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Average Landscape Architects Salary in Washington

Landscape Architects in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $80,480, which is slightly below the national average of $85,840. This localized pay reflects a combination of regional demand, the specific economic landscape of Washington, and the state's unique cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $80,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,560.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 770 Landscape Architects, Washington presents a notable concentration of professionals in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.72 indicates a significantly higher presence of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market with consistent demand for skilled landscape architects.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$80,480

The average Landscape Architects in Washington earns-6.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38.7

Weekly

$1,548

Monthly

$6,707

Landscape Architects Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Landscape Architects in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior architects with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated knowledge and leadership capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$56,960$27.4
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$60,360$29
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$71,690$34.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$100,600$48.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$120,560$58

Detailed Landscape Architects Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$80,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,922

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $80,480 in Washington needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of the $80,480 salary is somewhat diminished. Professionals should factor in these higher living expenses when evaluating the true financial benefit of working in Washington.

Job Market Context

770

Total Jobs

0.218

Per 1K Jobs

1.72

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 1.7x the national concentration of Landscape Architects jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Washington's Location Quotient of 1.72 for Landscape Architects signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment but also points to a strong industry presence and potentially more opportunities for specialization and career advancement within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Landscape Architects

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Landscape Architects make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Landscape Architects in Washington is $80,480. This typically ranges from $56,960 for entry-level positions to $120,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 6.2% lower than the national median of $85,840.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Landscape Architects?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of professionals and ongoing development projects suggest strong demand. However, the higher cost of living requires careful financial planning.

Is Washington a good place to live for Landscape Architects?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($85,740) and others.

How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?

With 0.218 jobs per 1,000 workers, Washington's rate is higher than the national average, indicating a greater prevalence of Landscape Architect roles relative to the overall workforce.

What is the impact of the high Cost of Living Index on salary?

The Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that $80,480 in Washington has less purchasing power than it would nationally. Expenses for housing, transportation, and daily goods are significantly higher.

Are there many Landscape Architect jobs in Washington?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.72 suggests a higher concentration of Landscape Architects than the national average, implying a healthy job market for this profession in the state.

How does experience affect a Landscape Architect's salary in Washington?

Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level positions will earn less, while senior Landscape Architects with proven track records and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, moving into higher salary percentiles.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.218 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.