Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
SOC code 37-3011 · O*NET-SOC 37-3011.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects numerous job openings for this occupation
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers create and maintain outdoor spaces — mowing, planting, pruning, irrigation, hardscape installation. The work is seasonal in colder states and year-round in warmer ones. Pesticide licensing and equipment skills are the usual routes to higher pay.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$39,150
a year
Hourly
$18.82
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$42,290
$20.33 per hour
Middle 50%
$36,190 – $46,830
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$31,150 – $56,730
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
952,640
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $31,150
- $14.98/hr
- 25th percentile
- $36,190
- $17.40/hr
- Median percentile
- $39,150
- $18.82/hr
- 75th percentile
- $46,830
- $22.52/hr
- 90th percentile
- $56,730
- $27.28/hr
What do 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
- Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
- Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
- Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
- Gather and remove litter.
- Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.
- Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.
- Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a landscaping and groundskeeping workers earn?
The national median is $39,150 a year. The full range runs from $31,150 at the 10th percentile to $56,730 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 landscaping and groundskeeping workers without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Operation and Control.