Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
No formal educational credential
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Landscaping and groundskeeping workers care for outdoor spaces in a role that blends physical work, practical problem-solving, and interaction with clients and coworkers. National employment is large at 1,192,000 workers, reflecting widespread demand across locations and settings. Projected employment growth of 3.6% and 158,000 annual openings suggest ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and experienced workers. People in this field benefit from strong physical strength and stamina, along with fine motor skills for more detailed tasks. Interpersonal and customer service skills support direct work with clients and teams, while creativity and innovation help shape attractive outdoor environments. Mechanical and science skills can support more technical aspects of the job, and leadership and project management skills are useful for coordinating work and advancing into more responsible roles. With no formal educational credential typically required, this occupation can be accessible to individuals who are ready to work hard, learn on the job, and build a long-term career path over time.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers earn a national median annual salary of $38,090. This is the middle point of earnings nationally, so actual pay can be higher or lower depending on location, employer, and experience. Several states and metro areas offer higher median salaries, which may appeal to workers who are able to relocate. For example, among the top states by opportunity score, median salaries range from $44,840 in New York to $48,670 in Massachusetts. Top metro areas show median pay in a similar or higher range, such as $48,330 in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, and $49,030 in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH. Over time, workers may be able to improve their earnings by developing leadership, project management, and customer service skills, which can support roles with more responsibility and potentially higher pay.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers have a sizable national workforce of 1,192,000 employees, indicating many existing positions across the country. Projected employment growth of 3.6% points to an expanding field rather than one that is shrinking. In addition, there are 158,000 annual openings, which include opportunities created by both growth and turnover. This combination suggests that job seekers may encounter a steady flow of openings over time, including entry-level roles and positions for experienced workers. Because this occupation relies on skills such as physical strength and stamina, mechanical ability, and customer service, people who can demonstrate these abilities may be better positioned to take advantage of new openings. The presence of growth across both states and metro areas listed among the top locations further reinforces that demand for landscaping and groundskeeping workers is expected to continue in multiple regions.
Location choices can make a significant difference in pay and opportunity for landscaping and groundskeeping workers. Among states with strong opportunity scores, median salaries range from $44,840 in New York to $48,670 in Massachusetts, all above the national median of $38,090. California combines a relatively high median salary of $45,560 with the largest listed employment level at 106,180 workers. Colorado and Washington also show median salaries above $45,000 with employment around 22,000 each, offering additional regional options. At the metro level, opportunity scores are especially strong in several large areas. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $48,330. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro has the highest listed employment at 50,410 and a median salary of $45,530. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH reports the highest median salary among listed metros at $49,030. These differences highlight how certain metros and states may offer higher pay or more job availability for this occupation.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers typically do not need a formal educational credential to enter the field. This makes the occupation accessible to individuals who are ready to start working and learn directly on the job. Even without a formal education requirement, success in this career depends on developing a strong mix of practical and interpersonal skills. Physical strength and stamina are central to handling the demands of outdoor and hands-on work. Fine motor skills support more detailed tasks, while mechanical and science skills can help workers understand tools, equipment, and basic natural processes. Interpersonal and customer service skills are important when interacting with clients and coworkers. Creativity and innovation can contribute to more visually appealing and effective outdoor spaces. Leadership, adaptability, and project management skills become increasingly valuable for workers who want to coordinate teams, handle more complex jobs, or pursue advancement over time. Together, these skills form a solid foundation for long-term growth in this occupation.
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