Landscaping Worker

    Landscape Technology

    CIP Name: Landscaping Worker|CIP Code: 01.0605
    SOC Codes: 25-1041, 37-1012, 37-3011, 37-3012

    Manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plants and groundcovers and related conceptual designs established by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients.

    $51K
    Median Salary
    +3.7%
    Job Growth
    6mo-2yr
    Training
    13.7K
    Jobs/Year

    What Landscaping Workers Do

    Manage and maintain indoor and/or outdoor ornamental and recreational plants and groundcovers and related conceptual designs established by landscape architects, interior designers, enterprise owners or managers, and individual clients.

    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

    applicable principles of horticulturegardeningplant and soil irrigation and nutritionturf maintenanceplant maintenanceequipment operation and maintenancepersonnel supervisionpurchasing

    Types of Landscaping Workers

    Agriculture InstructorAgriculture ProfessorAgronomy ProfessorAnimal Science ProfessorAssociate ProfessorHorticulture InstructorHorticulture ProfessorInstructorPlant Science ProfessorProfessorField ManagerGolf Course SuperintendentGrounds Crew SupervisorGrounds ForemanGrounds Maintenance SupervisorGrounds ManagerGrounds SupervisorGroundskeeper SupervisorLandscape ManagerLandscape SupervisorGardenerGreenskeeperGrounds Maintenance WorkerGrounds PersonGrounds SpecialistGrounds WorkerGroundskeeperLandscape SpecialistLandscape TechnicianOutside Maintenance WorkerChemical ApplicatorIntegrated Pest Management Technician (IPM Technician)Lawn SpecialistLawn TechnicianLicensed Pesticide ApplicatorPest Control TechnicianPesticide ApplicatorSpray ApplicatorSpray TechnicianTree and Shrub Technician

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Residential properties
    • • Commercial office and retail sites
    • • Parks and municipal grounds
    • • Golf courses and sports fields
    • • Landscaping and lawn care companies

    Schedule

    Work is often daytime and seasonal, with hours that can shift due to weather, peak growing seasons, and contract deadlines.

    Physical Demands

    This work is physically demanding with lots of standing, walking, lifting, and frequent use of hand and power tools. Repetitive motions, bending, and handling heavy equipment or materials are common.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $50,685
    $36,930$70,990+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $36,930
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $42,193
    Median
    50th percentile
    $50,685
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $60,642
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $70,990+

    National Employment: 1,457,500 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand can rise as homeowners, businesses, and municipalities invest in curb appeal, parks, and outdoor amenities. Ongoing maintenance needs for lawns, trees, irrigation, and seasonal cleanup also create steady repeat work.

    Skills You'll Need

    Plant and turf care basics (watering, pruning, fertilizing)Safe operation of mowers, trimmers, blowers, and small equipmentIrrigation and sprinkler troubleshootingPhysical stamina and safe lifting techniquesAttention to detail and quality standardsTime management and working efficiently in a crewBasic equipment maintenance and troubleshootingCustomer service and clear communication

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Plenty of job openings and entry-level opportunities
    • Work is outdoors and varies day to day
    • Clear path to crew lead or supervisor roles
    • Skills can support self-employment or side jobs
    • Tangible results you can see immediately

    Cons

    • Physically strenuous and can lead to aches or injuries
    • Work is affected by weather and seasonality
    • Early mornings and long days during peak season
    • Exposure to noise, dust, allergens, and chemicals (if applying pesticides)
    • Pay can be modest without specialization or advancement
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Landscaping Worker Trade

    Not Sure This Trade is Right?

    Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.

    Take the Career Quiz