Landscape Industry Statistics: A $188.8 Billion Sector With a Workforce Gap
The landscaping industry employs more than 1.4 million workers and is growing at 6.5% annually — but firms are struggling to find enough people to fill the jobs.
The U.S. landscaping industry has grown into one of the most economically significant sectors in the trades — generating $188.8 billion in annual revenue and employing more than 1.4 million workers across lawn care, landscape design, irrigation, and exterior maintenance.
Yet behind those headline numbers lies a persistent challenge: the industry is expanding faster than its workforce. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), 82% of landscape firms reported craft labor shortages in their most recent survey — a figure that has remained stubbornly high for the better part of a decade.
82% of landscape firms report craft labor shortages — a figure that has remained stubbornly high for nearly a decade.
— National Association of Landscape Professionals
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the industry will need 499,000 net new workers over the next decade to keep pace with demand. That figure accounts for both growth and the replacement of workers who retire or leave the field — a pressing concern given that 20% of the current landscape workforce is over the age of 55.
Size of the Industry
Landscaping is not a niche trade. The sector spans residential lawn maintenance, commercial grounds management, landscape architecture, irrigation installation, and tree care — each a distinct career pathway with its own certification structure and wage profile.
Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 6.5% over the past five years, outpacing many other service industries. The residential segment accounts for roughly 60% of total revenue, while commercial and institutional clients make up the remainder.
State of the Industry
Wages in landscaping vary significantly by role and region. Entry-level grounds maintenance workers earn a median hourly wage of $17.68 according to BLS data, while landscape architects — who typically hold a four-year degree or equivalent — earn a median annual salary of $73,160.
The middle of the career ladder — irrigation technicians, crew leaders, and estimators — often earns between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with experienced professionals in high-cost markets earning considerably more. Crucially, many of these roles are accessible through apprenticeships, community college programs, or on-the-job training rather than a four-year degree.
For job seekers weighing their options, the data makes a compelling case. The landscaping industry offers stable employment, genuine career progression, and wages that compare favorably to many college-educated roles — without the student debt.