Landscape architects
SOC Code: 17-1012
Landscape architects carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $79,660 and +3.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 21,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Landscape architects (SOC 17-1012) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 21,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.5% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $79,660, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Landscape architects. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Confer with clients, engineering personnel, or architects on landscape projects.
- 2. Analyze data on conditions such as site location, drainage, or structure location for environmental reports or landscaping plans.
- 3. Inspect landscape work to ensure compliance with specifications, evaluate quality of materials or work, or advise clients or construction personnel.
- 4. Prepare site plans, specifications, or cost estimates for land development.
- 5. Integrate existing land features or landscaping into designs.
- 6. Collaborate with architects or related professionals on whole building design to maximize the aesthetic features of structures or surrounding land and to improve energy efficiency.
- 7. Prepare graphic representations or drawings of proposed plans or designs.
- 8. Inspect proposed sites to identify structural elements of land areas or other important site information, such as soil condition, existing landscaping, or the proximity of water management facilities.
- 9. Collaborate with estimators to cost projects, create project plans, or coordinate bids from landscaping contractors.
- 10. Create landscapes that minimize water consumption such as by incorporating drought-resistant grasses or indigenous plants.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Coordination
- Operations Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Geography
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Biology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Landscape architects?
Landscape architects has an AI exposure score of 26%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Landscape architects?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Landscape architects is projected to grow by 3.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 21,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Landscape architects?
Key skills for Landscape architects include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Landscape architects earn?
The median annual wage for Landscape architects is $79,660, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Landscape architects?
The typical entry-level education for Landscape architects is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Landscape architects?
Landscape architects roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).