breaks down average wages, experience-based pay, influencing factors, job outlook, benefits, and comparisons with related positions and neighboring cities to give you valuable insight.
📊 Average Salary Range in Charlotte, NC (2026)
Here’s what landscapers and gardening professionals can expect to earn in Charlotte in 2026:
| Job Title | Average Salary | Typical Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper | ~$36,700 annually (~$18/hr) | $16–$19/hr typical range |
| Landscaping Worker | ~$39,900 annually (~$19/hr) | $17–$22/hr range |
| Landscape Designer I (higher role) | ~$54,400 annually (~$26/hr) | $23–$29/hr |
| Gardener (Indeed data) | ~$37,856 annually (~$18.20/hr) | $14.87–$22.27/hr |
| Landscape Laborer (entry-focused) | Approx $17.82/hr | lower–higher range $12–$26/hr |
💡 Note: Some sites report different figures — for example, Glassdoor shows a wider possible range up to about $56,000 for landscapers with experience in Charlotte.
📈 What Influences a Landscaper / Gardener’s Salary
Several key factors influence pay in this field:
🔹 Experience Level
Entry-Level Workers: Often start near the lower end of the pay scale, around $30,000–$37,000 annually for landscapers.
Mid-Career Professionals: Those with a few years of experience commonly reach the city average or more.
Senior and Specialized Roles: Including supervisors, designers, and landscape specialists can earn $40,000–$55,000+ depending on skills and responsibilities.
🔹 Job Role & Skills
Practical skills such as turf management, pruning, design implementation, plant health, irrigation systems, and machinery operation can enhance your value.
Design-oriented roles (e.g., landscape designer) typically command higher salaries due to technical and creative skills required.
🔹 Employer & Setting
Public sector jobs (parks & city maintenance) may offer structured pay and benefits.
Private landscaping businesses might provide varied compensation, sometimes with seasonal incentives.
Residential specialists may earn more through direct client relationships or contract work.
🔹 Certifications & Education
Although formal degrees aren’t always required, certain credentials boost earning potential:
Horticulture or Landscape Design Certifications
Pesticide application licenses
Irrigation and hardscape installation certifications
These can set you apart and open doors to higher-paying roles.
💼 Salary by Experience Level (Charlotte, NC)
Here’s a generalized view of how experience tends to influence salaries:
| Experience Level | Expected Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | ~$30K–$36K |
| Early Career (1–3 yrs) | ~$36K–$40K |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | ~$38K–$45K |
| Senior / Advanced (>5 yrs) | ~$45K–$55K+ (design or management roles) |
🌱 Job Market Trends & Outlook
The landscaping and gardening field in Charlotte is generally steady with growth opportunities:
Residential Demand: As new housing developments expand and older neighborhoods invest in lawn care services, demand for landscapers and gardeners remains strong.
Commercial Projects: Businesses and public spaces require ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Green & Sustainable Landscaping: With sustainability trends, demand for eco‑friendly landscaping and native plant expertise is increasing.
Overall, the industry is supported by continued urban development and a rising emphasis on outdoor aesthetics.
🌟 Benefits of Being a Landscaper / Gardener
Working in landscaping offers many advantages beyond wages:
✔ Flexible work environments: Outdoor work with varied tasks.
✔ Physical activity: Ideal for those who prefer active, hands‑on jobs.
✔ Seasonal opportunities: Peak seasons often bring overtime or extra projects.
✔ Skill development: Transferable skills like plant care, design basics, and equipment operation.
Some employers may also offer benefits such as paid time off, health insurance (especially for full‑time roles), and retirement plans in larger companies or municipal jobs.
🧠 Certifications & Education That Can Boost Earnings
While not always required, the following can help increase salary potential:
Landscape Horticulture Certification
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Pesticide Applicator License
Design & CAD Courses for Landscape Layouts
Combining certifications with practical experience makes you a more competitive candidate for higher‑paying roles.
🏙️ Comparing Charlotte with Other NC Cities
| City | Average Landscaping Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | ~$36,700–$39,900 (typical range) |
| Mooresville, NC | ~$42,409 average reported nearby |
| Greensboro, NC | ~$41,739 average nearby |
| Asheville, NC | ~$41,268 average nearby |
These comparisons show that Charlotte’s landscaping wages are competitive within the region, although nearby cities with specialized demand may offer slightly higher averages.
🔍 Related Roles & Salary Context
| Related Role | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Landscape Designer I | ~$54,402/yr |
| Landscaping Worker | ~$39,963/yr |
| Landscape Laborer | ~$17.82/hr (~$37K/yr if full time) |
| Gardener | ~$18.20/hr average (~$37.8K/yr) |
🎯 Tips to Maximize Salary
Gain Broad Skills – Learn irrigation, plant care, and design.
Get Certified – Professional credentials help differentiate you.
Seek Specialization – Hardscape, irrigation, or sustainable landscape expertise often pays more.
Build Client Base – For self‑employed gardeners, strong reputation leads to higher rates.
Consider Seasonal Peaks – Work busy months to boost annual earnings.
🧾 Final Thoughts
In 2026, landscapers and gardeners in Charlotte, NC can expect solid employment opportunities with competitive salaries that reflect experience, skills, and local demand. Whether you’re starting out or aiming for a specialized role, understanding how pay varies — and what boosts earnings — will help you grow your landscaping career with confidence.