Quote it. Win it. Shape the future of outdoor spaces.
Landscape Estimator
As a Landscape Estimator, you’ll price landscaping projects and help turn great designs into real jobs. You’ll review plans, scope out work, cost materials, and prepare accurate quotes, playing a key role in winning work and keeping projects on budget.
Salary Range
$80,00 – $130,000+ (Varies by experience, licences, and project scope.)
Recommended Training
Certificate III in Landscape Construction Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management
Job Listing (Coming Soon)
Browse current job openings and take the next step in your landscaping career.
Job Overview
Landscape Estimators are the people behind the price — helping construction teams plan, budget and win work. You’ll cost up jobs by reviewing plans, visiting sites, pricing materials and labour, and preparing quotes or formal tenders It’s a role that blends construction knowledge with commercial thinking. Estimators work closely with clients, suppliers, and project managers to make sure proposals are clear, competitive, and accurate. Some roles focus purely on estimating. Others include sales, customer presentations, or supporting the project handover. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys both detail and strategy — and who wants to help shape the work before it hits the ground.
Tasks & Duties
Reviewing drawings, specs, and BOQs to prepare cost estimates
Visiting sites to assess access, conditions, and logistics
Calculating costs for materials, labour, and equipment
Requesting quotes from suppliers and subcontractors
Preparing tenders, proposals, or quotes using estimating software
Maintaining records of costings, variations, and revisions
Collaborating with project managers or designers to confirm constructability
Identifying potential risks or issues and flagging exclusions
Managing data and communications in software tools
How to Become a Landscape Estimator
Many Estimators start on the tools — working as landscapers or site supervisors before moving into quoting roles. Others come from design, sales, or project support backgrounds. Either way, a solid understanding of construction, materials, and site conditions is key.
Recommended Pathway:
- Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921) The core trade qualification and requirement for QBCC licensing in Queensland
- Certificate IV in Landscape Construction Management (AHC42021) Focuses on site leadership, WHS, contract supervision, and team coordination.
- Start with Certificate III in Landscape Construction (AHC30921)
- Build practical experience (3–5+ years ideal) on landscape or construction sites
- Learn to read plans and break down scopes of work
- Step into pricing or pre-construction support roles
- Advance with Certificate IV level training in building, estimating or project management
Career Progression & Pathways
Wondering where a landscaping career can take you? Many professionals start with hands-on roles and progress into leadership or specialised fields.
Starter
Landscape Labourer, Apprentice - Landscape Construction
Skilled
Landscape Tradesperson (Certificate III qualified), Licensed Structural Landscaper (QBCC), Leading Hand
Advanced
Site Supervisor, Project Manager, Landscape Estimator, Landscape Construction Manager, Specialist Contractor (e.g. concreting, decking, retaining walls), Trainer & Assessor, Business Owner – Landscape Construction
Already Working in Landscaping or Horticulture?
If you’ve been working in garden or grounds maintenance, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This process allows experienced workers to have their skills formally assessed and credited toward the qualification, helping you fast-track your pathway to becoming qualified.
Speak with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to explore your RPL options.
Other Key Considerations
- QBCC Site Supervisor Licence (QLD) Frequently required for higher-end or structural landscaping projects.
- White Card (Construction Induction) Required to work on school, council, or public infrastructure sites.
- Driver’s Licence Helpful for travelling between job sites or operating equipment like trailers and ride-on mowers.
- Estimating Software Skills in Excel, Simpro, Benchmark, Pipedrive or similar systems are often expected.
“Seeing an idea turn into a built reality is the best part of design. It’s not just about plans — it’s about bringing places to life.”
Skills, Attributes & Experience
This role suits people who are:
- Detail-focused and confident working with numbers
- Experienced with construction plans, materials, and scopes
- Skilled in using quoting tools, spreadsheets, or estimating platforms
- Strong in communication and professional presentation
- Works well in a team and communicates clearly with others
- Organised and able to work to deadlines
- Commercially minded with a strategic, solutions-based approach
- Comfortable working independently, remotely, or with sales teams
- Motivated by accuracy, efficiency, and the satisfaction of a winning quote
- A team player who enjoys seeing your crew take on new projects and succeed together
You don’t need to be a salesperson — just someone who understands how things are built and how to price them smartly. This is an excellent pathway for people in the industry who want to move from the tools and put their on-site knowledge to work behind the scenes.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Take our interactive career quiz to discover which landscaping pathway best matches your skills and interests.
Take the Career Quiz