If you’re exploring a career as a landscaper or gardener in Garland, Texas, it’s important to understand the salary landscape for 2026. This article covers the average earnings, factors that influence pay, salary by experience level, job market trends, career benefits, and how wages compare to nearby cities. The goal is to provide actionable insights for job seekers, career planners, and employers alike.
📊 Average Salary Overview (2026)
There isn’t direct localized annual salary data reported for Garland specifically in most major databases, but we can derive realistic expectations using broader regional and Texas-level information — which is commonly used for local salary estimates.
Typical Earnings for Landscaping Roles
| Job Title | Typical Hourly Wage | Approx. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Laborer (basic entry) | ~$12.50/hr (local estimate) | ~$26,000 (est.) |
| Landscaping & Groundskeeping Worker (TX average) | ~$18.49/hr | ~$38,460/year |
| Gardener (Texas average) | ~$17/hr | ~$35,989/year |
| Landscape Gardener (Fort Worth, TX proxy) | ~$18/hr | ~$36,603/year |
👉 Estimated Range for Garland, TX (2026):
Entry level: $26,000 – $30,000
Mid-level technician: $32,000 – $38,000
Experienced gardener/landscaper: ~$38,000 – $42,000+
These figures combine local job posting insight with broader Texas salary surveys to reflect realistic expectations.
💼 Factors That Influence Salary
Several factors contribute to how much landscapers and gardeners earn in Garland:
⚙️ 1. Experience and Skill Level
Entry-level workers typically handle basic tasks like mowing, trimming, and cleanup.
Experienced landscapers with knowledge of irrigation, design, or machinery earn more.
Specialized skills (e.g., horticulture, irrigation systems, pest control) significantly boost value.
Generally, workers with more years of experience and technical skills can command higher pay.
📍 2. Type of Employer
Wages vary by the type of employer:
Residential landscaping companies often pay hourly rates.
Commercial landscaping firms or municipal contracts may provide steadier hours and benefits.
Independent contractors or self-employed landscapers can set their own rates, often higher with established clientele.
⏱ 3. Hours and Seasonal Work
Landscaping can be seasonal, with higher demand in spring and summer. Some employers offer part-time seasonal roles, while others provide year-round work with benefits.
🎓 4. Certifications & Licensing
While not always required, certifications such as:
Pesticide Applicator License
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Irrigation Specialist License
…can influence pay positively by demonstrating expertise.
🧠 Salary by Experience
Here’s a practical experience-based estimate reflecting Texas and regional landscaping data:
| Experience Level | Typical Hourly | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | $13 – $16 | ~$26,000 – $33,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | $16 – $19 | ~$33,000 – $40,000 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $18 – $22 | ~$38,000 – $45,000+ |
Experience increases both responsibility and earning potential, especially if workers can operate equipment independently or lead small crews.
📈 Job Market Trends in Garland (and North Texas)
🌱 Steady Demand for Landscape Services
The Dallas–Fort Worth metro area’s growth supports demand for landscaping, groundskeeping, and gardening services.
Residential lawn care, commercial maintenance, irrigation installation, and seasonal cleanup are steady employment sources.
Landscaping is tied to construction and real estate sectors — when home/building improvements rise, so does demand.
🛠 Technological Influence
Modern landscaping increasingly uses mechanized tools and design software, adding value to trained workers and possibly increasing pay for tech-savvy employees.
🌦 Seasonal Cycles
Work volumes peak in spring and summer, while winter may have reduced hours or different tasks (pruning, planning).
🎁 Benefits of the Profession
Working as a landscaper or gardener can offer several advantages:
🌿 Perks of the Role
Active outdoor work with varied tasks
Flexible scheduling, especially in small companies
Seasonal or year-round employment options
Opportunities to learn horticulture, design, and equipment operation
📈 Advancement Paths
With experience or extra training, workers can advance to:
Crew leader or supervisor
Irrigation technician
Landscape designer
Business owner/operators
📘 Certifications & Training That Improve Pay
📜 Valuable Credentials
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Certified Groundskeeper
Pesticide Applicator License
Irrigation or water management certification
These credentials demonstrate professionalism and technical skill — often leading to higher pay or more job opportunities.
🌆 Compare Wages: Garland vs Nearby Cities
| City / Area | Typical Landscaper/Gardener Salary |
|---|---|
| Garland, TX | ~$32,000 – $42,000 est. |
| Dallas–Fort Worth, TX | ~$36,000+ (gardener average) |
| Texas State Average | ~$35,989 (gardener) |
| Fort Worth, TX | ~$36,603 (landscape gardener) |
Overall, Garland is close to the regional norm within the Dallas–Fort Worth area, reflecting Texas’s broader landscaping pay scales.
💡 Final Takeaways
2026 salary range in Garland: Approx. $26,000 – $45,000+ depending on experience and specialization.
Experience matters — pay grows with skill and responsibility.
Certifications and training can enhance earnings.
Job outlook is steady, fueled by residential and commercial demand in the North Texas region.
If you plan to pursue this career, focusing on technical skills, certifications, and customer service will boost your attractiveness to employers and your earning potential.