First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers

SOC code 37-1012 · O*NET-SOC 37-1012.00 · Medium preparation needed

First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,430

a year

Hourly

$28.09

per hour

10th$40,560Median$58,43090th$85,650

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$60,960

$29.31 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,390 – $72,590

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$40,560 – $85,650

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

130,760

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $40,560; $19.50/hr
25th percentile: $47,390; $22.79/hr
Median percentile: $58,430; $28.09/hr
75th percentile: $72,590; $34.90/hr
90th percentile: $85,650; $41.18/hr

What do first-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers do?

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities. Work may involve reviewing contracts to ascertain service, machine, and workforce requirements; answering inquiries from potential customers regarding methods, material, and price ranges; and preparing estimates according to labor, material, and machine costs.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Establish and enforce operating procedures and work standards that will ensure adequate performance and personnel safety.
Schedule work for crews, depending on work priorities, crew or equipment availability, or weather conditions.
Tour grounds, such as parks, botanical gardens, cemeteries, or golf courses, to inspect conditions of plants and soil.
Monitor project activities to ensure that instructions are followed, deadlines are met, and schedules are maintained.
Direct activities of workers who perform duties, such as landscaping, cultivating lawns, or pruning trees and shrubs.
Inspect completed work to ensure conformance to specifications, standards, and contract requirements.
Plant or maintain vegetation through activities such as mulching, fertilizing, watering, mowing, or pruning.
Negotiate with customers regarding fees for landscaping, lawn service, or groundskeeping work.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 32% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree32%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)20%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
Post-Secondary Certificate13%

Common questions

How much does a first-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers earn?

The national median is $58,430 a year. The full range runs from $40,560 at the 10th percentile to $85,650 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a first-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring4.0/5
Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
English Language3.9/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Public Safety and Security3.7/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.5/5
Mechanical3.5/5
Education and Training3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Management of Personnel Resources, Coordination, Social Perceptiveness, Instructing, Judgment and Decision Making.