California cost guide
Gardener cost in California
Quick answer
Gardener in California costs an estimated $39 - $72 per hour. That is 11% above the national average, because landscaping workers in California earn $22.80 an hour versus $20.33 nationally (BLS May 2025).
- Estimate (per hour)
- $39 - $72
- Typical
- -
- vs US average
- +11%
- Rank (1 = priciest)
- #4 of 51
Estimates compiled .
Cost calculator
Estimated cost in California: $160 - $290 (4 hours at per hour)
Planning estimate only. Confirm with written quotes.
What affects gardener prices in California
- Hours per visit and how often the gardener comes.
- Tasks covered: weeding, deadheading, planting, pruning, mulching.
- Whether plants and materials are included or billed separately.
- Experience and specialty, such as native or ornamental gardens.
- Local labor costs: California landscaping wages are 11% above the national average, and labor is about 90% of this job's price.
How California compares
| State | Estimate (per hour) |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $42 - $77 |
| Massachusetts | $41 - $76 |
| Washington | $40 - $74 |
| California | $39 - $72 |
| Vermont | $39 - $72 |
| Alaska | $39 - $72 |
| Colorado | $38 - $71 |
| United States | $35 - $65 |
Gardener companies in California
Other landscaping costs in California
- Lawn Mowing$49 - $78
- Lawn Fertilization$69 - $105
- Yard Cleanup$140 - $440
- Shrub & Hedge Trimming$44 - $83
- Tree Removal$440 - $1,300
- Sod Installation$1.05 - $2.11
- Artificial Turf Installation$10 - $26
- Sprinkler System Installation$635 - $2,100
- Landscape Design$775 - $3,350
- Landscaping Installation$3,200 - $17,000
- Paver Patio$11 - $18
- Retaining Wall$37 - $69
- French Drain$11 - $37
- Landscape Lighting$84 - $315
- Xeriscaping$5.27 - $21
- Snow Removal$33 - $76
- Commercial Lawn Care$875 - $1,750
Gardener cost in California: common questions
How much does gardener cost in California?
About $39 - $72 per hour. The US range is $35 - $65 (HomeGuide).
Is gardener more expensive in California than average?
California ranks #4 of 51 for landscaping wages, so gardener runs 11% above the national average.
What affects gardener prices in California?
Hours per visit and how often the gardener comes. Tasks covered: weeding, deadheading, planting, pruning, mulching. Whether plants and materials are included or billed separately. Experience and specialty, such as native or ornamental gardens.
How do I find gardener companies in California?
Local Landscaping lists 118 businesses offering this service in California, including in Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, Stockton and 8 more. Ask each for the hourly rate, minimum visit length and how materials are billed.
Planning estimate: US range from HomeGuide (2025) adjusted for California by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2025 landscaping wage. Businesses listed here have not set or confirmed these prices.