Landscape Architect salary in California
Landscape Architects in California earn a median of $98,380 a year ($47.30 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,310 workers.
Pay ranges from $60,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $187,270 for the top 10%. That is 23% higher than the national median of $79,870. California ranks 2nd of 41 states for landscape architects pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.13 landscape architects per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $110,360, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for landscape architects in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $60,600 | $29.13 |
| 25th percentile | $74,960 | $36.04 |
| Median | $98,380 | $47.30 |
| 75th percentile | $132,220 | $63.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $187,270 | $90.03 |
| Average (mean) | $110,360 | $53.06 |
Half of landscape architects earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $8,198.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,099.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,783.85 |
| Weekly | $1,891.92 |
| Hourly | $47.30 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Landscape Architect salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $119,910 | 70 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $119,730 | 610 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $106,030 | 150 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $101,640 | 150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $95,760 | 570 |
| Fresno, CA | $90,860 | 30 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $86,060 | 40 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $83,190 | 210 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $81,350 | 50 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $77,570 | 90 |
| Salinas, CA | $63,520 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for landscape architects
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,220 |
| California | $98,380 |
| Tennessee | $95,250 |
| New Jersey | $95,020 |
| Utah | $94,430 |
| Maryland | $92,880 |
| Texas | $89,220 |
| Massachusetts | $88,000 |
| New York | $87,360 |
| Iowa | $87,270 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $108,540 | $52.19 |
| Surveyor | $105,330 | $50.64 |
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $102,780 | $49.41 |
| Civil Engineer | $122,500 | $58.89 |
| Industrial Engineer | $124,600 | $59.90 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $130,900 | $62.94 |
| Engineers, All Other | $130,850 | $62.91 |
| Electrical Engineer | $144,040 | $69.25 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $160,520 | $77.17 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $185,180 | $89.03 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $86,090 | $41.39 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $76,520 | $36.79 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $157,620 | $75.78 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $80,480 | $38.69 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-1012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a landscape architect make in California?
The median salary for landscape architects in California is $98,380 a year, or $47.30 an hour. Pay ranges from $60,600 for the lowest-paid 10% to $187,270 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid landscape architects make in California?
The top 10% of landscape architects in California earn at least $187,270 a year. The top 25% earn $132,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for landscape architects in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $60,600 a year, and a quarter of landscape architects earn $74,960 or less.
How many landscape architects work in California?
About 2,310 landscape architects are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.