Whether you’re starting a career in landscaping or gardening or looking to grow in the field, understanding how much you can earn in Denver, Colorado in 2026 is essential. This guide breaks down average salary ranges, factors that influence pay, earnings by experience, job market trends, benefits, and career outlook — helping you make informed decisions about working outdoors and building a stable income.
📊 Average Salary Range in Denver, CO (2026)
In Denver, salaries for landscapers and gardeners vary depending on the role, experience, and employer:
| Job Title | Average Pay | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gardener (hourly) | ~$22.90/hr | $18.84 – $27.82/hr |
| Landscaper (annual) | ~$45,000 yr | $36,580 – $57,249+ |
| Professional Landscaper (annual) | ~$69,165 yr | $59,739 – $79,935 |
🔎 Note: “Professional Landscaper” typically refers to more skilled positions involving complex landscape projects, design, or specialized maintenance.
Typical Denver gardener wages place the hourly rate around $22–$23, which is slightly above state and national averages for similar roles.
💼 What Influences Landscaper & Gardener Earnings?
Several key factors affect how much you can earn:
1. Experience and Skill Level
Entry-level workers usually start toward the lower end of the pay scale.
Experienced landscapers with skills in hardscaping, plant care, or machinery can earn significantly more.
Professional roles often pay higher because of added responsibilities in planning and project execution.
2. Type of Employer
Residential landscaping tends to be more flexible but may vary widely in pay.
Commercial contracts (such as for businesses or city parks) often offer steadier work and higher rates.
Higher-end landscaping companies may provide additional benefits.
3. Certifications & Training
Completing horticulture, irrigation technology, or landscape design certifications can boost pay.
OSHA safety training, pesticide handling licenses, or certified arborist credentials can unlock higher salaries.
4. Season and Demand
Denver’s climate and landscaping seasonality may affect workload and overtime opportunities.
📈 Salary by Experience
Experience makes a significant difference in earnings. Here’s how pay typically scales:
| Experience Level | Estimated Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 year) | ~$36,000+ annually |
| Mid-Level (1–4 years) | ~$40,000–$49,000 annually |
| Experienced (5+ years) | ~$50,000–$65,000+ annually |
| Professional Landscaper | ~$59,000–$79,000+ annually |
Keep in mind that some salary sources report a wide range for landscapers depending on the length of experience, specialized skills, and types of projects completed.
🌱 Job Market Trends in Denver
The landscaping and gardening job market in Denver continues to show steady demand:
Demand Drivers
Residential growth: More homes and outdoor spaces needing upkeep.
Commercial landscaping: Offices, shopping centers, and municipal contracts require ongoing maintenance.
Sustainability practices: Interest in drought-tolerant and eco-friendly landscape design elevates demand for knowledgeable workers.
Job Outlook
Landscaping and groundskeeping jobs are projected to grow in the mid-range over the next several years.
Skilled workers, especially those with hardscape installation and irrigation expertise, are likely to see better opportunities.
📌 Comparing Denver with Nearby Cities
| City | Typical Landscaper/Gardener Pay |
|---|---|
| Denver, CO | ~$45K – $69K+ annually |
| Boulder, CO | Often slightly higher given local demand |
| Aurora, CO | Similar regional rates |
| Commerce City, CO | ~$48,860 annually for landscapers |
Even within the Denver metro area, pay rates can vary based on city demand and cost of living.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Working in landscaping offers both financial and lifestyle benefits:
💰 Financial Benefits
Paid hourly or salaried roles with potential for overtime.
Tips or bonuses in residential work.
Progression into supervisory or specialized positions results in higher earnings.
🌿 Work Environment
Opportunities to spend time outdoors.
Physical activity supports health and well-being.
Variety of work settings — parks, residential gardens, commercial grounds.
📈 Career Development
With experience, landscapers can move into roles like crew leader, landscape technician, or even business owner.
Advanced skills (hardscaping, irrigation) often come with wage increases.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Impact Pay
While formal degrees aren’t always required, the following can help:
Horticulture Certification: Support deep plant health knowledge and landscape design skills.
Irrigation Technology Training: A valuable skill in dry climates like Denver.
OSHA Safety Training: Demonstrates safety proficiency.
Specialized Certifications: Arborist or pesticide applicator licenses can open higher-paying roles.
Investing in education and credentials signals professionalism and may increase your earning potential.
📅 Conclusion: Denver’s Landscape Salaries in 2026
Here’s a summary of what to expect if you’re pursuing landscaping or gardening work in Denver in 2026:
🌞 Average Pay: Landscapers earn roughly $36,000 – $57,000 annually, with professional landscapers averaging around $69,000.
🍃 Gardener Wages: Around $22–$23 per hour, often slightly above the statewide average.
📈 Experience matters: Pay increases with skill, responsibility, and expertise.
🌱 Strong demand: Ongoing growth in residential and commercial landscaping supports job stability.
🎓 Advancement opportunities: Certifications and specialized skills can lead to significant pay increases.
If you enjoy working outdoors and are committed to developing valuable skills, a career as a landscaper or gardener in Denver in 2026 can offer rewarding work with competitive pay and growth potential.