If you’re thinking about a career as a landscaper or gardener in London, Ontario, understanding the earning potential and labor market is key. In 2026, these outdoor roles remain important for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. This in-depth, SEO-friendly guide covers average salary ranges, factors influencing pay, experience-based wages, job outlook, benefits, education/certification impacts, and how London compares with nearby Ontario cities.
🌱 Salary Overview in London, ON (2026)
In London, ON, landscaping and gardening pay varies depending on position, skill level, and employer. Here’s a snapshot:
Hourly & Annual Pay Estimates
| Role / Position | Typical Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (general) | ~$19–$28/hr (median ~28) | ~$39,000 average* |
| Landscaping Labourer | ~$21/hr | ~$43,000 average (~$35,776–$56,118) |
| Gardener | ~$21.36/hr | ~$44,000 estimated (hourly to annual) |
| Landscape Technician | ~$29.50/hr | ~$61,000 average (~$45,760–$69,326) |
*Glassdoor estimates indicate an average landscaper base salary around $39,000/year, with most London employees reporting between $33,000 and $46,000/year.
🧠 What Factors Influence Salaries?
Several key elements affect how much landscapers and gardeners earn in London, ON:
1. Job Title & Skill Level
General landscapers may earn less than specialized landscape technicians.
Landscape technicians with design or equipment expertise command higher wages.
2. Experience
Experience typically correlates with higher pay — more on this in the next section.
3. Type of Employer
Private companies, municipal parks, golf courses, and large estates often pay differently.
Unionized or large employers may offer better benefits and stability.
4. Responsibilities
Tasks such as irrigation system installation, plant health diagnostics, or machinery operation often justify higher pay.
5. Seasonality
Much landscape work in Southern Ontario is seasonal (peak spring–fall), affecting annual earnings and scheduling.
6. Geographic Demand
Greater demand in urban areas or affluent neighborhoods can influence pay rates positively.
📈 Earnings by Experience Level
Experience plays a significant role in determining salary:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / 0–2 yrs | ~$18–$24/hr | Often general landscaping or assistant work. |
| Intermediate / 3–5 yrs | ~$24–$30/hr | More responsibility, possibly crew lead tasks. |
| Experienced / 5+ yrs | ~$30–$35+/hr | Senior roles, specialized skills, strong portfolio. |
| Landscape Technician / Expert | ~$35–$42/hr | Technical roles with design or horticulture expertise. |
Specialized roles, such as Landscape Technicians, show significantly higher average pay due to technical skill and training.
📊 Market Trends & Job Outlook (2026)
London’s landscaping and gardening sectors are shaped by several regional trends:
📌 Consistent Seasonal Demand
Spring through fall is peak season, with many employers offering full-time, part-time, or seasonal work.
📌 Increased Residential Upkeep
Homeowners increasingly outsource garden design, maintenance, and lawn care, raising steady demand for professionals.
🟢 Urban & Municipal Projects
City parks, municipal contracts, and commercial landscaping continue to provide employment opportunities.
📌 Horticultural & Sustainable Landscaping Growth
Interest in sustainable design, native plants, and water-efficient gardens may increase demand for skilled horticultural workers.
Overall, the job outlook is stable with moderate growth, especially for workers who develop specialized skills or certifications.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper or Gardener
While some roles are seasonal or contract-based, many positions include valuable benefits:
Flexible scheduling – full or part-time options.
Physical activity and outdoor work.
Skill development in plant care, equipment operation, and design.
Potential tips or bonuses in private residential work.
Career pathways into supervisory or technical roles.
In larger companies or public-sector jobs, benefits may include health coverage, pension plans, and paid holidays.
🎓 Education, Training & Certifications That Impact Salary
Certifications and training can elevate your earning potential:
📍 Valuable Credentials
Horticulture or Landscape Technician diploma – improves technical expertise.
Pesticide application certification – necessary for certain maintenance roles.
Irrigation system and equipment operation training – boosts employability.
Safety and first-aid training – valued by employers.
Formal education isn’t always required, but specialized skills and certifications help differentiate candidates and justify higher wages.
🌍 London, ON vs Nearby Cities: Salary Comparison
Landscape and gardening wages can vary across Ontario:
| City / Region | Typical Hourly or Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| London, ON | ~$19–$28/hr; ~$33K–$46K avg for landscapers |
| Ontario Average | ~$22–$31/hr median for landscapers |
| Guelph, ON | Higher gardener wages (~$31/hr reported) |
| Oakville, ON | ~$27–$28/hr gardener rates reported |
London’s hourly wages are generally in line with the broader Ontario median but below some higher-paying regions.
🛠️ Tips to Maximize Earnings
Want to increase what you earn? Try these strategies:
Develop specialized skills in irrigation, pest control, or plant health.
Obtain horticulture or landscape technician certification.
Network with local landscape companies or contracting firms.
Offer seasonal contracts to maintain steady income.
Build a portfolio and gain positive client reviews if self-employed.
✅ Conclusion
In 2026, landscapers and gardeners in London, Ontario can expect competitive hourly wages and solid opportunities — especially if they pursue experience, specialized skills, and certifications. With typical landscaper salaries ranging from the high teens to mid-$30s per hour and landscape technician roles paying even more, this sector offers both entry-level and advanced pathways for career growth.
Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance, London’s landscape and gardening job market supports diverse work environments — from residential maintenance to technical horticulture — making it a promising field for 2026 and beyond.