If you’re considering a career as a landscaper or gardener in Toronto, Ontario, understanding current salary trends, pay ranges, and career prospects is essential. In 2026, the landscaping and gardening sector continues to offer solid opportunities — from entry-level labour to skilled gardening roles. This comprehensive guide breaks down key salary figures, what influences earnings, how experience matters, job market trends, benefits, and tips to grow your career in this outdoor profession.
🌿 Average Salary Range in Toronto (2026)
The pay for landscaping and gardening workers in Toronto varies based on skill level, employer, and experience. Based on recent regional employment data and reported salary figures:
Landscaping Roles
| Position | Typical Hourly Wage | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Labourer | $17.60 – $29.93 | ~$36,500 – $62,000+ |
| Landscaper | $22.00 – $36.00 | ~$45,000 – $68,000+ |
| Gardener (general) | ~$23.68 | ~$49,000 |
| City of Toronto Gardener (public sector) | ~$33.07 | ~$68,800 (full‑time) |
| Advanced Landscaper/Gardener 2 | $59,000 – $69,000 | ~$59,000 – $69,000+ |
Median Hourly Pay: Around $23–$30 CAD for skilled landscaping roles in the greater Toronto region.
Top Earners: Experienced and supervisory landscaping professionals can earn over $65,000‑$70,000+ per year.
These figures reflect combined data from government wage surveys and employee‑reported salaries. The broader landscaping and gardening workforce in Toronto typically earns more than the provincial average in Ontario due to the city’s higher cost of living and demand for seasonal/maintenance services.
🌱 Factors That Influence Earnings
Multiple factors determine how much landscapers and gardeners earn in Toronto:
1. Experience and Skill Level
Entry‑level workers often start closer to the low end of wage ranges.
Skilled gardeners or those with specialization (e.g., horticulture, irrigation systems) command higher pay.
Supervisory or advanced roles (like “Gardener 2”) show significant increases.
2. Type of Employer
Municipal jobs (City of Toronto parks crews) often offer stable hours, structured pay scales, and benefits.
Private landscaping companies may vary pay based on contract size, client type (residential vs commercial), and season.
Self‑employment or contracting often allows landscapers to set their own rates, potentially above standard hourly wages.
3. Seasonality of Work
Landscaping is heavily seasonal; many roles are concentrated in spring through fall, with some year‑round positions for maintenance crews.
Seasonal demand can affect annual income unless year‑round contracts are secured.
4. Certifications & Training
Certifications in horticulture, pesticide application, arboriculture, or landscape design make candidates more valuable.
Holding a diploma or college certificate in landscape horticulture can improve job prospects and wages.
🌾 Salary Breakdown by Experience
Here’s how experience typically impacts earnings in the Toronto landscaping sector:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay (Hourly) | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry‑Level / Labourer | $17.60 – $22.00 | ~$36,500 – $45,000 |
| Intermediate Landscaper | $22.00 – $28.00 | ~$45,000 – $58,000 |
| Experienced Gardener / Specialist | $28.00 – $36.00+ | ~$58,000 – $68,000+ |
| Advanced / Supervisor | $30.00 – $40.00+ | ~$60,000 – $80,000+ |
Experience doesn’t just bring higher pay — it often brings more complex responsibilities like project planning, crew supervision, client relations, and specialized landscape installation.
📈 Job Market Trends in Toronto
The landscaping and gardening profession in Toronto, ON remains strong in 2026 thanks to several factors:
🌳 Urban development & property growth: New residential and commercial builds increase demand for landscaping design and installation.
🌿 Sustainability trends: Growing interest in sustainable landscapes, native planting, and edible gardens expands gardening roles.
🏙️ Public sector investment: City maintenance crews and parks departments often hire gardeners for public greenspaces and recreational areas.
🍁 Seasonal demand: Warmer months see a surge in landscaping work but well‑managed companies maintain year‑round roles through maintenance and snow removal contracts.
Even with seasonal fluctuations, experienced landscapers with strong portfolios or specialized skills tend to find stable employment.
🌟 Benefits of Working as a Landscaper / Gardener
Besides competitive pay, many landscaping jobs offer:
🛠️ Skill development: Opportunity to learn plant care, hardscape installation, and equipment operation.
⏰ Flexible work schedules: Options for full‑time, part‑time, or contract work depending on preferences.
🌼 Outdoor work environment: Ideal for those who enjoy physical work and being outdoors.
📈 Career progression: Pathways into supervisory roles, landscape design, or business ownership.
Municipal positions and larger firms may also provide vacation pay, pensions, health benefits, and structured career advancement.
📘 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
Investing in formal education or certification can meaningfully impact your landscaping career:
Useful Credentials Include:
🌿 Horticulture certificates (college programs)
📜 Landscape Design training
🌱 Pesticide applicator certification
🧰 Irrigation and hardscape installation certificates
These credentials not only improve job prospects — they can open doors to higher‑paying roles across residential, commercial, and public sector landscaping.
🌆 Salary Comparison: Toronto vs. Nearby Ontario Cities
| City | Typical Landscaper/Gardener Pay |
|---|---|
| Toronto, ON | $22.00 – $36.00+/hr |
| Ottawa, ON | ~$24.54/hr average gardener |
| Mississauga, ON | ~$23.90/hr average gardener |
| Hamilton, ON | Ontario median ~ $28/hr landscaper |
Toronto generally offers competitive wages compared to other Ontario cities, particularly for skilled and municipal positions.
🌼 Career Outlook & Tips for Growth
Gain hands‑on experience: Working with reputable landscaping companies builds skills and references.
Get certified: Horticulture and specialization certificates increase your marketability.
Network locally: Attend industry events and join professional groups in the Greater Toronto Area.
Explore entrepreneurship: Many gardeners find success running their own small landscape businesses.
🌿 Conclusion
In 2026, landscapers and gardeners in Toronto, ON enjoy competitive salaries, especially compared to provincial averages. Pay ranges from entry‑level labour wages to higher earnings for experienced and specialized professionals. With strong demand, room for career progression, and opportunities for certification and skill development, the landscape industry is a solid choice for those passionate about outdoor work and plant care.