ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Landscape Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Yellowstone Landscape

Design Assistant

Roselle, IL

As a Design Assistant, you will work closely with the Landscape Designer and the Business Development team in the production of graphic presentations and proposal documents that will be formally ...

Yellowstone Landscape

Design Assistant

Northbrook, IL · On-site

As a Design Assistant, you will work closely with the Landscape Designer and the Business Development team in the production of graphic presentations and proposal documents that will be formally ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLandscape Designer JobsLandscape Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Landscape Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$67.4K

$109.7K

How much do landscape designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for landscape designer in Chicago, IL is $67,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $76,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a landscape designer do?

Landscape designers use garden plants, trees, grasses, and hardscape materials to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. They are responsible for making sure the design suits the requirements of the area, such as privacy, rainwater runoff, aesthetics, and habitats for animals. They typically work on yard design for individual homeowners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landscape designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Landscape Designer, you need a strong background in landscape architecture or design, plant science, and spatial planning, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and GIS systems is typically required for creating detailed plans and presentations. Creativity, client communication, and project management are crucial soft skills for effectively translating client visions into functional outdoor spaces. These abilities ensure innovative, sustainable solutions that meet client needs while navigating environmental and technical challenges.

What are some common challenges landscape designers face when working on client projects?

Landscape Designers often navigate challenges such as balancing client desires with site limitations, budget constraints, and environmental considerations. Collaborating with architects, contractors, and horticulturists requires strong communication skills to ensure the design vision is maintained throughout implementation. Additionally, managing multiple projects simultaneously and adapting to changing client needs can be demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy creative problem-solving and teamwork.

What is the difference between Landscape Designer vs Landscape Architect?

AspectLandscape DesignerLandscape Architect
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in landscape design or related field; certification variesRequires a professional license, often a degree in landscape architecture, and passing the licensing exam
Work EnvironmentDesigns outdoor spaces for residential, commercial, and public projects; often works with clients directlyDesigns large-scale projects like parks, campuses, and urban spaces; may oversee construction and compliance
Industry UsageCommonly employed in residential and small commercial projectsWorks on complex, large-scale projects often involving public agencies and municipalities

While both roles focus on outdoor space design, landscape architects typically handle larger, more complex projects requiring licensure, whereas landscape designers focus on smaller-scale, client-driven designs without mandatory licensing.

How much do landscape designers make in the US?

The median annual salary for landscape designers in the US is around $50,000, with salaries typically ranging from $35,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced designers or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher wages, and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD can enhance earning potential.

Is a landscape designer a good career?

A landscape designer is a professional who plans and creates outdoor spaces, combining artistic design with environmental considerations. The career offers opportunities in design, project management, and client interaction, often requiring knowledge of horticulture, design software, and certification. Job prospects depend on regional demand and experience levels, with potential for freelance work or employment with landscape firms.

What degree do I need to be a landscape designer?

A landscape designer typically benefits from a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, landscape design, horticulture, or a related field. Formal education provides knowledge of design principles, plant materials, and environmental considerations, and some states may require licensing or certification for certain projects.
More about Landscape Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Landscape Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Landscape Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Landscape Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Landscape Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Landscape Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Landscape Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Landscape Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Landscape Designer job openings:

Landscape Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Landscape Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,396 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Landscape Designer

Yellowstone Landscape

Roselle, IL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Yellowstone Landscape rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated gardening and landscaping

Job description

Yellowstone Landscape is now hiring a Landscape Designer! As a Landscape Designer, you will work closely with the Business Development and Operations teams to produce graphic presentations and proposal documents that will be formally delivered to Yellowstone Landscape's valued clients.

Yellowstone Landscape is dedicated to excellence in commercial landscaping. As the largest privately-owned commercial landscaping company in the nation, we offer exciting career opportunities for Landscape Professionals across the United States. To learn more, please visit our website: www.yellowstonelandscape.com.

What You'll Do:

  • Utilize graphics skills in order to implement a variety of graphic techniques, including hand rendering, Photoshop presentations, and assembly of graphics for presentation to clients.
  • Catalogue and maintain project requirements, including client information, project program, budget, and schedule. 
  • Collaborate with relevant Business Development team members to ensure the efficient production and professional presentation of all design materials.
  • Make preliminary and final sketches of proposed design solutions, checking dimensions of parts, materials to be used, relation of one part to another, and relation of various components to whole structure or project.
  • Prioritize tasks to ensure that deadlines are met within our fast-paced environment.
  • Travel to the branches within the Region.

What we're looking for:

  • 3-5 years previous landscape design. Strong plant knowledge.
  • Bachelor’s Degree a plus.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Suite, Realtime Landscape or Realtime Architect, DynaScape and other graphic software.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • Superb time management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work both independently and foster a team environment.
  • Experience with estimating software and Excel a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft applications; and an openness to embracing new technology.

Why join Yellowstone?

  • Competitive pay; paid weekly.
  • Full group benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401k with a company match, paid time off and holiday pay
  • Aggressive incentive plan
  • Industry leading safety programs
  • Company provided work shirts and safety gear
  • Equipped with optimal and most professional equipment
  • High profile customers, worksites and landscape results
  • Opportunity to advance within one of the industry’s fastest growing companies
  • A company that values and appreciates YOU

Become part of the team dedicated to Excellence in Commercial Landscaping

What Yellowstone Landscape employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply