Working as a landscaper or gardener in Montreal, Quebec, combines a love of the outdoors with steady employment and competitive wages. Whether you’re considering entering this field or planning your career growth, understanding salary expectations and job trends in 2026 is essential. This guide details average pay, factors that influence earnings, job outlook, skills/certifications that boost pay, and how Montreal compares with other cities.
📊 Average Salary Overview (2026)
In Montreal, landscaper and gardener salaries vary depending on role, experience, and skill level, but current data suggests:
| Job Title | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Landscaper / Paysagiste (Glassdoor est.) | ~$57,000/year average (~$46,500–$92,300) |
| Gardener (Indeed hourly est.) | ~$23.25/hour (~$48,000/year) |
| Paysagiste (Indeed hourly est.) | ~$26.48/hour (~$55,000/year) |
| Provincial wage data (Quebec) | ~$20–$34/hour range |
🌿 Key Insight: Landscapers with strong skills and experience in Montreal often earn between $45,000 and $92,000 per year, and hourly gardeners typically earn $20–$27+ depending on experience and duties.
📈 How Experience Affects Pay
Experience significantly influences earnings:
| Experience Level | Expected Salary/Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Often closer to $20–$24/hour |
| Mid‑Career | $25–$30/hour or $50K+ annually |
| Senior / Skilled Landscaper | $60K+ to $90K+ with specialties |
With experience, many landscapers take on project planning, team leadership, or horticulture‑specific roles that command higher wages.
🌱 What Influences Landscaper & Gardener Salaries?
Several factors shape earning potential in Montreal:
📍 Type of Employer
Landscaping companies & contractors often pay competitive hourly wages or annual salaries.
Municipal or large institutional roles might offer structured pay scales, benefits, and stability.
🧠 Skills and Specialties
Expertise in areas such as:
Hardscape installation
Horticulture or plant pathology
Irrigation systems
Seasonal garden design
can lead to higher pay.
🎓 Certifications & Education
While not always required, credentials in:
Landscaping design
Horticulture/Arboriculture
Safety and equipment operation
help increase employability and salaries.
🛠️ Tools & Equipment Proficiency
Skill with power tools, lawn machinery, and landscape design software boosts value to employers.
📊 Salary by Job Type – Landscaper vs Gardener
| Job Role | Pay Type | Typical Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper / Paysagiste | Salary & hourly mix | $45K – $92K+ |
| Gardener | Hourly | ~$48K (~$23.25/hr) |
| Landscape Technician / Specialized | Hourly | Often $28–$32/hr or more |
| Landscape Labourer | Hourly | $18–$25/hr typical range |
Landscape technicians and specialized horticulture roles often command higher hourly wages than general garden maintenance positions.
🌍 Job Market Trends in Montreal
The landscaping and gardening sector in Montreal shows healthy demand:
Urban development, seasonal maintenance, and green space projects keep demand steady.
Hospitals, corporate campuses, homeowners, and municipalities need landscaping teams year‑round.
Growth in sustainable and eco‑friendly landscape design boosts demand for trained specialists.
As Montreal continues urban revitalization and green infrastructure investments grow, job opportunities for landscapers and gardeners remain solid.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Beyond salary, many positions offer perks such as:
Flexible seasonal or year‑round work
Outdoor work with varied tasks
Opportunities for advancement into supervisory or design roles
Skill development in horticulture and landscaping tools
Some employers provide benefits like health coverage, paid leave, and retirement plans — especially in larger firms or public sector roles.
📚 Certifications and Education That Boost Pay
Even though formal post‑secondary education isn’t always mandatory, relevant training can improve your salary prospects:
Valuable certifications include:
Horticulture certificates from vocational schools
Landscaping design diplomas
Safety and machinery operation training
Arborist certifications
These can improve your credibility, make you eligible for higher‑paying jobs, and differentiate you in the field.
🆚 Salary Comparison: Montreal vs Other Cities
| City / Region | Typical Pay | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal, QC | ~$20–$27+/hr or ~$45K–$92K+ | Urban landscape demand |
| Greater Montreal Area | ~$22.5/hr | Estimated regional average |
| Nearby Smaller Cities | Can vary ~$18–$25/hr | Often slightly less than downtown Montreal |
| Provincial Quebec | ~$20–$34/hr range | Provincial survey estimates |
Montreal generally offers competitive pay compared to surrounding Quebec regions, particularly for experienced landscapers.
📈 Job Outlook & Future Demand
The landscaping and gardening industry is expected to maintain stable growth in Montreal through 2026 and beyond:
Green infrastructure initiatives continue to promote outdoor maintenance jobs.
Seasonal work peaks in spring and summer, with opportunities in maintenance, planting, and design.
New trends such as sustainable landscaping and edible gardens may open niche roles.
While automation and robotics may change some tasks, the human element of design, plant care, and customer service remains essential.
🧠 Tips to Boost Your Career & Salary
Gain hands‑on experience: Build a strong portfolio of completed projects.
Earn certifications: Horticulture, safety, and design certificates pay off.
Specialize: Learn irrigation systems, hardscaping, or plant pathology.
Network locally: Connect with landscaping firms, horticulture clubs, or municipalities.
Stay updated: Learn new sustainable practices and tools.
🌿 Final Thoughts
In 2026, landscapers and gardeners in Montreal, QC can expect varied pay depending on skills and experience — with many earning competitive wages and enjoying meaningful outdoor work. With solid demand across residential, commercial, and municipal landscaping, this field offers sustainability and growth potential for motivated professionals.