What landscapers should charge in Illinois.
Fair billed labor here runs about $35–$56/hour, about 12% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what landscaping and groundskeeping workers actually earn in Illinois; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should landscapers charge in Illinois?
In Illinois, landscaping and groundskeeping workers earn $17.60–$22.58 per hour (median $21.05, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 12% 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 Illinois runs about $35–$56 per hour. For example, weekly mow and edge (¼ acre) is about $35–$115 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 $35–$56/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 $35–$56/hr billed.
Before you hire in Illinois
No statewide general contractor license — cities license GCs (Chicago has its own system). Roofing contractors are state-licensed, and that one is worth checking every time.
How to verify a Illinois license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find landscapers near you in Illinois
Other fair price checks in Illinois
Compare landscapers rates across all states · all fair price checks