Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
SOC Code: 37-3011Also known as:
Athletic Field Custodian, Bonsai Tender, Brush Cutter, Caretaker, Cemetery Keeper
Median Annual Salary
$38,090
+3.6% growth (2024-2034)
158K
Openings/Year
1.2M
Current Jobs
What Landscaping and groundskeeping workers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$38,090
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
158K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
1,192,500
Projected Employment (2034)
1,235,000
Related Careers
First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers
$56,170 •
+2.3% growth
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
$45,200 •
+3.8% growth
Tree trimmers and pruners
$50,430 •
+3.3% growth
Agricultural equipment operators
$42,580 •
+7.7% growth
Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse
$35,690 •
-3.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Gather and remove litter.
- Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
- Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
- Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans.
- Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
- Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders.
- Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.
- Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.
- Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.
- Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a landscaping and groundskeeping workers:
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General
2,270 degrees awarded •
146 colleges offer this program
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
877 degrees awarded •
80 colleges offer this program
Turf and Turfgrass Management
396 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management
161 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Plant Nursery Operations and Management
131 degrees awarded •
24 colleges offer this program
Greenhouse Operations and Management
128 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Ornamental Horticulture
104 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become landscaping and groundskeeping workers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do landscaping and groundskeeping workers make?
The median annual salary for landscaping and groundskeeping workers is $38,090.
What education do landscaping and groundskeeping workers need?
Most landscaping and groundskeeping workers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Common degree programs include Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General, Landscaping and Groundskeeping, Turf and Turfgrass Management.
Is becoming landscaping and groundskeeping workers a good career choice?
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers is projected to see +3.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 158,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for landscaping and groundskeeping workers?
Top colleges for aspiring landscaping and groundskeeping workers include
Texas A & M University-College Station, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Michigan State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to landscaping and groundskeeping workers?
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers may also be known as: Athletic Field Custodian, Bonsai Tender, Brush Cutter, Caretaker, Cemetery Keeper, Cemetery Laborer, Cemetery Warden, Cemetery Worker, Equipment Operator, Flower Picker, Flower Planter, Gardener, Golf Course Keeper, Golf Course Laborer, Golf Course Maintenance Worker, Grass Cutter, Grave Cleaner, Greens Cutter, Greens Keeper, Greens Laborer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.