CFChooseField
Building and Grounds

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Median pay

$38,090
Median annual pay for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

3.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

158,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

1,192,500
Estimated U.S. employment for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+42,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Reading Comprehension

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Customer and Personal Service
  3. 3Chemistry
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Multilimb Coordination
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Trunk Strength
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Control Precision
  6. 6Extent Flexibility

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Artistic
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Investigative
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Perseverance
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Cooperation

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Controlling Machines and Processes
  3. 3Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  4. 4Performing General Physical Activities
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  2. 2Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  3. 3Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  6. 6Spend Time Standing

Representative tasks

  • Gather and remove litter.
  • Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
  • Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
  • Water lawns, trees, or plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses, or watering cans.
  • Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
  • Mix and spray or spread fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs, or trees, using hand or automatic sprayers or spreaders.
  • Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls.
  • Follow planned landscaping designs to determine where to lay sod, sow grass, or plant flowers or foliage.

Software and tools

Facebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyIBM Notes

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.