Across U.S. metros, septic & sewer technicians typically earn $13,450 more a year than landscapers (36%). In the 150 metros where BLS publishes both, landscapers earn more in 1 and septic & sewer technicians in 149.
| Landscaper | Septic & Sewer Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $37,540 | $50,990 |
| Lowest metro median | $21,840 | $36,350 |
| Highest metro median | $49,030 | $75,010 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +4.7% | +7.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 149,500 | 2,800 |
| Self-employed | 20% | 3% |
| Typical education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Short-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 165 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 390 | 150 |
On safety, landscapers report more injuries that cause missed work (165 vs. 162 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where landscapers out-earn septic & sewer technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where septic & sewer technicians out-earn landscapers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Landscaper
Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.
Septic & Sewer Technician
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.
Compare one trade across two cities →