If you’re thinking about working as a landscaper or gardener in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) in 2026, understanding pay rates, job trends, and how to boost earning potential is crucial. Vancouver’s green industry plays an important role in maintaining parks, residential gardens, commercial grounds, and more — and your pay can vary widely based on experience, role, and skills.
Let’s dig into what landscapers and gardeners can expect to earn in Vancouver in 2026, what affects their earnings, job outlook, and how Vancouver compares to other cities.
🌿 Average Salary Range — Landscapers & Gardeners in Vancouver
In 2026, the estimated earnings for landscapers and gardeners in Vancouver, BC are as follows:
📌 Landscaper Salary
| Type of Pay | Range |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ≈ CA$38,560 – CA$52,316 |
| Average Base Pay | ≈ CA$44,900 (~CA$22/hr) |
| Top Earners | Up to ~CA$60,000+ per year |
| Typical Range | ~CA$38,500 – CA$52,300 |
This aligns with Landscaper roles where wages generally fall between CA$20 and CA$33 per hour based on regional labour surveys — reflecting variety from entry-level to more experienced roles.
🌱 Gardener Salary
For gardeners in Vancouver (similar to landscapers but sometimes more specialized toward plant care), reported averages include:
Hourly rate: ~CA$24.70/hr — slightly above national averages.
Prevailing wage data shows median gardener wages around CA$25/hr in the Lower Mainland–Southwest region.
Recent reports also show gardeners earning between ~CA$35,000 and CA$61,600+ annually depending on experience level.
💼 What Influences Landscaper & Gardener Earnings in Vancouver
Your pay as a landscaper or gardener in Vancouver depends on several key factors:
🧠 Experience Level
More years in the field typically mean higher pay. Entry-level workers often start on the lower end of the range, while experienced landscapers — especially those managing projects or supervising teams — can command higher wages.
📍 Type of Employer
Commercial properties, parks, and municipalities may offer steady hours and benefits if full-time.
Residential landscaping companies often pay based on contract or hourly rates.
Specialized roles (e.g., horticultural teams for luxury estates) may pay more. Available job postings show wages ranging from ~CA$23 to CA$40+ per hour for qualified workers.
🪴 Seasonal vs. Year-Round Work
Landscaping in Vancouver has a seasonal lean (spring and summer peak), which can affect annual income, benefits, and stability.
🛠️ Certifications & Skills
While formal education isn’t always required, certifications in horticulture, landscape design, or safety courses can help income prospects — especially for supervisory roles or specialized work.
📊 Salary by Experience Level
Here’s how experience can influence pay in Vancouver:
| Experience | Expected Earnings |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | Lower range of pay (e.g., CA$38,000–CA$45,000) |
| Mid-Career (3–5 years) | Around average (~CA$45,000–CA$52,000) |
| Experienced / Senior (5+ years) | Potentially CA$52,000+ (approaching top range) |
💡 Experienced garden professionals with advanced horticultural knowledge or supervisory responsibilities often earn more than the provincial median wage.
📈 Job Market Trends in Vancouver (2026)
The job outlook for landscapers and gardeners in Vancouver remains positive:
Population growth & urban development sustain demand for landscaping services across residential and commercial sectors.
Public parks and urban greenspaces require regular maintenance and specialized care, supporting continuous hiring.
Sustainability and green initiatives have elevated the importance of knowledgeable gardeners and landscapers.
While automation assists some tasks, hands-on planting, pruning, and landscape planning still heavily rely on human work.
🌿 Benefits of Working in Landscaping & Gardening
Working in this sector can offer a range of benefits beyond pay:
Flexible schedules for many jobs, especially seasonal or freelance work.
Paid time off & possible benefits in full-time positions (health care, pension contributions).
Physical activity and outdoor work, often valued by workers who enjoy being active.
Skill development opportunities in horticulture, botany, and landscape design.
Some employers also support professional development and certification reimbursement — especially for horticulture-related training.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
While many landscaping jobs do not strictly require formal education, gaining qualifications can boost prospects:
🔹 Helpful Credentials
Horticulture or Botanical Studies Certificates
Landscape Design or Technician Certifications
Safety Training (e.g., chainsaw, pesticide handling)
Red Seal Certification for Landscape Horticulturists (recognized trade credential)
Taking courses or apprenticeships can enhance your ability to negotiate higher pay and qualify for specialized roles.
🌆 How Vancouver Compares to Other Cities
Here’s how landscaping and gardening pay in Vancouver compares with similar Canadian cities:
| City | Approx. Average Salary (Landscaper / Gardener) |
|---|---|
| Vancouver, BC | ~CA$38,000 – CA$52,000+ |
| Victoria, BC | Similar or slightly higher due to demand |
| Calgary, AB | Competitive wages often reflecting local costs |
| Toronto, ON | Slightly higher on average, varied by employer |
Vancouver’s cost of living is higher than many cities, so wages often reflect that reality — even if they are similar to provincial averages for these roles.
📌 Tips to Boost Your Salary
If you want to earn more as a landscaper or gardener in Vancouver:
Gain hands-on experience across different landscape settings.
Get certified in specialized areas like horticulture or landscape design.
Focus on niche skills such as irrigation systems, tree care, or hardscape installation.
Seek full-time positions with companies offering benefits and growth pathways.
Networking with landscape professionals and joining industry groups can also open doors to higher-paying work and referrals.
🌱 Conclusion
In Vancouver, BC in 2026, landscapers and gardeners enjoy competitive wages reflecting a strong market for outdoor and green-related services. With average annual salaries generally between ~CA$38,000 and CA$52,000+, and hourly rates around CA$22–$25, this field offers stable work for those with the right skills and experience.
Earnings improve with experience, specialization, and certifications, and Vancouver’s vibrant urban landscape continues to support long-term opportunities in this sector.