Landscape Designer Career & Pay: How to Start Garden Design with Dean Riddle
How to Become a Landscape Designer Without a Degree - with Dean Riddle
$75 to $200+/hour - $2K to $20K+/project
In this episode, we sit down with Dean Riddle, a working landscape designer and gardener based in the Northeast, to break down everything you need to know about turning a passion for gardens into a real, sustainable career.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
What landscape designers actually do day-to-day
How to start a career in landscape design without a degree
How to price your services and work with clients
What it's really like gardening and designing in New York, New Jersey, and the Northeast
How climate change is shifting growing seasons and plant choices
Landscape Design Careers: What You Can Earn
One of the biggest questions around landscaping jobs is money. Here's what the episode covers:
Entry-level landscaping jobs in the Northeast typically start around $18–$25/hour
Freelance garden designers can charge anywhere from $75 to $200+ per hour depending on experience and location
Full garden design projects in markets like New York and New Jersey can range from $2,000 to $20,000+
Building a client base through word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to grow a sustainable, well-paying landscaping career
Exact figures vary by market, experience, and scope of work.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Landscape Design Careers
Do you need a degree to become a landscape designer?
No. Unlike landscape architects, landscape designers are not required to hold a degree or license. Many successful designers build their careers through hands-on experience, mentorship, online courses, and a strong portfolio. Certifications from organizations like the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) can add credibility without a four-year degree.
What is the difference between a landscape designer and a landscape architect?
A landscape architect is a licensed professional who has completed an accredited degree program and passed a licensing exam. They can work on large-scale public and commercial projects. A landscape designer typically focuses on residential gardens and private outdoor spaces and does not require a license — making it a much more accessible entry point into the field.
How much do landscape designers make?
It varies widely based on experience, location, and whether you work for a company or run your own business. Freelance landscape designers in markets like New York and New Jersey can charge between $75 and $200+ per hour. Full residential design projects can range from $2,000 to $20,000 or more. Employed landscapers typically earn between $18 and $35 per hour depending on skill level and role.
How do I start a career in landscape design with no experience?
Start by working for an established landscape or garden company to learn the basics on the ground. Take horticulture or design courses at a local community college. Volunteer to design gardens for friends or neighbors to build a portfolio. Follow and study working designers, and consider pursuing an APLD certification to formalize your knowledge.
What do landscape designers actually do every day?
Day-to-day work includes meeting with clients, visiting and assessing sites, creating planting plans and design drawings, sourcing plants and materials, overseeing installations, and managing ongoing client relationships. Depending on the business model, designers may also handle their own marketing, pricing, and project management.
Is landscape design a good career?
Yes — especially if you enjoy creative work, being outdoors, and running your own business. It offers flexibility, strong earning potential, and the satisfaction of building something lasting. The demand for thoughtful, sustainable garden design continues to grow, particularly in high-density areas like New York and New Jersey where outdoor space is highly valued.
What is it like to be a landscape designer in New York or New Jersey?
Designers in the Northeast work within specific constraints — short growing seasons, cold winters, heavy deer pressure, and clay-heavy soils in many areas. Winter months are often used for planning and client consultations rather than installation. The market is strong, particularly for residential designers working in suburban areas outside New York City where homeowners invest significantly in their outdoor spaces.
How is climate change affecting landscape design in the Northeast?
Warming winters and shifting frost dates are expanding what plants can survive in zones 5b through 7a. Plants once considered too tender for the Northeast are increasingly viable. At the same time, unpredictable late frosts and extreme weather events create new challenges for designers and gardeners when selecting plants and planning installations.
How do landscape designers find clients?
Word of mouth remains the most powerful tool for landscape designers, especially early in a career. Other effective strategies include building a strong portfolio on Instagram or a personal website, partnering with local nurseries and contractors, joining professional associations like the APLD, and collecting client testimonials and referrals.
How do landscape designers charge for their work?
Most designers use one of three pricing structures: an hourly rate for consultations and smaller projects, a flat project fee for full design packages, or a percentage of the total installation cost for larger projects. Many designers combine approaches depending on the scope and client relationship.