A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, balancing environmental sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality. They plan and design parks, gardens, campuses, residential areas, and public spaces, enhancing both natural and built environments.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 0.7% (below average)
Annual job openings: 1,700
Direct AI exposure: 5% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 68% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $80K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $55K per year | $64K per year | $80K per year | $104K per year | $130K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average. | ||||
Landscape Architects work in a variety of settings, including private design firms, government agencies, and environmental organizations. Their work involves both office work for design and planning and fieldwork to oversee projects and understand landscapes. They often collaborate with architects, urban planners, and engineers.
Landscape Architects combine creativity with technical skills to design outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. They use their knowledge of landscape processes, design, and sustainable practices to create environments that enhance quality of life and respect the natural ecosystem. Their work involves extensive planning and design, requiring proficiency in design software, as well as knowledge of plants, materials, and ecological systems.
Communication and collaboration are crucial in this field, as Landscape Architects frequently work with diverse teams on projects. They must understand the vision of their clients and translate that into practical design plans. They also play an essential role in public projects, contributing to the development of communities and urban areas.
This career offers the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from one's work, turning a vision into a physical space that people enjoy. Landscape Architects are often driven by the desire to create enjoyable, sustainable, and harmonious spaces that benefit communities and the environment.
Becoming a Landscape Architect typically requires a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, which is a 4-5 year program. Some states require licensure, which includes passing the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE).
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.