How to become a Landscape Designer

Designs and creates detailed plans and drawings for residential landscapes and small public or commercial landscape projects, with an emphasis on speciality horticulture and the integration of hard landscape elements to improve the aesthetic and functionality of outdoor spaces.

Main tasks

• Consults with clients to prepare outdoor design briefs suitable for the site and the client's lifestyle, budget and preferred aesthetic
• Assesses local site conditions to determine factors that may impact landscape designs
• Explores applications of materials, techniques and trends in landscape design
• Prepares design concepts and drawings for residential gardens including all elements of the hard landscaping design, lighting, soils, drainage and irrigation
• Specifies materials and products used in the construction of landscapes to achieve the desired result for clients
• Collaborates with other professionals, builders and associated trades to prepare landscape construction cost estimates for clients
• Provides advice on ornamental and amenity horticulture, soil improvement, and functional outdoor design in keeping with the surrounding architecture
• Provides recommendations for the ongoing maintenance of newly constructed landscapes or gardens

Ways in

• University: Creative Arts & Design degrees, Offered by 38 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Landscape Design (AHC42421); Diploma of Landscape Design (AHC50621); Diploma of Landscape Construction Management (AHC52021)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $120,016 a year
• About 30,900 people work in this job group now, and about 36,900 are projected by 2035. (+19.2%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Architectural Technician
• Building Designer
• Detailer Drafter
• Surveying Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Landscape Designer?

Ways in include: Creative Arts & Design degrees; Certificate IV in Landscape Design; Diploma of Landscape Design.

How much does a Landscape Designer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $120,016 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Landscape Designer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 30,900 to about 36,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Landscape Designer?

Usually. 81% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Landscape Designer?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04