Garden architect

What does a landscape architect do? – Tasks and work environment

A landscape architect plans, designs, and creates outdoor environments such as parks, gardens, courtyards, and public spaces. Tasks include drawing and designing green spaces, selecting plant materials, creating sustainable solutions, and coordinating projects with other professionals like construction engineers and urban planners. The work often takes place both at the office, where drawings and models are developed, and on-site for follow-up and implementation. The work environment is diverse, involving both creative and technical elements, with much contact with clients, contractors, and authorities.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salaries for landscape architects have shown a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 42,700 SEK per month, increasing to 44 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 48 000 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 12.4 % over the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by increased demand for sustainable urban development and green environments, along with higher educational requirements and specialized skills. Since the profession is relatively small, supply and demand can quickly influence salary levels. The trend indicates continued stable demand for competent landscape architects, especially in larger cities and municipal projects.

Landscape architect salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 48 000 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 43,500 SEK/month (female, public sector, more than 3 years of postgraduate education)
• Highest salary: 46,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, pre-secondary education)
• Hourly wage (average): 289 SEK
• Women: 45 500 SEK/month
• Gender differences: Data on men is limited, but women earn on average 45 500 SEK
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but generally salaries are higher in metropolitan regions

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a landscape architect usually involves university or college education in landscape architecture. The program combines subjects such as plant knowledge, design, technology, and environmental science, typically lasting five years. Internships and project work are important parts of the education, and competition for spots is high. Some choose to supplement with shorter courses in areas like digital drawing techniques or sustainable urban development.

• Formal degree: Landscape architecture program, 5 years (300 hp, master's degree)
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility plus specific eligibility in science subjects and mathematics
• Internships: Workplace-based internships and project work are included in the program
• Certifications/courses: Additional courses in CAD, plant knowledge, and sustainability are advantageous
• Tips for selection: An interest in both design and science is beneficial

Common benefits and compensations

Landscape architects are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote work. Other common benefits include occupational pension, professional development, and access to modern tools and software. Some employers may also offer extra vacation days and staff discounts.

Competition and challenges

The profession has relatively few training places and limited new recruitment, which contributes to competition for the most attractive positions. At the same time, there is a clear demand for specialist skills in sustainability and climate adaptation, which can increase opportunities for niche experts. Challenges often include balancing clients' wishes with technical and economic constraints, as well as managing project leadership and coordination among various actors. The market is strongest in metropolitan regions and larger municipalities, while smaller towns may have fewer opportunities. Digitalization and increasing demands for environmental adaptation also drive the need for ongoing skills development.

Tips for aspiring landscape architects

To succeed as a landscape architect, it is good to combine creativity with structured problem-solving skills. A strong interest in nature and design helps develop inspiring and sustainable environments, while good communication skills facilitate collaboration with clients and colleagues. Being precise and detail-oriented is important when designing drawings and project plans. Flexibility and adaptability are needed when conditions or wishes change during projects. Those interested in new technology, such as digital drawing tools and sustainability solutions, have good chances to stand out in the job market. Finally, a positive attitude towards continuing education and lifelong learning is crucial to stay current in the profession.

Key facts about Landscape Architect

• Average salary: 48 000 SEK/month
• Salary range: 43,500–46,500 SEK/month
• Education level: Master's degree (5 years, landscape architecture)
• Work environment: Both office and fieldwork, project-based
• Available jobs: 564 within the landscape architecture profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a landscape architect, there are opportunities to take on more responsibility as project managers, specialists in areas like sustainable urban development, or to start your own consultancy. Many choose to further their education in digital visualization, environmental certification, or leadership. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is limited data to make precise future job forecasts, but the overall demand for landscape architects remains stable and is particularly high in larger cities and regions with significant new construction and urban development. Digitalization, climate issues, and increased focus on green environments are expected to positively influence the profession's development. Currently, there are 564 available jobs, indicating some mobility and demand.

Frequently asked questions about landscape architects

• What does a landscape architect earn?
  - The average salary is 48 000 SEK per month, but it varies between 43,500 and 46,500 SEK depending on experience and employer.
• How does one become a landscape architect?
  - Most commonly, by studying the landscape architecture program at a university or college, which takes five years.
• Are there many job opportunities as a landscape architect?
  - There are 564 available jobs within the profession, mainly in metropolitan regions and larger municipalities.
• What are the requirements to get into the program?
  - Basic eligibility plus specific eligibility in science subjects and mathematics are required.
• What is the work environment like for landscape architects?
  - The work environment is varied, including both office work and site visits. Projects are often long-term and require collaboration with many stakeholders.
• Are there differences in salary between women and men?
  - Women earn on average 45 500 SEK. Data on men is limited, but the highest and lowest salaries show some variation depending on sector and education level.