Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers maintain outdoor grounds for residential, commercial, and public properties. Tasks include mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, and installing sprinklers or sod. Workers use hand tools and power equipment to keep lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas in good condition.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against landscaping and groundskeeping workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves outdoor work across multiple properties. Landscapers mow lawns, edge walkways, trim shrubs and trees, and rake debris. They may install sod or sprinkler systems, apply fertilizer, and perform seasonal maintenance like leaf cleanup or mulching. Work schedules often follow weather patterns and seasonal demands, with busier periods in spring and fall.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy hands-on work outdoors and prefer structured, practical tasks over abstract problems. You work well following established methods and taking direction, and you're comfortable with physical labor and operating equipment to see concrete results from your efforts.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,490 | $48,790 | $55,750 | 800 |
| Massachusetts | $45,390 | $48,670 | $58,520 | 22,880 |
| Alaska | $38,460 | $47,690 | $49,130 | 1,080 |
| Washington | $43,000 | $46,950 | $56,410 | 22,550 |
| Minnesota | $36,960 | $46,610 | $50,320 | 17,610 |
| Vermont | $41,620 | $46,230 | $49,480 | 2,700 |
| Maine | $38,070 | $45,970 | $48,370 | 6,410 |
| Hawaii | $37,720 | $45,920 | $50,440 | 7,040 |
| Colorado | $39,930 | $45,760 | $48,880 | 21,990 |
| Connecticut | $37,550 | $45,740 | $48,650 | 13,490 |
| California | $38,420 | $45,560 | $50,490 | 106,180 |
| Montana | $37,290 | $45,350 | $50,890 | 4,270 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Tree Worker/Tree Climber Specialist — International Society of Arboriculture
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against landscaping and groundskeeping workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 37-3011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.