Landscapers and gardeners play a vital role in creating and maintaining attractive outdoor spaces — from residential lawns to commercial grounds. If you’re considering a career in this field in Plano, Texas, it’s important to understand what you can earn, what impacts pay, and where the job market is heading in 2026. This article breaks down average salaries, experience levels, influencing factors, job outlook, benefits, and comparisons with neighboring cities — giving you real insight into the industry.
📌 Average Salary Overview in Plano, TX (2026)
Landscaping and gardening wages can vary based on job title, experience, and employer. Here’s an overview of typical earnings:
| Job Title | Typical Wage | Estimated Annual Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper / Groundskeeper | ~$15–$18/hr (job ads) | ~$31,200–$37,440 per year (assuming full-time) |
| Landscape Laborer | ~$14.08/hr (Indeed) | ~$29,270 |
| Landscaping / Groundskeeping Worker (TX average) | ~$18.49/hr | ~$38,460 per year average |
| Gardener (Texas average) | ~$17/hr | ~$35,989 per year |
*Note: Local averages for Plano are approximated from job postings and regional data. State-level figures provide context where specific city data isn’t available.
In Plano, landscapers commonly see hourly pay starting around $15–$18 based on job listings, with roles involving landscaping maintenance, planting, mowing, and basic groundskeeping.
📊 Salary by Experience Level
Experience makes a clear difference in landscaping and gardening roles. While exact Plano-specific experience data isn’t published, Texas state averages offer a realistic benchmark:
| Experience Level | Estimated Hourly | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 yr) | ~$15–$17 | ~$31,000–$35,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–4 yrs) | ~$17–$19 | ~$35,000–$39,000 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | ~$19–$21 | ~$39,000–$43,000 |
While some roles labeled “landscape architect manager” can reach much higher salaries, such positions typically require more education and management experience rather than ground-level gardening work.
🌱 Key Factors Influencing Earnings
Several elements affect how much landscapers and gardeners earn in Plano:
🔹 Job Role & Responsibilities
General landscapers focus on maintenance, planting, mowing, and trimming.
Specialized gardeners may handle ornamental plants, irrigation systems, or horticultural planning.
Roles with more responsibility often pay higher wages.
🔹 Experience & Skill Level
More experienced workers, especially those with specialized horticulture or equipment skills, tend to earn more.
Leadership or crew supervisor duties also command higher salaries.
🔹 Certifications & Training
While not always required, certifications can enhance earning potential:
Pesticide application permits
Irrigation certification
Horticulture or landscaping training programs
These credentials signal expertise and may help secure higher-paying positions.
🔹 Work Setting
Residential landscaping may offer variable pay based on client budget.
Commercial or municipal roles often have steadier hours and potentially better benefits.
📈 Job Market Trends in Plano (2026)
The landscaping and gardening field in Plano remains stable with ongoing opportunities:
Construction & development growth in Plano supports demand for landscaping installation and maintenance.
Residential demand continues as homeowners invest in curb appeal and outdoor living spaces.
Commercial landscaping contracts from businesses, HOAs, and municipal projects provide steady work.
Texas’s general trends for landscaping/groundskeeping jobs show average hourly pay around $18.49/hr and annual wages near $38,460, indicating healthy demand statewide.
With Plano’s population growth and focus on outdoor spaces, jobs are expected to remain accessible for both entry-level and experienced workers.
🌇 Salary Comparison with Nearby Cities
Comparing salary data provides perspective on Plano’s compensation trends:
| City | Typical Landscaper Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Plano, TX | ~$36,000–$38,000 est. |
| Dallas, TX | ~$65,000 (landscape role; might include design/advanced) |
| Fort Worth, TX | ~$36,603 (landscape gardener) |
| Richardson, TX | Similar regional landscaper jobs‡ |
Dallas appears to have higher average landscape-related salaries, but this may reflect broader job categories including design and project management. Plano’s range aligns more closely with Fort Worth and other Texas metro areas.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Though not always discussed in salary figures, many positions offer benefits such as:
Flexible scheduling — seasonal or year-round employment options.
Outdoor work environment — ideal for those who prefer active, non-desk jobs.
Skill development — equipment operation, horticulture knowledge, and plant care expertise.
Potential commission or bonuses — in private contract work.
Some employers, especially larger landscaping companies, may provide health insurance, paid time off, or opportunities for career advancement.
🧠 Certifications & Career Growth
To boost salary and job prospects, consider:
📌 Valuable Certifications
Certified Landscape Technician
Irrigation or turf management certification
Safety and equipment training
These credentials can open doors to supervisory roles or specialized horticulture positions.
📌 Career Progression Paths
Crew Leader / Supervisor
Landscape Designer / Planner
Landscape Manager
Irrigation Specialist
Progression often comes with significant wage increases over general labor roles.
🧾 Tips to Maximize Earnings
Build experience and showcase reliability — longevity and quality work often lead to raises.
Pursue skill training or certification — especially in irrigation or horticulture.
Network within local landscaping businesses — reputation and referrals can lead to better wages.
Consider seasonal or contract work during peak demand.
📌 Final Summary
In Plano, TX in 2026, landscapers and gardeners can anticipate competitive wages compared to the broader Texas market. Hourly pay commonly ranges from about $15 to $18/hour and up, with many full-time roles approaching $35,000–$38,000 annually for general landscaping positions.
Experience, certifications, and job setting significantly influence earnings and opportunities for growth. With a stable job market in Plano’s growing community, landscaping remains a viable career path with room for advancement.