Landscape Architect

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Work Tasks

• Design outdoor areas for parks, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses, etc.
• Plan where buildings, walkways, plants, shrubs, trees, and other features should go
• Get information about funding, climate, soil, and what the site is to be used for
• Make a drawing to show every detail of what will be put on the site and list the materials needed
• Work both inside in offices and outside for architectural and landscaping firms, the government, and for themselves
• Work with maps, drawings, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), budgets, plans, proposals, bids, reports, models, land-use studies, and cost estimates

Salary, Size & Growth

• $69,000 average per year ($33.25 per hour)
• A small occupation (16,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.0% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in landscape architecture
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in landscape architecture
• Skills/Courses: College courses include math, science, design, and horticulture
• Certification/Licensing: A license or registration is usually needed.