Occupation Profile for Landscape Architects
Plan and design land areas for such projects as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Signficant Points
- Almost 19 percent of all landscape architects are self-employed—more than 2 times the proportion for all occupations.
- 49 States require landscape architects to be licensed.
- New graduates can expect to face competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious landscape architecture firms, but there should be good job opportunities overall as demand for landscape architecture services increases.
Earnings
In May 2006, median annual earnings for landscape architects were $55,140. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,720 and $73,240. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,230 and the highest 10 percent earned over $95,420. Architectural, engineering, and related services employed more landscape architects than any other group of industries, and there the median annual earnings were $56,060 in May 2006.
Job Outlook
Employment of landscape architects is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. There should be good job prospects for landscape architects overall, but opportunities may depend on geographic location and local real estate and construction markets.
Employment change. Employment of landscape architects is expected to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-16 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow because the expertise of landscape architects will be sought after in the planning and development of new construction to meet the needs of a growing population. With land costs rising and the public desiring more beautiful spaces, the importance of good site planning and landscape design is growing.
New construction will spur demand for landscape architects to help plan sites that meet with environmental regulations and zoning laws and integrate new structures with the natural environment in the least disruptive way. For example, landscape architects will be needed to manage stormwater run-off to avoid pollution of waterways and conserve water resources. Landscape architects also will be increasingly involved in preserving and restoring wetlands and other environmentally sensitive sites.
Continuation of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation, Equity Act: A Legacy for Users also is expected to spur employment for landscape architects, particularly in State and local governments. This Act, known as SAFETEA-LU, provides funds for surface transportation and transit programs, such as interstate highway construction and maintenance, pedestrian and bicycle trails, and safe routes to schools.
In addition to the work related to new development and construction, landscape architects are expected to be involved in historic preservation, land reclamation, and refurbishment of existing sites. Additionally, landscape architects will be needed to create security perimeters that are better integrated with their surroundings for many of the Nation’s landmarks, monuments, and buildings.
Job prospects. In addition to growth, the need to replace landscape architects who retire or leave the labor force will produce some additional job openings.
Opportunities will vary by year and geographic region, depending on local economic conditions. During a recession, when real estate sales and construction slow down, landscape architects may face greater competition for jobs and sometimes layoffs. But because landscape architects can work on many different types of projects, they may have steadier work than other design professionals when traditional construction slows.
New graduates can expect to face competition for jobs in the largest and most prestigious landscape architecture firms, but there should be good job opportunities overall as demand for landscape architecture services increases. Many employers prefer to hire entry-level landscape architects who have internship experience, which significantly reduces the amount of on-the-job training required. Opportunities will be best for landscape architects who develop strong technical skills—such as computer design—communication skills, and knowledge of environmental codes and regulations. Those with additional training or experience in urban planning increase their opportunities for employment in landscape architecture firms that specialize in site planning as well as landscape design.
Employment
Landscape architects held about 28,000 jobs in 2006. More than 1 out of 2 landscape architects were employed in architectural, engineering, and related services. State and local governments employed approximately 6 percent of all landscape architects. About 2 out of 10 landscape architects were self-employed.
Employment of landscape architects is concentrated in urban and suburban areas throughout the country; some landscape architects work in rural areas, particularly those employed by the Federal Government to plan and design parks and recreation areas.