Construction & Real Estate Iowa (IA) Rank #39 of 50

Landscape Architect Salary in Iowa

The median landscape architect salary in Iowa is $65,112 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $73,160.

Median Salary
$65,112
vs National
$-8,048
State Rank
#39 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Landscape Architect Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for landscape architect compensation. Landscape Architect salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $65,112 per year, landscape architects in Iowa earn $8,048 less than the national median of $73,160.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $65,112 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $73,160 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: landscape architects at the 10th percentile earn $39,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $105,020 — a $65,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $69,502.

Nationally, landscape architect employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for landscape architects across the country.

Landscape Architect Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level landscape architect earns around $40,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,680 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,940
$-5,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,750
$-8,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,680
$-12,320 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $39,160
25th Percentile $49,840
Median (50th) $65,112
75th Percentile $84,550
90th Percentile $105,020

Landscape Architect Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for landscape architects in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Landscape Architect in Iowa

Education

Most landscape architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADLandscape DesignPlant KnowledgeGISProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, landscape architect employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Landscape Architect Salary in Iowa

How much does a Landscape Architect make in Iowa? ▼
The median landscape architect salary in Iowa is $65,112 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $73,160. Salaries range from $39,160 (10th percentile) to $105,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Landscape Architect make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,112, a landscape architect in Iowa earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for landscape architects? ▼
Iowa ranks #39 out of 50 states for landscape architect pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level landscape architects earn $40,940, while senior professionals earn $99,680.
How does Iowa compare to other states for landscape architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for landscape architects is Hawaii at $124,372. Iowa's median of $65,112 ranks #39 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($65,844) and Ohio ($65,844).
What is the entry-level landscape architect salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level landscape architect in Iowa earns approximately $40,940 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,680.
What city in Iowa pays landscape architects the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for landscape architects, with a median salary of $69,502. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.