NAICS 541320 Quarterly Industry Report
Landscape Architectural Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 541320Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This Fair Market Value report profiles NAICS 541320 using 2022 Census data and recent industry research. Data sources include the U.S. [Census Bureau[7]](https://data.census.gov/) County Business Patterns, Bureau of Labor Statistics[8] occupational employment statistics, and industry reports from the American Society of site and land design professionals (ASLA). This classification distinguishes design-focused firms from maintenance and installation services (NAICS 561730), focusing exclusively on planning and design activities. Additional data is drawn from SBA[9].. Fair Market Value analysis reflects the specialized nature of these services and typical firm characteristics including median revenues and employment levels.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the landscape architectural services industry.
NAICS Sector
54
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Landscape Architectural Services (NAICS 541320) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in planning and designing land development for projects such as parks, recreational areas, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites Census Bureau NAICS 541320[5]. These firms apply specialized knowledge of land characteristics, site conditions, and design principles to create functional and aesthetically integrated outdoor environments. Services covered include garden planning, golf course design, and ski area design services.
This sector represents a specialized segment within professional design services. Approximately 6,988 establishments operate in this industry with an estimated 26,714 employees BLS Occupational Data[6]. A typical firm at the median employs four staff members and generates gross annual revenues around $570,000, reflecting the prevalence of small, specialized design practices. Growth is steady. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow at 3 percent annually from 2024 to 2034, roughly matching overall occupational growth rates. Median annual wages reached $79,660 in May 2024.
Market dynamics reflect growing demand for sustainable design and climate-resilient outdoor spaces. Environmental consciousness drives clients to seek solutions addressing climate impacts and ecological stewardship. Contemporary practices increasingly incorporate native plants, green infrastructure, stormwater management systems, and carbon-conscious design approaches. Technology integration through 3D modeling, virtual reality visualization, and geographic information systems has transformed design delivery and client engagement across the profession.
What's Included in This Industry
- Industry definition and NAICS 541320 classification scope
- Establishment counts and employment statistics
- SBA size standard and small business criteria
- Median firm revenue and staffing benchmarks
- Employment growth projections and wage data
- Sustainability and climate-resilient design trends
- Technology adoption including 3D modeling and GIS
- Related NAICS classifications and distinctions
- Geographic wage variation by state
- FAQ covering classification, outlook, and firm characteristics
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 54 |
| Subsector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 541 |
| Industry Group | Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | 5413 |
| NAICS Industry | Landscape Architectural Services | 54132 |
| National Industry | Landscape Architectural Services | 541320 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 541310 | Architectural Services | Architectural services differ by focusing on planning and designing buildings and structures rather than land development and outdoor site design, though both professions frequently collaborate on commercial and institutional development projects. |
| 541330 | Engineering Services | Engineering services focus on applying physical laws and principles of engineering to machines, materials, and systems, while NAICS 541320 applies aesthetic and ecological knowledge specifically to land development and outdoor space design projects. |
| 541370 | Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services | Surveying and mapping services provide land measurement, boundary identification, and geographic data collection, whereas 541320 uses such information to create comprehensive design and development plans for outdoor spaces and site development. |
| 541410 | Interior Design Services | Interior design services specialize in planning and designing interior spaces within buildings, while NAICS 541320 focuses on designing and planning exterior land areas, outdoor environments, and site-specific development projects. |
| 561730 | Landscaping Services | Services that install and maintain outdoor spaces including trees, shrubs, plants, and lawns are classified separately, whereas 541320 comprises design-only firms that plan land development without performing installation or ongoing maintenance. |
| 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | Testing laboratories and services provide soil analysis, materials testing, and environmental sampling that informs site design decisions, grading specifications, and plant selection for land development projects planned by 541320 establishments. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 18.1% | 945 |
| 2 | Florida | 10.6% | 550 |
| 3 | Texas | 7.0% | 364 |
| 4 | New York | 6.6% | 346 |
| 5 | Colorado | 4.3% | 225 |
| 6 | Georgia | 3.8% | 198 |
| 7 | Illinois | 3.5% | 182 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 3.2% | 166 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 3.1% | 160 |
| 10 | Arizona | 3.1% | 160 |
% Of Establishments
0%
18%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
824
Total SBA Loans
$257.7M
Total Loan Volume
$313K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.66%
Average Interest Rate
6,976
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA size standard for NAICS 541320 is $9 million in average annual receipts over the preceding five fiscal years SBA Size Standards[10]. Businesses meeting this threshold qualify as small businesses for SBA programs, federal contracting opportunities, and small business certifications. This standard reflects the typical revenue profile of the industry, where most firms operate as small, independent design practices with median revenues around $570,000. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[11] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[12] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Community Bank | 8 | $36.0M | $4.5M |
| 2 | T Bank, National Association | 8 | $26.9M | $3.4M |
| 3 | Pathward National Association | 8 | $21.8M | $2.7M |
| 4 | Monterey County Bank | 8 | $16.6M | $2.1M |
| 5 | Northeast Bank | 128 | $16.3M | $128K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What is the primary difference between NAICS 541320 and NAICS 561730?
NAICS 541320 comprises establishments engaged in planning and designing land development without performing installation or maintenance work. NAICS 561730 includes firms that install and maintain outdoor spaces including trees, shrubs, plants, and lawns. The key distinction is design-only versus design combined with installation or maintenance services. Census Bureau NAICS 541320[5]
What types of projects do firms in NAICS 541320 work on?
These firms design land development for parks, recreational areas, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial properties. Services include site analysis, grading plans, planting plans, construction documentation, urban design, golf course design, and garden planning. BLS Occupational Outlook[6]
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 541320?
The SBA size standard is $9 million in average annual receipts over the preceding five fiscal years. Businesses with average annual revenues below this threshold qualify as small businesses for SBA programs and federal contracting opportunities. SBA Size Standards[10]
What are typical firm characteristics in this industry?
Small firms dominate this industry. A typical practice operates a single office with approximately four total staff members and generates gross annual revenues around $570,000 at the median. This reflects the specialized nature of the profession and prevalence of design-focused boutique practices.
What is the employment outlook?
Employment is projected to grow 3 percent annually from 2024 to 2034, about matching the average for all occupations. Roughly 1,700 job openings are projected annually. The median annual wage was $79,660 in May 2024. BLS Data[6]
How many establishments and employees are in NAICS 541320?
Around 6,988 establishments operate in NAICS 541320 with an estimated 26,714 employees. These range from solo practitioners to larger design firms, though the median firm includes nearly four employees.
Which states have the highest concentration of professionals?
Employment concentrates in major metropolitan areas. New York and Atlanta emerge as popular employment centers. California represents another hub, with professionals earning an average of $77,217 annually. Geographic wage variations reflect regional project demand and cost of living factors.
What current trends are shaping this industry?
Contemporary trends include sustainability focus with native plants and biodiversity support, climate-resilient design incorporating green roofs and bioretention systems, and carbon-conscious design using biomimicry principles. Technology integration through 3D modeling, virtual reality visualization, and carbon impact quantification tools is transforming practice. The global services market is projected to grow at 6.7% annually through 2030.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau NAICS 541320 census.gov
- [6]BLS Occupational Data bls.gov
- [7]U.S. [Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [8]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [9]SBA sba.gov
- [10]SBA Size Standards sba.gov
- [11]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [12]504 loans sba.gov
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