Landscaper
Build the outdoor spaces. Landscapers install and maintain grounds — turf, plantings, hardscape, mulch. The most accessible entry into skilled trades and one of the strongest owner-operator businesses to run with two people and a truck.
Landscaper goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the Landscaper trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
Landscapers split between maintenance (mowing, edging, mulching, pruning) and install (sod, plantings, hardscape, irrigation). Maintenance work runs in cycles — weekly residential routes, weekly-to-biweekly commercial. Install work is project-based.
Specializations diverge by service. Lawn Maintenance runs weekly residential and commercial routes. Landscape Install works new plantings, sod, mulch beds. Hardscape Specialists work pavers, retaining walls, patios — premium pay. Snow Removal is the winter specialty for many landscapers in VA and MD.
Most landscapers work for landscape contractors or as one- to two-person owner-operators. The trade has the strongest owner-operator economics of any skilled trade — many landscapers run profitable solo businesses with a truck, mower, and trailer.
How you move up as a Landscaper
NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) issues industry-standard credentials. State landscape contractor licenses (VA DPOR, MD DLLR, NC LCLB) are required for ownership and large commercial work. BLS OES 37-3011, May 2024.
Crew Member — what this rung looks like
What Landscapers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the Landscaper trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the Landscaper trade
Direct hire as crew member
Most landscapers come in as crew members with no prior credentials. The trade hires on physical readiness — mowing season runs March-November in this region.
Solo landscaping business
Many landscapers start their own businesses within 1-3 years. The economics work: relatively low capital outlay (truck, mower, trailer) and steady recurring revenue from maintenance contracts.
Community College Horticulture Programs
Some CCs offer horticulture and landscape design certificates. FastForward VA covers tuition for VA students.
Certifications that help
NALP Landscape Industry Certified (LIC), state pesticide applicator license, OSHA 10, state landscape contractor license, hardscape manufacturer certs (Belgard, Techo-Bloc), small-engine repair for equipment maintenance.
Common pathways into Landscaper work
KinTrades welcomes Landscaper workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
Few direct military crosswalks for landscaping specifically — but Army 92Y Unit Supply, Navy EA (Engineering Aide, Seabees), and base civil engineering work often include grounds maintenance.
Many transitioning service members start landscape businesses given the low capital outlay and SBA support for veteran entrepreneurs.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
Landscaping has the lowest entry barrier of any trade — most landscapers come in as crew members with no prior credentials.
Many HS students work landscape crews seasonally and stay full-time after graduation.
Direct hire is the standard.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
Landscaping is among the most second-chance friendly trades on KinTrades. Independent landscape contractors hire on demonstrated work ethic and physical readiness.
Background checks are uncommon at entry level.
Some commercial accounts (HOAs, federal buildings) require background screening for site access.
Second-chance hiringIf Landscaper interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a Landscaper
What does a Landscaper do?
Landscapers split between maintenance (mowing, edging, mulching, pruning) and install (sod, plantings, hardscape, irrigation). Maintenance work runs in cycles — weekly residential routes, weekly-to-biweekly commercial. Install work is project-based.
What does a Landscaper make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, Landscapers earn an annual median of $36K in Virginia (range $28K–$48K), $44K in DC ($34K–$58K), $40K in Maryland ($32K–$54K), and $32K in North Carolina ($26K–$44K).
How do you become a Landscaper?
Direct hire as crew member: Most landscapers come in as crew members with no prior credentials. The trade hires on physical readiness — mowing season runs March-November in this region.
How long is Landscaper apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
1-2 years to crew lead. NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) issues industry-standard credentials. State landscape contractor licenses (VA DPOR, MD DLLR, NC LCLB) are required for ownership and large commercial work.
Is Landscaper a good career path for someone with a record?
Landscaping is among the most second-chance friendly trades on KinTrades. Independent landscape contractors hire on demonstrated work ethic and physical readiness. Background checks are uncommon at entry level. Some commercial accounts (HOAs, federal buildings) require background screening for site access.