Landscaping jobs (Plus responsibilities and pay)

You can help the creation of lovely lawns and gardens by doing landscaping jobs. The field of landscaping might be intriguing to you if you’re creative or like dealing with plants and trees. Landscape design offers a wide range of employment opportunities, making it possible for many different types of individuals to work there. In this post, we go over the top landscaping jobs you should think about, their duties, and their pay.

Who are the landscapers?

A landscaper is a specialist who designs plants, water features, pathways, and other outdoor features with an eye toward both aesthetics and practicality. They employ inspiration and ingenuity to develop landscapes for establishments, private residences, golf courses, and public areas.

While some landscapers are independent contractors, others work for commercial, government, or lawn service companies. Similar phrases for a landscaper are groundsman and ground management. Landscapers can specialize and work independently or in groups. Examples include:

• Landscape designer
• Landscape architect
• Landscape gardener
• Interior landscaper (offices or retail centers)

What is the job of a landscaper?

Landscape designers evaluate the existing area and land to suggest or develop design components. Landscapers use the tools and materials at their disposal to work in a variety of settings. In some regions, landscaping is a seasonal job when winter snow blowing replaces summer weddings.

These experts are cautious about their safety because they run a high risk of getting hurt. To remove plants and maintain the lawn and features, they use hand and power tools. Landscapers regularly operate in diverse climates and may come into touch with chemicals or pesticides.

Before meeting with the client to discuss and budget landscaping jobs, landscapers generally bid on projects. To realize a client’s vision, landscapers may collaborate with landscape architects or designers. They prepare the soil and build irrigation systems as part of the preparation of the site they work on.

Jobs in landscaping

Take a look at these prospective career paths if landscaping is something you’re interested in.

1. A greenhouse employee

Nationwide average yearly salary: $26,346

Primary responsibilities: Employees of a greenhouse facility with landscaping jobs take care of the plants. These workers may be found in retail, residential, commercial, or industrial greenhouses. Watering, pruning, and relocating plants as necessary to promote development are typical chores. Employees of retail greenhouses may give customers advice on the appropriate plants for their properties as well as how to care for plants they have purchased.

2. A lawn care expert

Nationwide average yearly salary: $34,482

Primary responsibilities: A lawn care professional with landscaping jobs handles all aspects of yard maintenance. Lawn care experts frequently work as independent contractors, hired by home or other homeowners to preserve the land. Lawn care professionals frequently generalize, providing a range of services like mowing, edging, planting, and irrigation.

3. Hardware associate

Nationwide average yearly salary: $30,023

Primary responsibilities: A retail worker at a hardware store with landscaping jobs is usually called a hardware associate. Hardware shop employees can assist in finding and loading products for landscapers who frequently buy supplies from them, including tools, plants, soil, and mulch. Clients without prior landscaping knowledge can also contact a staff member for assistance in determining what they require for a DIY project as well as how to utilize the supplies they buy.

4. Worker in a landscape

Nationwide average yearly salary: $34,617

Primary responsibilities: A member of the landscaping crew with landscaping jobs that perform manual labor during a landscaping project is known as a landscape laborer. A landscape laborer frequently collaborates with other workers, such as other laborers, experts, or crew supervisors. Basic landscaping jobs are carried out by the worker, frequently under the direction of or under the watchful eye of a more seasoned landscaping group member. Bigger teams of landscape workers may prioritize particular landscaping project components, whilst small groups are more inclined to need generalization.

5. An irrigation specialist

Nationwide average yearly salary: $42,008

Primary responsibilities: An irrigation professional with landscaping jobs designs and installs irrigation systems to take care of lawns or gardens. Irrigation specialists construct customized systems that supply the right amount of water to a building’s flowers and lawn. An irrigation specialist can work on both homes and businesses, and clients can either engage them directly or subcontract work to them from another lawn care expert like a landscaper.

6. Mason

Nationwide average yearly salary: $37,333

Primary responsibilities: A mason with landscaping jobs builds constructions out of stones and related materials like bricks and concrete. Installing the hardscape components of a landscaping plan may involve masons working together on landscaping jobs. As a project is being planned, a mason may collaborate with a landscape architect, lending their knowledge to the layout and positioning of any masonry that is included in the designs.

7. A groundskeeper

Nationwide average yearly salary: $42,150

Primary obligations: A groundskeeper with landscaping jobs is responsible for the upkeep of a property, which includes a variety of duties connected to lawn maintenance. Frequently, a groundskeeper is in charge of mowing, weeding, and pruning lawns. Also, groundskeepers may be in charge of caring for the flowers as well as other plants on the site, planting and watering them as necessary. Basic esthetic upkeep tasks including washing the property’s fixtures and trash are also carried out by groundskeepers.

8. A gardener

Nationwide average yearly salary: $45,794

Primary responsibilities: A specialist in the upkeep and care of plants is known as a gardener. A gardener with landscaping jobs may offer advice on how flower beds or other plant installations should be laid out, as well as keep an eye on plants that are already growing in a yard to make sure they are getting the water and pest management they require to thrive.

9. Hardscape manager

National average yearly wage: $46,887

Primary responsibilities: A member of a landscaping crew with expertise in the artificial components of a landscaping layout is referred to as a hardscape supervisor. The layout and implementation of hardscape components like cement, stones, marble, and timber parts are frequently overseen by the hardscape supervisor. The hardscape supervisor with landscaping jobs makes ensuring that the hardscape components adhere to the landscaping plans and integrate with other project components.

10. A machine operator

Nationwide average yearly salary: $53,263

Primary responsibilities: Operators of heavy machinery with landscaping jobs are responsible for driving the equipment to work locations, repairing it, and using it. When preparing and modifying properties for landscaping projects, machine operators frequently collaborate with landscaping personnel. Digging trenches, leveling the ground, building wall panels, and moving large installation parts are all typical landscaping tasks for heavy machinery.

10. Draftsman

Nationwide average yearly salary: $55,554

Primary responsibilities: Drafters with landscaping jobs produce technical drawings and plans for projects, especially landscaping ideas. Although some drafting is still done by hand, most modern drafting is done with CAD software. Drafters’ plans may be used by crews working on landscaping projects, and local authority regulatory agencies may also need copies of documentation to approve regulatory clearance before crews can start implementing a landscaping plan.

12. A landscape supervisor

Nationwide average yearly salary: $55,970

Primary responsibilities: An individual with landscaping jobs who supervises a landscaping team is known as a “landscape foreperson,” and their duties include project evaluation and task assignment. A landscape foreperson might perform primarily supervising duties or they can help with the manual work on landscaping jobs. When a client has inquiries about the plans or development of a landscaping project, the foreperson is frequently their first contact person.

13. Landscape professional

Nationwide average yearly salary: $56,291

Primary responsibilities: A landscape technician with landscaping jobs is a specialist in lawn care who looks after the plants and grass on a property. A landscape technician will frequently be responsible for a wide variety of lawn care duties on a property, seeking to maintain the area’s cleanliness and the health of all plant life. A landscape technician can offer original ideas for the planning and arrangement of a property’s trees, shrubs, and flowers.

14. An interior designer

National average yearly salary: $57,147

Primary responsibilities: A home’s indoor spaces are planned and designed by an interior designer. An interior designer may be hired by a client to propose a concept design for a particular room in a house or building or to develop an overall design theme. To establish a unified design plan for a property’s inside and exterior, an interior designer and a landscape designer with landscaping jobs may collaborate. In addition to using plants in their designs, interior designers may include landscape elements in spaces that have a connection to the outside world.

15. A landscape architect

National average yearly salary: $56,972

Primary responsibilities: A creative expert with landscaping jobs who designs landscaping projects is a landscape designer. A landscape designer may act under the direction of a client or independently to produce a design that they believe best complements a place. A client may be given several options by a landscape designer, which allows them to select from a range of styles or price points.

16. Landscape designer

National average yearly salary: $69,452

Primary responsibilities: Professionals in the design field known as “landscape architects” have a focus on working on more complex landscaping designs. The design of a sizable property may be overseen by a landscape architect, and they may also work on state, city, or town projects that involve considerable land alteration or structural work.

17. An arborist

National average yearly salary: $77,063

Primary responsibilities: An arborist with landscaping jobs is a specialist in dealing with trees and plants that resemble trees. One of an arborist’s duties can be to plant new trees, care for existing trees on a property, and evaluate potential planting sites for trees as part of landscaping plans. A landscaping team may benefit from the expertise of arborists, who can make recommendations for choices throughout the design stage.

Seven Steps to Becoming a Landscaper

With the installation of trees, flowers, and other plants, landscapers improve the aesthetic value of homes or commercial buildings. For people who enjoy operating with their hands outside, landscaping is a great career. Although formal schooling is not necessary to become a landscaper, education may enable you to grow your career.

Many of the abilities that aspiring landscapers pick up and hone are acquired through on-the-job observation, instruction, and practice. Even though there is no set route to becoming a landscaper, there are 7 steps you can follow to get started:

1. Get a diploma from high school

The minimum prerequisite for employment as a landscaper is sometimes a high school certificate or GED. If you’re still attending school, get your diploma or the equivalent and think about enrolling in horticulture or gardening lessons. If you want to develop your talents as a landscaper, consider getting involved with a gardening group at school.

2. Acquire a variety of talents

If you want to know how to plant, handle tools, and run machines, look for gardening or landscaping organizations and join. You might inquire with your local agricultural department or your local neighborhood college to see if they provide continuing education courses.

Finding landscaping employment prospects might be facilitated by volunteering at a public or botanical garden or by joining a gardening group. You can try several landscaping styles and gain a better understanding of what career pathways or areas of strength you enjoy by diversifying your experiences.

3. Submit an apprenticeship application.

Frequently, neighborhood nurseries or landscaping businesses might recommend places to apply for apprenticeships or provide opportunities to do so. When determining who to contact and submitting your application, think about inquiring about the company’s involvement in mentoring or apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeships provide instruction and expertise on the job that may lead to permanent employment or give you the abilities you require to seek a full-time, paid job. Choose a career path that will train you in abilities like:

• Interpreting gardening diagrams
• Knowledge of the environment
• Respecting deadlines and maintaining organization

4. Take a degree or a course of study.

A certificate or associate’s degree in horticulture, landscaping, or creating your own landscaping company may be offered by trade colleges. The next stage for those who are developing or growing their landscaping jobs is to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Degrees and trade schools offer instruction in:

• Landscape design as a career
• Gardening expertise
• Landscape industry
• Basics of botany
• Typical plant issues
• Ecologically sound landscapes
• Determining a client’s needs
• How to grow and care for turf and frequent turf issues
• Planting and keeping trees and ornamental plants
• Occupational certificates

5. Examine license requirements

States have different standards for landscaper licenses. In some places, a license could be needed to set up irrigation systems, use pesticides, or operate specific equipment. To learn more about the prerequisites for obtaining a license as well as instructions on how to keep it, contact your state.

6. Get certificates

Consider obtaining qualifications if you want to increase your chances of landing a career in landscaping. For information on various certificates, consult the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) or the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). Consult your local chapter or group for available opportunities as they may differ by location. Certification can be finished in six to ten weeks, based on the course. The certificates that are accessible are:

• Water-based systems layout
• Certified lawn care technician
• Certified grounds technician
• Certified golf irrigation auditor

7. Launch your own company

Landscapers have the option of starting their own landscaping company. Owners of landscaping businesses invest in their equipment, market their enterprise, and advance their knowledge to offer a wider range of services.

Certain degree or certificate programs offer training just for beginning your own business. Learn the specifics of a landscaping company if this is your desired course of action, including:

• Business strategy
• Market research
• License prerequisites
• Business administration
• Customer interaction
• Taxation breakdowns
• Licensing
• Insurance
• Governmental bodies
• Liability
• Employee compensation

Skill sets for productive landscapers

Landscapers learn a variety of skills that will help them as they create landscapes, implement solutions, and interact with customers. While certain talents are specific to the occupation, some are transferable to other professions or positions. In-demand abilities among landscapers include:

Physical power

Being physically fit is a must for landscaping. Landscapers must frequently bend, lift, dig, or shovel. For landscapers, manual dexterity and general flexibility are just as important as strength. Dealing with heavy machinery or moving large pieces of equipment are frequent aspects of landscaping jobs. Landscapers frequently employ equipment like:

• Chainsaw
• Wind blower
• Sled breaker
• Riding and pushing lawnmowers
• Weed cutters

Security awareness

Landscapers are concerned about the safety and take measures to prevent accidents. This could involve using safety gear like helmets or shields or making sure the landscaper or one of their employees is fully familiar with the equipment before attempting to use it.

Organization

A project’s expectations are set by landscapers, who also make ensuring the project’s milestones are met. No matter how big or little the job, landscapers maintain thorough records for the benefit of the customer and the company.

Pay close attention to the details.

Professional landscaper is characterized by their attention to detail. Landscapers are visual artists. They need to be aware of things like color harmony, the appropriate path curve, and the correct irrigation settings.

Crucial reasoning

Landscapers are problem-solvers with strong critical thinking skills. To evaluate projects and identify strategies to carry out their ideas, they interact with groundskeepers or other landscape professionals.

Communication

Landscapers interact with a diverse range of people and professions, which helps them communicate effectively. Landscapers are skilled at interacting with customers, coworkers, and government representatives. Company owners, homeowners, and delegates of the government all demand a different strategy.

Average pay and job outlook for landscapers

The average annual salary for landscapers is $55,381. Landscape architects make about $69,288 per year on average, compared to landscape designers’ $57,194 annual salary.

According to the Department of Labor and Statistics, the need for landscapers is expected to expand by 10% between 2019 and 2029 across a variety of industries. Aging populations that may eventually need assistance maintaining lawns, structures, or systems are taken into account by this increase.

How much education do you need to work as a landscaper?

The majority of landscaping jobs don’t require formal education.

The majority of the education required for work as a landscaper will be acquired through on-the-job training, certificate programs (should you decide to register for them), and mentoring.

Although it is not always necessary, aspiring landscapers will often need a high school diploma or the GED equivalent.

If you decide to look for more profitable landscaping jobs, you may need to finish coursework, acquire formal expertise, and receive additional training in gardening, horticulture, or landscape architecture.

Which Licenses or Certifications Are Required to Work as a Landscaper?

The BSL notes that different states have different education standards and prerequisites for working as a landscaper and that many of them will require you to get a license and certification if you intend to use pesticides and other chemicals.

Normally, you’ll have to pass an examination on how to use chemicals safely in landscaping. You could be needed to have a driver’s license based on your work.

You might think about obtaining voluntary professional credentials from organizations like The Professional Grounds Management Society and the Professional Landcare Network even if they are not necessary.

0–6 months is the average length of a training program. The majority of the time, certificates are not necessary to work as a landscaper, but should you decide to enroll in professional qualification classes, plan on finishing the program in 6 to 10 weeks.

Conclusion

Generally, working as a landscaper is rewarding but difficult. With the high level of physical demand, you must maintain good health and physical fitness to perform your duties effectively.

Also, you’ll need to be ready to work in challenging weather circumstances. Despite the average wage, the landscaping jobs’ future is rather promising.

Although the general satisfaction rating is only classified as “medium,” working outside, enjoying a challenge, and not minding physical labor will make this a fulfilling profession for those who have those traits.

Frequently Asked Questions about landscaping jobs

• How Much Money Can a Landscaping Company Bring in?

Landscapers usually earn around $28,000 per year or around $13.51 per hour.

• What Kind of Work Do Landscapers Perform?

You will be required to work outdoors in all types of weather as a landscaper to maintain, organize, and create outdoor environments.

You will likely use powerful equipment, harsh substances, and sharp things. Normally, you will conduct a variety of tasks like weed, mow, water, construct, fertilize, tidy up at specific seasons, and much more.

• How many hours per day do landscapers work?

Landscapers frequently put in long hours, so chances are they’re working outdoors while the sun is up.

• What is the salary that a landscaper makes hourly?

Landscapers typically earn $13 per hour.

• Is a degree required to work as a landscaper?

No. You typically don’t require a degree.

You might require a degree if you want to pursue a specialty in horticulture or arboriculture.