Landscapers and gardeners play a vital role in creating and maintaining healthy, attractive outdoor spaces — from residential yards to commercial grounds. If you’re considering this profession in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, understanding typical pay, factors shaping earnings, career outlook, and how salary differs with experience is key to planning a successful career. This guide provides a detailed look into Landscaper / Gardener salaries in Winston‑Salem for 2026 — giving you real value and clarity.
🌿 Average Salary Range (2026)
Salary levels for landscaping and gardening roles can vary depending on job title, employer, and skill set. Here’s a snapshot of typical earnings in Winston‑Salem:
| Job Title | Typical Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Gardener (Local Avg) | ~$34,958 | ~$17/hr |
| Landscaper (Citywide Estimate) | ~$38,275 | ~ $18+ /hr |
| Landscaper (Glassdoor report) | ~$44,677 | ~$21/hr median |
| Gardener (Retail/Entry roles) | ~$27,900** | ~$13–$15/hr* |
*Retail/chain stores like Lowe’s report lower average rates for gardener roles around $13.42/hr in Winston‑Salem — a common rate for entry jobs without specialized landscaping skills.
In general, experienced landscapers or those working for dedicated landscaping companies earn substantially more than basic gardener or laborer roles.
📌 Salary Influencers — What Shapes Pay?
Several factors directly influence how much landscapers or gardeners earn:
🔹 Experience Level
Entry-level workers may start lower (closer to $12–$16/hr for basic labor)
Mid-level professionals with 2–5 years of experience typically earn better pay
Experienced landscapers skilled in design, maintenance, and equipment operation often command higher than average wages (approaching or exceeding $20/hr or more)
🔹 Type of Employer
Landscaping companies and property maintenance firms tend to pay more
Retail or general retail garden center jobs may start lower but offer stability
🔹 Skills & Certifications
• Knowledge of plant care, irrigation, pest control, and use of professional landscape equipment may lead to higher earning roles.
• Certifications (e.g., pesticide applicator license, horticulture credentials) can significantly boost value.
🔹 Work Setting
Commercial contracts for businesses or homeowners associations often pay higher than basic residential gardening tasks.
Groundskeeping at universities, parks, or golf courses often comes with steady hours and sometimes benefits.
🧠 Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the strongest predictors of pay progression in landscaping careers. Here’s a generalized view:
| Experience Level | Typical Pay Level |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level (0‑1 yr) | Lower range (~$12–$15/hr) |
| Early Career (1‑3 yrs) | Around city average (~$15–$18/hr) |
| Experienced (3+ yrs) | ~$18–$21/hr or more (skilled or supervisory) |
While specific numbers vary by employer and exact role, gaining hands‑on experience and specialized skills tends to improve earnings over time.
📍 Job Market & Trends in Winston‑Salem
The landscaping and gardening field in Winston‑Salem remains stable to moderately growing due to several local trends:
🌱 Growth Factors
Residential demand: Homeowners increasingly invest in lawn care and garden design.
Commercial landscaping: Businesses and municipalities maintain outdoor spaces year‑round.
Healthcare & institutional grounds: Hospitals, schools, and universities require dedicated groundskeeping crews.
According to state occupational data, landscaping and groundskeeping work is a moderately growing field in the region, with median wages around $37,339 in the area as of recent surveys.
🌟 Benefits of a Career in Landscaping / Gardening
Working as a landscaper or gardener offers several real benefits beyond just wages:
✨ Key Advantages
Outdoor work: Many enjoy the physical activity and fresh air.
Flexible roles: Opportunities exist in part‑time, full‑time, seasonal, and contract work.
Skill development: Hands‑on skills that are transferable across neighborhoods, commercial lots, parks, and farms.
Potential for entrepreneurship: Many landscapers start their own small businesses.
Some larger employers may also offer benefits like paid time off, health coverage, and retirement plans for full‑time positions.
📈 Job Outlook & Career Growth
The job outlook for landscaping and groundskeeping remains positive for workers who acquire practical skills and professional training.
🌿 Future Opportunities
Advancement to supervisory or crew lead roles
Specialized fields such as horticulture, landscape design, or irrigation systems
Self‑employment or small business ownership, particularly in residential landscaping
Certified professionals or those with horticultural education often earn more and access specialized roles.
🆚 Salary Comparison With Nearby Cities
| City | Average Landscaper / Gardener Salary |
|---|---|
| Winston‑Salem, NC | ~$34,000 – $44,000+ (varies by role) |
| Raleigh, NC | Comparative gardener roles ~$36,000+ |
| Greensboro, NC | Median landscaping wages similar to WC area (~$28–$30k for grounds jobs) |
| Charlotte, NC | Larger metro, often higher pay for commercial landscaping due to demand |
Winston‑Salem holds up well compared with similar NC cities, offering competitive pay especially for skilled landscapers.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Help
While a high school diploma is often sufficient to start, the following can improve your earning potential:
🎯 Valuable Credentials
Certified Landscape Technician
Pesticide Applicator License
Courses in horticulture or turf management
Equipment operator certifications
These credentials signal professionalism to employers and often lead to higher pay and better job prospects.
🧰 Summary — What to Expect in 2026
Here’s the key takeaway for landscapers and gardeners in Winston‑Salem in 2026:
Typical salaries range from roughly $30,000 to $45,000+, depending on role and experience.
Experienced and specialized landscaping jobs tend to pay significantly more than basic gardening roles.
Career growth is tied to skills, certifications, and employer type.
The job outlook remains stable, with steady demand across residential and commercial sectors.
Comparatively competitive when stacked against other cities in North Carolina.
Whether you’re just starting or planning to grow your career in landscaping, Winston‑Salem offers a stable foundation with plenty of room for skill‑based earnings.