Whether you’re considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in Madison, Wisconsin, or planning your next job move, understanding the pay landscape is crucial. In 2026, wages in these outdoor, nature-focused roles vary by experience level, job duties, employer type, and certifications. This SEO‑friendly article breaks down salary ranges, key influencing factors, benefits, job market trends, and how Madison compares with other cities — all in clear, actionable terms.
🌿 Average Salary Range in Madison, WI (2026)
Landscaping and gardening roles cover a spectrum of duties — from basic lawn care and planting to specialized horticulture and landscape management. Here’s how pay typically looks:
| Job Title | Average Pay | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper / General | ~$40,500 per year | $35,650 – $50,000+ |
| Landscape Laborer | ~$22.02 per hour | $16.44 – $29.49/hr |
| Gardener (Hourly) | ~$18.61 per hour | $16.08 – $21.54/hr |
| Landscape Gardener | ~$36,000 per year | Typical national estimate for Madison area |
| City Gardener (public sector) | $60,000 – $67,000+ per year | Special municipal roles |
| Lead Gardener | $63,749 – $70,721 per year | Supervisory horticulture position |
➡️ Quick insight: Private‑sector landscapers and laborers tend to earn wage‑based pay, while city or public horticulture roles often come with higher salaries, reflecting specialized duties and full‑time benefits.
📈 Pay by Experience Level
Experience is a major driver of earnings in landscaping and gardening careers:
Entry Level (0–1 year): Often closer to the lower end of hourly ranges (~$16–$20/hr), especially for labor roles.
Mid‑Level (2–4 years): Can approach median range for general landscapers (~$40k).
Experienced (5+ years): Higher likelihood of supervisory or specialized horticulture work (lead gardener or municipal horticulture), with salaries exceeding $60,000.
Madison’s outdoor work scene includes everything from seasonal summer jobs to year‑round roles. More experience usually means more responsibility — such as plant care planning, crew leadership, and working with design layouts — which in turn brings better pay.
🌱 What Influences Landscaper / Gardener Earnings?
Several key factors shape salary potential:
💼 Type of Employer
Private Landscaping Companies: Often base wages on tasks like mowing, trimming, planting, and seasonal cleanup.
Municipal/Public Parks & Gardens: Full‑time positions with benefits and higher pay scale.
Residential Clients / Self‑Employed: Pay can vary widely based on client base and reputation.
📍 Skill & Specialization
Knowledge of plant science, hardscape installation, and irrigation systems can command better wages.
Specialized tasks, like botanical maintenance in conservatories or institutional landscapes, typically pay above average.
⏰ Seasonality
Madison’s climate leads to seasonal peaks in spring and summer, with some roles part‑time or seasonal. That can affect average annual earnings.
📚 Certifications & Training
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT) or horticulture certificates help distinguish candidates.
Training from community colleges or certified programs can lead to higher paying roles.
📊 How Madison Compares to Nearby Cities
Here’s a snapshot of landscaping and gardening earnings in Madison vs nearby areas:
| City | Typical Earnings |
|---|---|
| Madison, WI | ~$40,500 avg landscaper salary |
| Verona, WI | Higher gardener pay (~$23.67/hr) |
| Statewide Wisconsin (avg) | ~$19–$20/hr landscape laborer |
| Milwaukee, WI | Slightly lower hourly gardener rates (~$16.65/hr) |
Madison’s combination of university presence, municipal horticulture, and residential landscaping demand creates a favorable environment for stable job opportunities.
🌿 Job Market Trends & Outlook (2026)
The landscaping and gardening field continues to be steady in Madison thanks to:
University and Institutional Grounds: Ongoing maintenance needs for UW–Madison and public parks.
Residential Growth: Demand for lawn care, garden design, and outdoor upgrades is increasing.
Ecology & Sustainability Trends: Growing interest in native plant gardens and sustainable landscapes.
While technology and machinery help with efficiency, the hands‑on nature of gardening and landscaping keeps human workers essential. Seasonal fluctuation is expected, but full‑time roles remain available.
🌟 Benefits of Landscaper / Gardener Careers
Working in landscaping and gardening offers:
Active outdoor work: Great for physically active individuals.
Flexibility: Many seasonal or part‑time opportunities.
Skill Development: Learn plant science, design, and equipment operations.
Career Ladder: Possibilities to advance to crew lead, supervisor, or municipal horticulture specialist.
Job satisfaction: Visible results and contribution to beautifying environments.
Public sector roles often provide additional perks like health benefits, retirement plans, and structured schedules.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Boost Salaries
Although formal education isn’t always required, the following can impact earnings:
📌 Useful Credentials
Landscape or Horticulture Certificates from technical schools.
OSHA Safety Training for equipment and grounds work.
Plant Identification and Soil Science Courses – valued by employers.
Certifications can be especially useful for those aiming for specialized roles or managerial responsibilities.
🌼 Common Roles & Typical Duties
| Role | Typical Salary | Core Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Laborer | ~$22/hr | Mowing, trimming, cleanup |
| Gardener | ~$18–$19/hr | Plant care, flower beds, soil prep |
| Landscaper | ~$40,500/yr | Full property landscape tasks |
| Lead Gardener | ~$63,700–$70,700 | Supervising crews, complex maintenance |
| City/Public Gardener | ~$60,000+ | Public gardens & horticulture |
🧠 Tips to Increase Earnings
Gain Experience: Building expertise in plant care and landscape installation increases value.
Seek Certification: CLT or horticulture certifications can open doors.
Specialize: Hardscapes, irrigation systems, and sustainability skills add pay premiums.
Build a Reputation: For self‑employed landscapers, strong client reviews can justify higher rates.
📌 Final Thoughts
In Madison, WI — 2026, landscaping and gardening remains a solid field for those who enjoy working outdoors and creating beautiful spaces. With competitive salaries for general roles, higher pay for supervisory work, and strong demand across residential, institutional, and public sectors, this career path offers both stability and room for growth.
If you’re passionate about plants, outdoor design, and hands‑on work, Madison’s landscaping and gardening job market is worth exploring in depth.