Why is San Francisco landscaping labor priced the way it is?

Local landscaper wages, trade availability, permitting, and climate all move the labor bill in San Francisco. Metros with tighter labor markets and stricter codes sit at the upper end of the range.

How do I compare landscaper labor quotes in San Francisco?

Ask each landscaper to break out labor per sq ft or per job separately from materials, confirm crew size and schedule, and get at least three written quotes before you commit.

Landscaping Labor Cost in San Francisco, CA (2026)

Landscaping labor in San Francisco runs $84-$167, about 67% above the national average. This is the landscaper labor charge only, separate from materials.

Estimate labor only

ComplexityCity

Estimated landscaping labor

$125

Range $84 - $167

Labor rate: $125

Local index: 1.67x

Labor only. Materials are billed separately.

City labor avg

$125

vs national

+67%

Local landscaper hourly

$43/hr

Close-up of newly planted foundation bed with drip irrigation

A detailed San Francisco labor guide for this trade is being prepared. In the meantime, use the calculator above for a local labor-only estimate.

See full landscaping cost in San Francisco (labor + materials)

Nearby labor costs: San Jose, CA · Sacramento, CA

All landscaping labor costs by city →

Frequently asked questions

Labor for a landscaping in San Francisco, CA runs $84-$167, about 67% above the national average. That covers the landscaper crew's time, not materials.