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Average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary in California

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in California earn an average annual salary of $46,120, notably higher than the national average of $40,600. This elevated compensation is often a reflection of the state's robust economy, demand for skilled labor in its diverse climate and extensive urban and suburban landscapes, and the higher operational costs associated with businesses in the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,120 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,240.
  • Outlook: California boasts a substantial workforce of 103,570 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and significant presence in the state's labor market. The rate of 5.735 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores consistent demand for these essential services across the Golden State.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,120

The average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in California earns+13.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.2

Weekly

$887

Monthly

$3,843

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in California typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in areas like arboriculture, irrigation systems, or landscape design can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available to those who advance within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,860$17.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$34,590$16.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$44,340$21.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$57,650$27.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$60,240$29

Detailed Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,120

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,300

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $46,120 in California appears attractive, it must be viewed in the context of the state's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This index indicates that the cost of goods and services is approximately 38.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of the $46,120 salary is diminished, meaning that while nominal earnings are higher, the real disposable income may be closer to or even below national averages depending on individual spending habits and specific regional costs within California.

Job Market Context

103,570

Total Jobs

5.735

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.94x the national average concentration of Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 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 0.94 suggests that Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker roles are present in California at a rate very close to the national average. This indicates a well-established but not overly saturated market. While not a high-demand concentration area compared to the national benchmark, the sheer size of the workforce (103,570) ensures ample opportunities exist across the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

CitySalaryDist.
Hanford-Corcoran, CA Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary$43,250↓ 6%15 mi
Visalia, CA Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary$43,430↓ 6%25 mi
Fresno, CA Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary$40,590↓ 12%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary$42,530↓ 8%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary$45,190↓ 2%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in California is $46,120. This typically ranges from $35,860 for entry-level positions to $60,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 13.6% higher than the national median of $40,600.

Is California a lucrative place for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?

Yes, with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for these roles compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the take-home value of that salary is reduced.

Is California a good place to live for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers?

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 Hanford-Corcoran, CA ($43,250) and Visalia, CA.

How does experience impact landscaping salaries in California?

Experience is a key driver of salary increases for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in California. Entry-level positions offer lower pay, while senior roles and specialized skills, such as certified arborist or landscape designer, command substantially higher compensation.

What is the job outlook for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in California?

The job outlook is stable, with a large existing workforce and a concentration nearly matching the national average. This suggests consistent demand for these services across the state's diverse regions.

Is the high cost of living in California offset by landscaping wages?

The higher average salary of $46,120 is partially offset by California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5. While nominal wages are higher, the actual purchasing power may be less than it appears when compared to national averages.

How does California's job market for landscapers compare nationally?

California's market is comparable to the national average in terms of job concentration (LQ of 0.94), but it employs a significantly larger absolute number of workers, indicating a substantial overall presence in the industry.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 103,570 employees in the California area with a job density of 5.735 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California