What landscapers should charge in California.
Fair billed labor here runs about $37–$61/hour, about 16% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what landscaping and groundskeeping workers actually earn in California; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should landscapers charge in California?
In California, landscaping and groundskeeping workers earn $18.47–$24.27 per hour (median $21.90, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 16% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in California runs about $37–$61 per hour. For example, weekly mow and edge (¼ acre) is about $35–$120 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
Weekly mow and edge (¼ acre)
That assumes a standard city lot; most crews price this as a monthly rate. Divide by visits to compare.
Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $37–$61/hr billed.
Seasonal cleanup
That assumes beds, pruning, leaf or debris haul-off for a typical lot; disposal fees are extra.
Typical labor: 4–8 hours at $37–$61/hr billed.
Before you hire in California
Any job of $1,000 or more (labor and materials) requires a CSLB license. The lookup shows classification, bond, workers' comp and disciplinary actions — check all four.
How to verify a California license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find landscapers near you in California
Other fair price checks in California
Compare landscapers rates across all states · all fair price checks