Working as a landscaper or gardener can be a rewarding outdoor career — physically active, varied, and often seasonal — with fair earnings in cities like Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the average salary range, factors that influence earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, certifications/education impact, and comparisons with related cities for 2026.
🌿 Average Salary Range in Oklahoma City, OK (2026)
In Oklahoma City, wages for landscapers and gardeners vary depending on employer, experience, and role complexity. According to recent salary data:
| Position / Role | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (average) | ~$36,000 – $38,800 | ~$18–$19/hr |
| Entry-Level Landscaper | ~$33,990 | ~$16/hr |
| Top Earners (experienced) | ~$45,000+ | ~$21–$22/hr |
| Job Post Listings | $17 – $21/hr | Field postings |
| Gardener (Oklahoma average) | ~$16.76/hr / ~$34,827/yr | ~$16.76/hr |
👉 Average annual pay for landscapers in Oklahoma City hovers around $36,000 to $38,800, with experienced or specialized roles reaching the mid-$40,000s.
📈 How Experience Impacts Salary
Just like many skilled trades, time on the job plays a significant role in earnings. Here’s a breakdown of how experience typically influences pay:
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | $30,000+ | Starting tasks like mowing, basic planting |
| Early Career (1–3 yrs) | $35,000+ | Greater efficiency, broader skills |
| Mid-Level (3–7 yrs) | ~$37,000 – $40,000 | Independent work, small project leadership |
| Experienced / Senior (7+ yrs) | ~$42,000 – $45,000+ | Complex tasks, crew leadership |
Experience increases competence with tools, plant care knowledge, and project management, which often translates into higher pay.
🌱 Core Factors Affecting Salary
Earnings for landscapers and gardeners in Oklahoma City are influenced by multiple variables:
🧑🔧 Type of Employer
Residential landscaping companies or independent contractors may pay differently compared to commercial property management firms. Job postings often list between $17–$21/hr.
Institutions such as universities occasionally offer slightly different pay scales for grounds maintenance roles.
📍 Skill Set & Responsibilities
Familiarity with irrigation systems, heavy equipment, landscape design basics, and pest control adds value.
Roles involving supervision or project planning tend to pay more.
📆 Seasonal Demand
Landscaping jobs often peak in spring and summer, with possible bonuses or seasonal wage boosts during busy months.
📚 Education & Training
While formal degrees aren’t necessary, certifications in horticulture or landscape management can help secure higher pay or specialized roles.
📊 Job Market Trends & Outlook
The landscaping and groundskeeping sector is part of ongoing demand in Oklahoma:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that landscaping and groundskeeping jobs will grow modestly, reflecting steady demand from residential and commercial property owners. (Based on regional trends and employment projections)
Oklahoma City has a significant volume of landscaping postings (e.g., mowing crews, crew members, irrigation installers), indicating active hiring.
Job Outlook Summary (2026):
Landscaping and groundskeeping positions remain accessible with on-the-job training.
Growth is stable, driven by construction, property maintenance needs, and seasonal services.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Landscaping careers offer several practical and lifestyle benefits:
✅ Physical & Outdoor Work
Ideal for people who prefer active, outdoors jobs rather than desk-bound roles.
✅ Flexible Work Settings
Many landscapers work seasonally, part-time, or as independent contractors.
✅ Skill Variety
Tasks range from planting and soil prep to irrigation and landscape installation — keeping the work interesting.
✅ Potential for Advancement
Experienced landscapers can move into supervisory or managerial roles, increasing pay and responsibility.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Impact Salary
While many landscaping roles require only high school education and on-the-job training, advancing pay often involves additional learning:
📌 Useful Credentials
Horticulture Certificates – deepen plant care expertise.
Landscape Technology Programs – offer technical skills valued by employers.
Equipment Operation Certifications – qualify for machine-heavy tasks.
Safety Certifications (OSHA) – preferred for commercial grounds work.
Though not always required, certifications often improve job prospects and pay.
💰 Salary Comparison With Nearby Cities
While Oklahoma City offers competitive landscaping wages within the state, here’s how it compares regionally (estimates):
| City | Approx. Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | $36K – $39K (landscaper average) |
| Tulsa, OK | Higher range (~$43,825 avg reported) |
| Broken Arrow, OK | ~$44,705 (nearby market) |
| Statewide Oklahoma | ~$30,330 average landscaping/gardening wage |
👉 This shows that while Oklahoma City is solidly mid-range in pay for landscaping roles, nearby cities like Tulsa and Broken Arrow may command slightly higher averages.
📌 Final Takeaways
💼 Landscapers and gardeners in Oklahoma City, OK typically earn between $36,000 and $39,000 per year in 2026, with experienced workers able to reach mid-$40,000+ annual salaries.
📈 Experience and specialized skills significantly impact earnings; entry-level workers start lower.
📊 The job market remains stable with steady demand in residential, commercial, and institutional sectors.
🌱 Certifications and advanced training help professionals stand out and earn higher pay.
Whether you’re exploring a landscaping career or planning growth within the field, Oklahoma City presents a solid market with competitive pay and opportunity for advancement in 2026 and beyond. 🛠🌿