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Landscaping Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Landscaping Account Manager

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$113 - $138/hr

About Us & Job Overview For over 40 years, Heritage Landscapes has partnered with clients, landscape architects, and general contractors to create and care for high-end residential outdoor living ...

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Tree Worker with CDL

Irwindale, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... Landscape Contractors of America). Mariposa is located in Southern California and Arizona.

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... Landscape Contractors of America). Mariposa is located in Southern California and Arizona.

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Irrigation Technician

Gardena, CA ยท On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... Landscape Contractors of America). Mariposa is located in Southern California and Arizona.

Showing results 21-40

Landscaping Contractor information

See California salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do landscaping contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for landscaping contractor in California is $17.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a landscaping contractor?

Landscaping contractors are professionals who design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces such as gardens, lawns, and patios for residential or commercial properties. They handle tasks like planting trees and shrubs, installing irrigation systems, laying sod, building retaining walls, and sometimes even constructing patios or walkways. These contractors may also offer ongoing maintenance services, including mowing, pruning, and seasonal cleanups. Their expertise ensures that outdoor spaces are both functional and visually appealing, tailored to the client's needs and the local environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a landscaping contractor?

To thrive as a Landscaping Contractor, you need strong knowledge of horticulture, landscape design, site preparation, and project management, often supported by relevant certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with landscape design software (such as AutoCAD or SketchUp), irrigation systems, and power equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help you manage clients, teams, and unexpected challenges on-site. These skills ensure the successful completion of projects that meet client expectations, comply with regulations, and maintain high safety and quality standards.

What are some common challenges faced by landscaping contractors when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Landscaping contractors often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, managing supply deliveries, and ensuring consistent quality across sites. Effective communication with team members and clients is essential to avoid misunderstandings and delays. Additionally, contractors must stay organized to handle unforeseen issues like weather changes or equipment breakdowns, which can impact project timelines. Developing strong project management skills and using scheduling tools can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project completion.

What is the difference between Landscaping Contractor vs Landscape Designer?

AspectLandscaping ContractorLandscape Designer
CredentialsMay require state licensing, contractor licenses, and certifications in landscaping or horticultureOften holds degrees or certifications in landscape architecture or design
Work EnvironmentPerforms physical labor on-site, managing installation and constructionFocuses on planning, designing, and creating landscape plans
Employer & Industry UsageHired by clients or companies to execute landscape projectsHired to create design concepts and plans for outdoor spaces

While both roles work in the landscaping industry, a Landscaping Contractor primarily handles the physical installation and construction of outdoor projects, often requiring licensing and hands-on work. In contrast, a Landscape Designer focuses on planning and designing outdoor spaces, emphasizing creativity and technical design skills. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their landscaping needs.

How much do landscaping contractors make a year?

Landscaping contractors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $30,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and the scope of projects. Experienced contractors with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher incomes, especially when managing larger or commercial properties.

What does a landscaping contractor do for landscaping?

A landscaping contractor plans, designs, and executes outdoor projects such as planting, lawn installation, and hardscaping. They often operate equipment like mowers and excavators and may hold certifications in landscape design or horticulture to ensure quality work and safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Landscaping Contractor jobs in California?

For Landscaping Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Landscaping Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,184 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Account Manager - STEVE HANSON LANDSCAPING

Diamond Landscaping

Santa Barbara, CA โ€ข On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations across high-end residential sites and ensure the delivery of high-quality service to clients.

  • Develop and maintain long-term relationships with high-end clients, providing professional communication regarding their properties.

  • Visit sites regularly to assess quality, ensure crew safety, and identify areas for enhancements or additional services.


Job description

Steve Hanson is the largest boutique landscape company in Santa Barbara.

We build and maintain gardens that enhance life. Our services include everything from landscape design and installation to patios and paths, walls and fences, ponds and water features, and much more.

We are currently searching for an Account Manager to join our high-end residential Santa Barbara luxury Maintenance team with a typical territory of Santa Barbara, Montecito, and surrounding areas.

As an Account Manager, you will oversee daily operations across our prestigious sites and will be responsible for managing a designated territory where you will ensure the delivery of high-quality service to clients. You will also maintain strong client and employee retention, driving workplace safety, and crew productivity.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop and nurture long-term relationships with an assigned portfolio of high-end clients, offering discrete partnership and professional communications regarding their unique properties.
  • Visit sites regularly to ensure crews are working safely, assess quality, and identify areas for enhancements (which may include trimming, seasonal color, pest or disease treatment, or other specialized services).
  • Partner with field supervisors and foremen to review and implement efficient work schedules that do not hinder customer schedules, while maintaining excellent service standards.
  • Identify tasks and upgrades that will enhance the assigned property’s appeal and value; draft and present detailed proposals for additional services.
  • Lead teams to uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship and service, coordinating with vendors and contractors to ensure timely delivery of services.
  • Report to senior management with regular updates on client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and performance metrics.
Qualifications and Requirements
  • Minimum 7 years of proven success managing high-end residential landscape accounts (or similar experience).
  • Experience with the landscape maintenance industry, including scheduling, equipment, best practices, employee management, customer service, plant care, arborist practices, and disease/pest management.
  • Exceptional organizational and communication skills, ability to operate with discretion and professionalism with discerning clients.
  • Attention to detail with appreciation for design aesthetics.
  • Solution-driven approach to customer service and management.
  • Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
  • Valid CDL and ability to travel to client sites required.
We offer a competitive package including a base salary range of $75,000 to $95,000 plus bonus depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and certifications. We offer benefits; paid time off; and the opportunity to grow and learn in a stable work environment that values your contributions.
Equal Opportunity Employer 
Steve Hanson Landscaping is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: Steve Hanson Landscaping's Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. Steve Hanson Landscaping maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually. Steve Hanson Landscaping will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. Steve Hanson Landscaping does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements. If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, Steve Hanson Landscaping will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of Steve Hanson Landscaping.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.