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Average Landscape Architects Salary in California

Landscape Architects in California command an impressive average annual salary of $111,440, significantly outpacing the national average of $85,840. This substantial difference is largely driven by California's robust economy, high demand for skilled professionals in urban planning and design, and the state's generally higher cost of living, which necessitates competitive compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $111,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,690.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,820 Landscape Architects and a Location Quotient of 1.23, California demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market, indicating consistent demand and opportunities for both new entrants and experienced individuals within the state's design and development sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$111,440

The average Landscape Architects in California earns+29.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$53.6

Weekly

$2,143

Monthly

$9,287

Landscape Architects Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Landscape Architects in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles and those with specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects significant career growth and increased responsibility over time.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$60,840$29.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$83,580$40.2
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$98,880$47.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$139,300$67
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$191,690$92.2

Detailed Landscape Architects Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$111,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$80,462

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $111,440 is substantial, California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 indicates that expenses are approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the purchasing power may be somewhat moderated by the elevated cost of housing, transportation, and everyday goods and services.

Job Market Context

2,820

Total Jobs

0.156

Per 1K Jobs

1.23

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.23, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Landscape Architects roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.23 signifies that Landscape Architects are 23% more concentrated in California than the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized market for these professionals, indicating a strong demand that supports a larger pool of talent and potentially more competitive opportunities within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Landscape Architects

CitySalaryDist.
Fresno, CA Landscape Architects Salary$91,500↓ 18%46 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Landscape Architects Salary$100,920↓ 9%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Landscape Architects make in California?

The median annual salary for a Landscape Architects in California is $111,440. This typically ranges from $60,840 for entry-level positions to $191,690 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 29.8% higher than the national median of $85,840.

Is California a lucrative place for Landscape Architects?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative place for Landscape Architects.The average salary of $111,440 is significantly higher than the national average, and the state's concentration of professionals (LQ 1.23) points to strong market demand.

Is California a good place to live for Landscape Architects?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Fresno, CA ($91,500) and San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA.

How does the California salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Landscape Architects in California is $111,440, which is considerably higher than the national average of $85,840.

What is the total number of Landscape Architects in California?

California is home to a workforce of 2,820 Landscape Architects, indicating a substantial presence of the profession within the state.

How does the cost of living affect the Landscape Architect salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, California is significantly more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps offset this, it's crucial to consider the reduced purchasing power compared to lower-cost states.

Is the job market for Landscape Architects strong in California?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.23 suggests a stronger-than-average concentration of Landscape Architects, implying a robust job market with consistent demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,820 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.156 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Landscape Architects • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California