Horticulture Manager

    Agriculture & Farming

    CIP Name: Horticultural Manager|CIP Code: 01.1103
    SOC Codes: 25-1041, 25-9021, 11-9013, 19-1013

    A program that focuses on the scientific principles related to the cultivation of garden and ornamental plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape and nursery crops.

    $79K
    Median Salary
    +1.4%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    1.4K
    Jobs/Year

    What Horticulture Managers Do

    A program that focuses on the scientific principles related to the cultivation of garden and ornamental plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and landscape and nursery crops.

    Common Tasks

    Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
    • 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
    • 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
    • 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
    • 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

    What You'll Learn

    specific types of plantssuch as citrusbreeding horticultural varietiesphysiology of horticultural speciesthe scientific management of horticultural plant development and production through the life cycle

    Types of Horticulture Managers

    Agriculture InstructorAgriculture ProfessorAgronomy ProfessorAnimal Science ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHorticulture InstructorHorticulture ProfessorInstructorPlant Science ProfessorProfessor4-H Youth Development Educator4-H Youth Development Specialist4-H Youth EducatorAgricultural Extension EducatorCommunity EducatorExtension AgentExtension EducatorExtension SpecialistFamily Development Extension SpecialistFamily and Consumer Sciences Extension AgentAquaculture DirectorFarm ManagerFarm Operations Technical DirectorFish Hatchery ManagerGreenhouse ManagerHarvesting ManagerHatchery ManagerHatchery SupervisorNursery ManagerRanch ManagerAgronomistArboriculture ResearcherCrop Nutrition ScientistForage PhysiologistHorticulture SpecialistPlant PhysiologistPlant Research GeneticistResearch ScientistResearch Soil ScientistScientist

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Greenhouses
    • • Plant nurseries and garden centers
    • • Farms and orchards
    • • Landscaping and grounds operations
    • • Universities and research stations

    Schedule

    Schedules are often seasonal and can shift with weather and production deadlines, with longer hours during planting, peak growth, and harvest periods.

    Physical Demands

    Work typically mixes office planning with time on-site, including standing, walking, and handling plants or materials. Some bending and repetitive tasks are common, but heavy climbing is usually limited.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $78,880
    $47,202$143,988+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $47,202
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $60,964
    Median
    50th percentile
    $78,880
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $106,652
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $143,988+

    National Employment: 879,900 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may rise as greenhouse and nursery production expands to support landscaping, urban greening, and local food systems. Increased focus on sustainable growing practices and pest management can also drive need for skilled managers and specialists.

    Skills You'll Need

    Plant identification and crop production knowledgeSoil, irrigation, and nutrient managementIntegrated pest management (IPM) and disease controlData collection, recordkeeping, and basic analyticsPlanning, budgeting, and resource allocationTeam leadership and staff trainingProblem-solving under changing conditionsClear communication with workers, customers, or stakeholders

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Work closely with plants and outdoor/greenhouse environments
    • Opportunities to move into management and operations leadership
    • Variety of paths: production, research, education, extension
    • Skills transfer across food crops, ornamentals, and landscaping
    • Can be mission-driven through sustainability and conservation

    Cons

    • Work can be affected by weather, pests, and disease outbreaks
    • Seasonal peaks may require long or irregular hours
    • Income and job stability can depend on markets and crop performance
    • Some roles involve physical work and exposure to heat, humidity, or chemicals
    • Management roles can carry moderate time pressure and responsibility
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Horticulture Manager Trade

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