Landscape Architects
Description OES Code: 22308
Landscape Architects design and plan a wide range of projects in outdoor spaces including:

* Industrial and office parks
* Land development planning
* Site planning and design
* Parks and recreational areas
* Master plans for forested lands
* Historic preservation and reclamation
* Ecological planning and design

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.42
25th Percentile $13.12
50th Percentile $22.12
75th Percentile $32.99

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $15.39
25th Percentile $18.21
50th Percentile $24.54
75th Percentile $31.06

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Most salaried Landscape Architects work a 40-hour week. Overtime is common during peak periods, and employees may be compensated at straight time, time and one-half, or compensatory time off.

Benefits generally include paid vacations and sick leave. Health insurance is at least partially paid by the employer. Some firms offer profit sharing and bonus plans.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 1,200
Projected Employment 2008 1,500
Percent Change 1998-2008 25%
Separations 1998-2008 200

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most Landscape Architects work in offices where they may spend much of their time at drawing boards. Increasingly, they use computers for both design and resource analysis. They are likely to be out of the office for considerable periods conducting site studies, consulting with clients, and inspecting construction sites. Most projects involve working with Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, and Contractors.

Advancement
Many Landscape Architects begin their careers as Junior Drafters. Typical lines of advancement are from Junior, to Intermediate, to Senior Drafter/Designer, to Job Captain, to Senior Designer or Planner/Project Manager. Some Landscape Architects become a principal of the firm in which they work. Others start their own private practices after they have developed sufficient reputation and expertise.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Employers are especially interested in hiring applicants with excellent skills in drafting and graphics. It is very important, therefore, to compile a well-organized portfolio with examples of recent designs and drawings to present during job interviews.

Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Private firms are listed in the Yellow Pages under the following headings:

* Landscape Architects
* Landscape Contractors
* Landscape Designers and Consultants

Landscape architectural firms and engineering or architectural consultants are the major employers of Landscape Architects. Some also work for the government, primarily those involved with planning for parks, transportation and urban and regional areas.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture (BLA or BSLA) is the usual educational requirement for this profession. Four universities in California offer full-time degree programs in Landscape Architecture. Three campuses of the University of California Extension offer certificate programs that allow students to meet the educational requirements through evening and weekend classes.

Landscape Architects responsible for the approval of plans and drawings must be licensed by the Landscape Architects Technical Committee of the Department of Consumer Affairs. A candidate must have a combined total of six years of education and work experience to take the licensing exam. Candidates with a BLA or BSLA degree or a completed certificate program must have two or more years of work experience. Candidates with an Associate degree must have five years of experience. The amount of experience required depends upon the Committee’s evaluation of completed course work.

Skills & Other Requirements
Landscape Architects should be creative and analytical, able to visualize interrelationships, and interested in design and environmental planning. Communication and marketing skills are important because Landscape Architects must be able to sell or promote their ideas and concepts as well as produce written reports and do oral presentations. Landscape Architects who have excellent drafting and design skills, a good educational background, practical experience, and excellent communication and marketing skills will have the best opportunities for finding work.

References
California Occupational Guide #216

Related Occupations: Land Surveying Occupations, Architects, Except Landscape

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)