Landscaper / Gardener Salary in Spokane, WA 2026

Are you exploring a career as a landscaper or gardener in Spokane, Washington? This guide breaks down the expected 2026 salary range, factors influencing earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, benefits, and education or certifications that may boost your pay. Whether you’re entering the field or planning growth, this article gives valuable insights into what you might earn and what to expect in this outdoor profession.

🌱 Average Salary Range in Spokane, WA (2026)

In Spokane, landscaping and gardening roles encompass several positions with different pay scales. Here’s the current snapshot:

Landscaper / Landscape Worker

According to 2026 estimates, the average annual salary for a landscaper in Spokane is about $39,981, which equates to roughly $19 per hour. Most earn between $36,571 and $43,942 annually.

Landscape Laborer

Another common role, landscape laborers, earn about $22.34 per hour in Spokane, with typical wages ranging from $18.58 to $26.87 per hour.

Gardener

For garden-specific roles, gardeners in Spokane earn around $18.53 per hour on average, with a range of roughly $16.66 to $24.56 per hour based on postings.

City of Spokane Gardener Jobs

Municipal positions (e.g., Gardener I) for the City of Spokane show annual salaries from approximately $45,500 to over $72,900, reflecting higher public-sector pay for skilled gardening work.

🌿 Factors That Influence Landscaping & Gardening Earnings

Several elements can affect how much you make as a landscaper or gardener in Spokane:

1. Experience

Experience is a major influence. Entry-level landscapers or gardeners typically start near the lower end of the salary range, while mid- and senior-level workers see higher pay as they gain skills and responsibility.

2. Skill Set and Specialization

Skills like irrigation system installation, hardscape work, plant disease management, or landscape design can justify higher wages. Specialized knowledge is particularly valuable in commercial, municipal, or estate gardening roles.

3. Employer Type

• Municipal / Government roles often come with better benefits and pay scales.

• Commercial landscaping companies may offer competitive hourly wages with seasonal overtime.

• Residential gardening services often pay more for specialized or premium care.

4. Certifications and Training

Certifications (e.g., pesticide application, irrigation tech, horticulture) can help boost earnings and job opportunities.

📈 Salary by Experience Level

Here’s how experience typically affects compensation:

Municipal gardener roles often require experience and may pay significantly more, reflecting oversight responsibilities and technical competence.

🧑‍🌾 Job Market Trends in Spokane

Steady Demand for Landscaping & Gardening Workers

Landscaping and gardening workers are essential to maintaining residential lawns, commercial properties, parks, and public spaces. Spokane’s climate and community growth sustain steady demand for these services.

According to state career resources, landscaping and groundskeeping workers across Washington see a median yearly salary around $45,300 (about $22/hr), with half earning between roughly $36,800 and $49,700 — indicating a solid wage outlook for these roles.

Seasonality

Landscaping jobs can be seasonal, with peak demand in spring through fall. However, many companies and municipalities maintain year-round staff.

Growth and Trends

As environmental landscaping and sustainable gardening practices grow, workers with green expertise — like native plant care, water-efficient design, and organic landscape management — may command higher pay.

🌟 Benefits Beyond Salary

Working in landscaping or gardening can include additional advantages:

Flexible Work

Many landscaping and gardening jobs offer flexible schedules or part-time seasonal options — good for students or supplemental income.

Health & Retirement

Larger firms and government jobs often provide health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Outdoor Work

If you enjoy outdoor physical activity and varied environments, this work provides a dynamic, active career.

Skill Development

You can build highly transferable skills, from plant science to equipment operation and design. Certifications further enhance your professional value.

📚 Certifications and Training That Boost Pay

Here are common areas of training that can help improve earnings in landscaping and gardening:

• Horticulture or Botany Courses

• Pesticide Safety & Application Certification

• Irrigation Design & Installation Training

• Landscape Design Certification

• Equipment Operation Training

Employers value technical knowledge alongside hands-on field skills — combining both can lead to higher wage opportunities.

📊 Compare with Related Jobs or Cities

Here’s how landscaping roles in Spokane compare with broader benchmarks:

Compared to larger metropolitan areas like Seattle, local wages are generally lower but reflect the lower cost of living in Spokane.

🧠 Job Outlook and Career Growth

The job outlook for landscaping and gardening roles in Spokane and Washington overall is positive:

• Demand remains steady due to residential and commercial landscaping needs.

• Green industry growth, including sustainable landscaping practices and urban green spaces, supports ongoing work opportunities.

• Advancement paths — from laborer to crew leader, or into landscape design and management — can increase earnings and job stability.

🌼 Final Thoughts

If you’re considering or progressing in a landscaping or gardening career in Spokane, WA, 2026 presents solid earning potential, particularly with experience and specialized skills. Average landscaper pay is around $19 per hour, with roles like landscape laborers or city gardeners often earning higher annual salaries. Investing in certifications and experience, and exploring municipal or year-round jobs, can boost your income and career satisfaction