How to become landscaping and groundskeeping workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Cleaning & Building Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$39,150

25th–75th pct. $36,190–$46,830

Top pay (est.)

$73,700

Top 10% $56,730

Pay in 5 years

$46,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$54,100est.

$46,500–$62,800

Outlook score

59/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

16%

Very low

Job growth (10 yr)

+4.7%

150K openings / yr

How to become landscaping and groundskeeping workers

Typical education

No formal educational credential

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers

Key skills

Operation and Control

2.9

Active Listening

2.1

Operations Monitoring

2.0

Reading Comprehension

1.9

Speaking

1.9

Equipment Selection

1.8

Coordination

1.8

Judgment and Decision Making

1.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

1.0

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentGetting InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Static StrengthTrunk StrengthControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationStaminaExtent Flexibility

Training before entry

Up to 1 month

89%

None / short demo

3–6 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

Up to 1 month

3–6 months

6–12 months

1–3 months

2–4 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as landscaping and groundskeeping workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition.	$36,840	50/100	20%
2	Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner.	$35,510	48/100	22%
3	First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.	$49,100	56/100	36%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities.	$58,430	70/100	16%
5	Pest Control Workers Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.	$45,250	60/100	20%
6	Tree Trimmers and Pruners Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree.	$50,960	70/100	8%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.