Construction & Real Estate San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Landscape Architect Salary in San Diego, California

The median landscape architect salary in San Diego, CA is $103,887 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$103,887
vs State Avg
+$2,926
vs National
+$30,727
Cost of Living
142%

Landscape Architect Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median landscape architect salary of $103,887, which is $2,926 above the California state average of $100,961. Compared to the national median of $73,160, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $103,887 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for landscape architects in San Diego spans from $62,480 at the 10th percentile to $167,560 at the 90th percentile — a $105,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,320, while senior landscape architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,040. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Landscape Architect Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level landscape architect earns around $65,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,320
+$19,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,500
+$31,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,040
+$47,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $62,480
25th Percentile $79,520
Median (50th) $103,887
75th Percentile $134,900
90th Percentile $167,560

Landscape Architect Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Landscape Architect in San Diego

Education

Most landscape architect positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADLandscape DesignPlant KnowledgeGISProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, landscape architect employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Landscape Architect Jobs in San Diego

Browse open landscape architect positions in San Diego, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Landscape Architect Salary in San Diego

How much does a Landscape Architect make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median landscape architect salary in San Diego, California is $103,887 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median of $73,160. Salaries range from $62,480 (10th percentile) to $167,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Landscape Architect make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,887, a landscape architect in San Diego earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for landscape architect pay? ▼
San Diego's median landscape architect salary of $103,887 is 2.9% above the California state average of $100,961. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a landscape architect salary of $103,887 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a landscape architect in San Diego? ▼
Most landscape architect positions in San Diego require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Landscape Design, Plant Knowledge, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.