Landscape Architects
Landscape architects plan and design outdoor spaces for parks, recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, and residential or commercial sites. They work in design firms, government agencies, or as independent consultants, combining environmental analysis with creative design to shape how people use land.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against landscape architects and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves site visits to assess terrain, soil conditions, and existing features, followed by office work creating design plans using CAD software and other tools. Landscape architects meet with clients and other professionals like engineers and developers to refine plans, review regulatory requirements, and prepare presentations. They may spend time researching materials, cost estimates, and sustainable design practices.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're likely to succeed in this field if you enjoy solving practical problems through observation and analysis while also expressing creative ideas visually. People drawn to this work tend to combine investigative curiosity about how environments function with realistic confidence in making detailed, buildable plans.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Landscape Architect (Seasonal) · National Park Service · Yankton, South Dakota · $26.85–$33.05
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $74,930 | $101,220 | $109,010 | 230 |
| California | $74,960 | $98,380 | $132,220 | 2,310 |
| Tennessee | $62,160 | $95,250 | $131,830 | 260 |
| New Jersey | $81,680 | $95,020 | $107,790 | 360 |
| Utah | $77,120 | $94,430 | $99,860 | 90 |
| Maryland | $72,800 | $92,880 | $111,500 | 870 |
| Texas | $76,840 | $89,220 | $110,360 | 1,450 |
| Massachusetts | $79,310 | $88,000 | $91,700 | 500 |
| New York | $68,020 | $87,360 | $108,700 | 920 |
| Iowa | $79,330 | $87,270 | $102,720 | 80 |
| Rhode Island | $53,490 | $85,420 | $112,320 | 90 |
| Nevada | $69,990 | $85,140 | $102,960 | 180 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) — Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards
- Certified Irrigation Designer - Landscape (CID) — Irrigation Association
- Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) — Irrigation Association
- Certified Landscape Water Managers (CLWM) — Irrigation Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against landscape architects and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-1012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.