Average Landscape Architects Salary in Illinois
Landscape Architects in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $79,630, which is below the national average of $85,840. This differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's construction and urban planning sectors, and the overall cost of doing business.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 professionals, Illinois presents a moderately sized market for Landscape Architects. The Location Quotient of 0.82 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately dominant within the state's employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Landscape Architects in Illinois earns-7.2%below the national average.
$38.3
$1,531
$6,636
Landscape Architects Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Landscape Architects in Illinois, mirroring national trends, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by increased project development, evolving urban planning needs, and a rising demand for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
Landscape Architects Salary Distribution in Illinois
Salary progression for Landscape Architects in Illinois typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,040 | $19.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,723 | $28.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,350 | $37.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,538 | $47.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,000 | $58.2 |
Detailed Landscape Architects Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,743
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $79,630 in Illinois is quite favorable when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents within Illinois.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
0.104
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.82x the national average concentration of Landscape Architects jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates that Landscape Architects are employed in Illinois at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Landscape Architectss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Landscape Architects make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Landscape Architects in Illinois is $79,630. This typically ranges from $41,040 for entry-level positions to $121,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 7.2% lower than the national median of $85,840.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Landscape Architects?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Illinois's lower cost of living makes the $79,630 salary offer good purchasing power.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Landscape Architects?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the number of Landscape Architects in Illinois compare nationally?
Illinois has a workforce of 630 Landscape Architects, which is a notable presence, though the Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates a slightly lower concentration relative to the national average.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The 0.104 jobs per 1,000 workers metric indicates the prevalence of Landscape Architect roles within the broader Illinois workforce, showing a consistent, albeit small, demand for the profession.
How does experience impact a Landscape Architect's salary in Illinois?
Experience is a primary driver of salary increases for Landscape Architects in Illinois, with senior professionals earning significantly more than those just starting their careers.
Is the job market for Landscape Architects competitive in Illinois?
With a Location Quotient below 1.0, the market is not exceptionally concentrated, suggesting a moderately competitive environment where skilled professionals can find opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.104 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Landscape Architects • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois