Construction & Real Estate Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Landscape Architect Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median landscape architect salary in Columbia, MD is $86,329 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$86,329
vs State Avg
+$5,853
vs National
+$13,169
Cost of Living
118%

Landscape Architect Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median landscape architect salary of $86,329, which is $5,853 above the Maryland state average of $80,476. Compared to the national median of $73,160, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $86,329 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $73,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for landscape architects in Columbia spans from $51,920 at the 10th percentile to $139,240 at the 90th percentile — a $87,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,280, while senior landscape architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,160. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Landscape Architect Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level landscape architect earns around $54,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,280
+$8,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,500
+$13,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,160
+$20,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $51,920
25th Percentile $66,080
Median (50th) $86,329
75th Percentile $112,100
90th Percentile $139,240

Landscape Architect Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$89,255
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$84,134
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$79,013
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$76,818
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Landscape Architect in Columbia

Education

Most landscape architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Landscape Architect Jobs in Columbia

Browse open landscape architect positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Landscape Architect Salary in Columbia

How much does a Landscape Architect make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median landscape architect salary in Columbia, Maryland is $86,329 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $73,160. Salaries range from $51,920 (10th percentile) to $139,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Landscape Architect make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,329, a landscape architect in Columbia earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for landscape architect pay? ▼
Columbia's median landscape architect salary of $86,329 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $80,476. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a landscape architect salary of $86,329 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a landscape architect in Columbia? ▼
Most landscape architect positions in Columbia 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.