Are you exploring a career as a landscaper or gardener in Norfolk, Virginia? Whether you’re just starting out or planning to advance in this outdoor-focused profession, it’s important to understand how much you can expect to earn in 2026. This comprehensive guide breaks down the average salary range, experience-based earnings, factors that influence pay, job market trends, benefits, and comparisons with related cities — all designed to help you make smart career decisions.
🌱 Average Salary Range in Norfolk, VA (2026)
The salary for landscapers and gardeners in Norfolk varies depending on job title and responsibilities. Here’s a realistic overview of what professionals in this field are earning:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping/Lawn Care Worker | ~$37,900 | ~$18/hour |
| Landscape Technician (more skilled role) | ~$63,300 | ~$30/hour |
| Groundskeeper (city role) | ~$40,700–$66,300 | ~$19.56–$31.89/hour |
| Gardener (estimated from job sites) | ~$42,000* | ~$20–$21/hour* |
*Note: Indeed data is based on reported hourly rates and may reflect a range of roles and experience.
Quick Summary:
Entry-level lawn care/landscaping roles typically start around $28,000–$38,000 per year.
More skilled landscape technicians with additional responsibilities can earn significantly more — average ~$63,000/year.
City groundskeeper positions often offer structured salary bands and can go up to ~$66,000.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly affects earnings. Here’s how pay tends to grow as landscapers and gardeners build skills:
🌿 Entry-Level (0–1 Year)
Often start with basic tasks like mowing, trimming, and general lawn care.
Salaries usually around $28,000–$38,000 annually or ~$16–$18/hour.
🌼 Mid-Level (2–4 Years)
With experience, workers handle more equipment, complex pruning, and seasonal planning.
Expect increases in pay closer to the average for your area.
🌳 Skilled / Landscape Technician
Technicians with expertise in irrigation systems, hardscaping, and landscape design can earn higher wages (~$63,000/year).
🌟 Leadership & Specialized Roles
Crew leaders or supervisors — such as groundskeeper crew leaders — may earn up to ~$69,000 annually or more.
🧠 Factors That Influence Earnings
Your salary as a landscaper or gardener isn’t just about hours worked — several key factors can influence your pay:
1. Skill Level & Specialization
Landscape technicians often earn more than basic lawn workers due to broader responsibilities.
Expertise with irrigation, plant health, and machinery boosts pay potential.
2. Type of Work
Commercial landscaping (businesses, golf courses, public spaces) often pays better than residential work.
Municipal or parks work may offer benefits and structured pay scales (e.g., groundskeeper roles).
3. Seasonality
Some landscaping jobs are seasonal, while others (especially municipal or full-service landscaping companies) offer year-round employment.
4. Certifications and Training
Certifications in horticulture, pesticide application, equipment safety, or landscaping design can make you more marketable and potentially earn higher wages.
🌍 Job Market Trends in Norfolk
The landscaping and gardening job market in Norfolk reflects broader trends in outdoor services and property maintenance:
Steady demand for grounds maintenance in both residential and commercial sectors.
Public sector landscaping (parks, cemeteries, municipal spaces) continues to provide stable employment.
Landscape Technician roles show growth due to specialized skill demand (e.g., irrigation, landscape construction).
Landscaping work remains strong throughout the year, with peaks in spring and summer.
This means steady opportunities for both full-time roles and seasonal positions, depending on your preference and skill set.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Landscape careers offer a range of benefits beyond salary:
Outdoor work: Great for those who enjoy physical work and nature.
Flexible roles: Options include part‑time, full‑time, seasonal, or contract work.
Skill development: On‑the‑job learning can lead to advanced roles like crew leader or landscape designer.
Structured city jobs: Public sector positions (groundskeeper) often include benefits and stable pay.
📊 Comparison with Nearby Cities
Here’s how landscaping wages in Norfolk stack up against typical expectations in other areas (general reference for Virginia):
| City / Region | Typical Salary Notes |
|---|---|
| Norfolk, VA | Landscaping/Lawn Care ~$37.9K; Landscape Technician ~$63.3K |
| Virginia Average | Landscapers often average ~$38,000 per year statewide. |
| Richmond, VA | Comparable to state average for entry roles; higher with specialization (local job market dependent). |
| Virginia Beach, VA | Similar to Norfolk due to proximity and demand for residential/commercial work. |
Norfolk’s demand for landscaping work — particularly in public services and skilled technician roles — keeps local salaries competitive compared with other Virginia cities.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Can Boost Pay
While formal education is often not required, the following can increase your earnings and job opportunities:
Horticulture or Landscape Design Courses — helps with plant health and design expertise.
Equipment Safety Certification — valuable for operating machinery confidently.
Pesticide & Herbicide Training — required for certain commercial roles.
Customer Service Skills — beneficial for residential and client‑facing work.
Employers often value a mix of hands‑on experience and certifications, which can lead to more advanced roles and better wages.
🌿 Career Outlook & Tips for Advancement
Here’s how you can grow in the landscaping and gardening field:
Build experience: Take on varied tasks to expand your skill set.
Learn specialized skills: Irrigation, design, and plant health expertise are in demand.
Network locally: Connections with landscaping companies, nurseries, or municipal parks departments pay off.
Consider self‑employment: Many landscapers grow their own client base for higher earnings.
🧾 Summary
Average landscaper/gardener salaries in Norfolk, VA (2026) range from about $37,900 for lawn care workers to $63,300 for landscape technicians.
Experience, skills, certifications, and job type significantly influence earnings.
Job market trends show demand across residential, commercial, and public landscaping services.
Benefits include outside work, flexible schedules, and growth opportunities.
A career in landscaping or gardening in Norfolk offers both stable employment and room to grow — whether you’re working toward specialized roles or building your own business.