What Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers"; "Care for established lawns by mulching, aerating, weeding, grubbing, removing thatch, or trimming or edging around flower beds, walks, or walls"; "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".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is no formal educational credential. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 1,188,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 1,244,200 in 2035, an increase of 55,600 jobs (+4.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 149,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 20.2% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,150, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers earn the most
Across the 25 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $36,425 in Texas to $48,023 in Massachusetts, a gap of $11,598 (1.32 times). 17 of those 25 states average above the BLS national median of $39,150 and 8 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 104,360, which is 10.7% of the 975,420 counted across them. Florida follows with 84,800.
Highest-paying states
Massachusetts ($48,023), New Hampshire ($47,922) and Washington ($46,665) lead the ranking, while Texas ($36,425) and Florida ($36,956) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 34 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $16,287. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $4,072 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 31 of the 34 markets and falls short in 3. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 35.8% and 89.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
What is the national median wage for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $39,150. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $36,425 to $48,023.
Which state pays Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers the most?
Massachusetts, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $48,023. New Hampshire is next at $47,922.
What is the job outlook for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 149,500 openings a year.
What education do Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is no formal educational credential and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $16,287 on a median wage of $45,280.