If you’re considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in Sacramento, California, understanding local salary expectations and job trends is key. In 2026, the landscaping profession continues to offer viable opportunities for outdoor‑focused workers. This guide covers average pay ranges, earnings by experience, influencing factors, job outlook, benefits, and important skills or certifications that can affect your earnings.
🌿 Sacramento Salary Snapshot (2026)
Landscaper Salary
In Sacramento, landscapers earn competitive wages that reflect California’s cost of living:
| Salary Metric | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Range | ~$42,481 – $61,284 | ~$20 – $29 |
| Median Salary | ~$50,776 | ~$24 |
| Top Earners (High) | Up to ~$72,376+ | ~$35+ |
| Entry Level (Low) | Around ~$42,494 | ~$20 |
(Data based on employer‑reported salaries submitted to Glassdoor as of January 2026.)
This range suggests most landscapers in Sacramento can expect full‑time earnings between roughly $42K and $61K per year depending on experience and employer.
Gardener Pay
For gardeners specifically, local wage data from job postings shows:
| Pay Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Average Gardener Wage | ~$20.23 per hour |
| Low Reported Wage | ~$18 per hour |
| High Reported Wage | ~$23.90 per hour |
These figures suggest gardeners in Sacramento earn roughly $20 per hour on average, which translates to about $40K annually for full‑time work.
🌱 Factors That Influence Earnings
Several key elements affect how much landscapers and gardeners can earn in Sacramento:
1. Experience and Skill Level
Experience directly impacts pay — workers who have honed skills over years tend to earn more. As with many labor‑oriented roles, mastering plant care, irrigation systems, and landscape design boosts value.
2. Type of Work
Residential landscaping (yards, private homes) tends to pay differently than commercial projects (business campuses, HOA communities).
Specialized work like hardscaping, irrigation installation, or water‑efficient design can command higher rates.
3. Employer Size
Larger landscaping companies or commercial property managers may offer more structured pay scales and benefits compared with small independent crews.
4. Certifications & Training
Certifications in areas such as pesticide application, irrigation technology, horticulture, or landscape management signal professionalism and can contribute to better wages.
5. Seasonal Demand
Landscaping work is often seasonal; pay and hours may fluctuate with weather and customer demand.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how experience can shape earnings for landscapers (California general data, which closely reflects Sacramento area trends):
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0–1 yr) | ~$42,000+ |
| Early Career (1–3 yrs) | ~$42,800+ |
| Mid Career (3–5 yrs) | ~$44,600+ |
| Senior (5+ yrs) | ~$44,800–$44,900+ |
Workers with more experience and advanced skills often find themselves near the higher end of Sacramento’s pay range.
🌆 Comparisons With Nearby Cities
Here’s how Sacramento’s landscaping wages stack up regionally:
| City | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Sacramento, CA | ~$42K – $61K |
| North Highlands, CA | ~$47.5K average (nearby) |
| Roseville, CA | ~$44K average (nearby) |
Data shows nearby suburbs like North Highlands and Roseville offer comparable or slightly higher average wages, particularly where demand for commercial landscaping is strong.
📊 Job Market Trends & Outlook
The landscaping field in Sacramento remains active due to:
Steady residential demand as homeowners invest in outdoor spaces.
Commercial property maintenance — offices, shopping centers, and public spaces need ongoing landscape services.
Emphasis on sustainable designs (drought‑tolerant gardens, water‑efficient systems).
While mechanization supports efficiency, the personal touch of trained landscapers and gardeners continues to be essential. Job growth is expected to stay stable with moderate increases as urban development and landscaping standards evolve.
🌟 Benefits of a Career in Landscaping/Gardening
Working as a landscaper or gardener offers:
Outdoor work environment with physical activity and variety.
Flexible roles — part‑time, full‑time, or freelance opportunities.
Skills development in horticulture, design, irrigation, and equipment operation.
Career progression into supervisory, design, or specialized technical roles.
Many workers also enjoy hands‑on experience and the satisfaction of transforming outdoor spaces.
📘 Certifications That Can Boost Pay
While formal degrees aren’t required, the following trainings can enhance skills and salary potential:
Irrigation Specialist Certification
Certified Landscape Technician (CLT)
Pesticide and Chemical Safety Training
Horticulture or Nursery Management Courses
Certifications demonstrate expertise and often lead to higher‑paying job opportunities or leadership roles.
💡 Tips to Increase Salary
Here are steps to increase your earning potential:
Gain Experience: Advance from basic landscaping to specialized roles.
Upskill: Learn irrigation systems, pest management, or design software.
Network: Build relationships with landscape firms and property managers.
Explore Freelance Work: Some landscapers supplement income with private contracts.
🧠 Conclusion
In Sacramento, CA (2026), landscapers and gardeners enjoy solid earning potential with competitive salaries tailored to the high cost of living and demand for outdoor services. Typical annual earnings range from approximately $42,000 to $61,000 for landscapers, while gardeners often earn around $20 per hour (~$40,000/year) depending on experience and role.
Experience, skills, and specialization play important roles in determining pay. Thanks to ongoing demand in residential and commercial sectors, landscapers and gardeners have stable opportunities for growth and the ability to shape their careers through training and certifications.
Whether you’re just starting out or planning to advance your landscaping career, Sacramento offers solid opportunities and competitive wages in 2026.