Landscapers and gardeners help keep outdoor spaces healthy, attractive, and well-maintained. In Fresno, California, this profession continues to be an important part of the local economy, from residential lawn care to commercial landscape maintenance. In this guide, you’ll discover the average salary range in 2026, factors that influence earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, and how Fresno compares with other cities.
🌱 Average Salary Range in Fresno, CA (2026)
Here’s a snapshot of typical earnings for landscaping and gardening roles in Fresno:
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper / Groundskeeping Worker | ~$20.49 | ~$42,610 (range $40,500 – $44,600) |
| Gardener | ~$18 / $36,970 | ~$33,473 – $40,410 range |
| Landscape & Grounds Maintenance Tech I | ~$18 / $38,190 | ~$31,886 – $45,354 range |
Typical earnings in Fresno:
Average annual pay: ~$37,000–$43,000 range
Hourly rates: ~$17–$21 depending on role and experience
The data shows variation depending on job title and responsibilities, but overall, landscapers and gardeners in Fresno earn competitive wages for the region.
🌿 Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a significant role in how much you can earn. Here’s how earnings typically evolve as you gain experience:
🌟 Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers (Fresno data)
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | ~$17.42 | ~$36,200 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | ~$20.49 | ~$42,600 |
| Senior / 6+ yrs | ~$23.56 | ~$49,000 |
🌼 Gardener Salary by Experience
For gardeners in Fresno:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Estimate |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | ~$30,290 |
| Typical Range | ~$33,473 – $40,410 |
| Top Earners | ~$43,542 |
As expected, gardeners and landscapers with more years on the job earn closer to the higher end of local wage ranges.
🔎 What Influences Landscaper / Gardener Earnings?
Several factors impact how much a landscaper or gardener earns in Fresno:
📍 1. Experience & Skill Level
More experience typically leads to higher pay, especially with complex landscaping skills or supervisory roles.
🧑🔧 2. Type of Work
Basic lawn mowing or trimming may pay hourly rates.
Specialized tasks like irrigation installation, tree trimming, or landscape design supervision command higher wages.
🎓 3. Certifications & Training
Certifications in horticulture, pesticide safety, irrigation systems, or landscape technology can boost earnings — employers often value documented expertise.
🏢 4. Employer Type
Commercial contracts, large landscaping companies, or municipal landscaping departments often pay more than smaller residential-only services.
🕒 5. Hours & Scheduling
Full-time positions with benefits typically pay more than part-time or seasonal work.
📈 Job Market Trends in Fresno
The landscaping industry in Fresno is supported by several ongoing trends:
🌤 Outdoor Living & Property Maintenance
Homeowners continue investing in outdoor spaces, xeriscaping (water-efficient designs), and regular lawn care, especially in Central California’s warm climate.
🏙 Commercial & Public Sector Demand
Municipal parks, business complexes, and community spaces require professional landscaping maintenance — contributing to steady employment.
🌱 Residential Services
More households are outsourcing lawn care and garden maintenance, sustaining demand for reliable landscapers and gardeners.
Overall job outlook:
The demand for landscapers and gardeners is expected to remain stable through 2026 as both residential and commercial properties seek landscaping services.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Working in landscaping offers unique advantages:
Outdoor work: Ideal for those who enjoy being outside.
Hands-on physical activity: Good for active workers.
Flexibility: Opportunities for part-time, full-time, or seasonal work.
Skill Development: Opportunities to learn horticulture, turf management, and equipment operation.
Potential for tips or bonuses on private landscaping projects.
Some larger employers also offer benefits like health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off, particularly for full-time roles.
📚 Education & Certifications That Boost Salary
Formal education isn’t always required, but these can help:
🎓 Helpful Certifications
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Irrigation Association Certifications
Pesticide Safety / OSHA Training
Horticulture Certificates from Community Colleges
These credentials can lead to higher pay or specialized roles like irrigation specialist or landscape supervisor.
🌆 Comparing Fresno with Other Cities
Here’s how landscaping wages in Fresno compare with similar California cities:
| City | Typical Landscaping Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Fresno, CA | ~$42,000–$44,000 |
| Bakersfield, CA | Slightly higher median regional averages |
| Modesto, CA | Higher upper wage ranges |
| Los Angeles Area | Higher overall wages but also higher costs |
Compared to statewide patterns, Fresno’s wages are moderate — typical for a Central California labor market.
🌿 Career Growth Opportunities
Landscapers and gardeners can grow their careers by:
🌱 1. Advancing to Supervisory Roles
Lead crews or manage larger projects.
🌻 2. Starting a Landscaping Business
Experienced workers often become independent contractors or small business owners.
🌳 3. Specializing
Focus on irrigation, turf management, landscape design, or horticulture for higher earnings.
🧠 Final Takeaways — Fresno Landscape Salary 2026
Average income: Landscapers and gardeners in Fresno typically earn around $37,000–$44,000 annually.
Experience matters: Pay increases steadily with experience and skill.
Certifications help: Specialized training can boost career prospects.
Job stability: Landscaping remains steady as property maintenance needs grow.
Whether you’re entering the field or seeking to advance, Fresno offers solid opportunities for landscapers and gardeners in 2026.