Careers in Landscape Architecture
What Types of Jobs Are Available?

Careers in Landscape Architecture are extremely varied…there are so many different Landscape Architecture jobs and different things you can do.

I would say that when you first embark on your career, you may not know exactly what area you would like to focus on. When I was in school, my dream was to do planting designs for a firm. However, as time went on, I saw that I enjoyed other aspects of Landscape Architecture even more. For me, I love seeing the big picture of a complete layout. Where should the swimming pool go for both function and looks? What shape and how large should the patio be? What would be a creative driveway for this property? And so on.

I also find manipulating the land with grading and/or retaining walls very rewarding. Talk about transformations!

Yet there are so many other careers in Landscape Architecture and directions you can take. You might enjoy designing any of the following:

• Residences
• Housing Developments
• Streetscapes
• Campuses
• Waterfront Developments
• Golf Courses
• Corporate Centers
• Cemeteries
• Parks

There are jobs available in different sectors, whether it be private, academic or governmental.

In the government, some of the employment opportunities would be land planning, preservation, the Forest Service, National Park Service and the Department of Transportation. There are others also.

Careers in the academic area include prestigious teaching positions at colleges and universities.

In the private sector, jobs are numerous. You will find many different types in various types of firms such as architect firms, landscape architect firms, engineering companies and land planning firms.

Some other career choices might be in some of the following areas:

• Drafting
• Urban Planning
• Botany
• Wet Stream Restoration
• Other Restorations

Once you have a Landscape Architect Degree, the sky is the limit. The hard part is choosing what you like best!

Salaries are good.

*The lowest 10 percent make less than $36,500.But you wouldn't be in the lowest 10%, would you? So…The highest 10 percent make over $97,000! (Better!)The median salary for landscape architects is almost $59,000.

In addition, these figures do not include the 21% who have their own business.

A career in Landscape Architecture is one of the promising careers for 2010.

*Between 2008 and 2018, jobs are expected to increase in this field by 20%. This is above the average for all jobs. Landscape architects are perfect for the growing green industry and sustainability.

* U.S.News & World Report December 28, 2009.

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