Landscapers
Landscapers and groundskeepers create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces by planting flowers, trees, and shrubs, and keeping lawns healthy through mowing, edging, and fertilizing. They use both hand tools like shovels and rakes, as well as power equipment to trim hedges, remove unwanted vegetation, and repair outdoor structures. This hands-on career combines creativity with physical work, often involving teamwork on large projects and the satisfaction of transforming outdoor environments. Many landscapers today also use GPS technology and sustainable practices to create eco-friendly designs.
Did you know?
Income and work availability fluctuate significantly with seasonal changes, requiring financial planning for slower winter months in most American regions.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$39,300 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast growing
Top skill
Operation and Control
Things to consider
Physical Demands and Outdoor Conditions
The role requires substantial physical labor in various weather conditions, which may impact long-term career sustainability and health considerations.
Certification and Continuing Education
Professional certifications from organizations like the American Society for Horticultural Science can enhance credibility and earning potential in competitive markets.
Key responsibilities
Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
Plant seeds, bulbs, foliage, flowering plants, grass, ground covers, trees, or shrubs, and apply mulch for protection, using gardening tools.
Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
Care for artificial turf fields, periodically removing the turf and replacing cushioning pads or vacuuming and disinfecting the turf after use to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.