Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers fall under the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance category in the U.S. occupational classification. Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers earn a median salary of $39,150 per year, ranking in the top 90% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.7% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do landscaping and groundskeeping workers earn?

The median annual wage for landscaping and groundskeeping workers is $39,150. That puts landscaping and groundskeeping workers at #739 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is landscaping and groundskeeping workers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for landscaping and groundskeeping workers is +4.7%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 1.2M positions in 2024 to 1.2M in 2034, a net change of 56K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become landscaping and groundskeeping worker?

Many landscaping and groundskeeping workers enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
  $36,840 median
• Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
  $35,510 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
  $58,430 median
• Tree Trimmers and Pruners
  $50,960 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
  $49,100 median
• Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other
  $46,860 median

Common questions parents ask about landscaping and groundskeeping workers