Salary of Landscaper and Groundskeeper Overview

Although the terms landscaper and landskeeper are sometimes used interchangeably, they define two separate occupations with distinct responsibilities. “A landscaper is more involved with the maintenance and horticulture of the facility, while a grounds worker might be involved with trash removal and snow removal,” says Donald Boettger, director of facilities and environmental services for the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.

Other tasks of landscaping include planting trees and shrubs, fertilizing and watering plants, and constructing patios and sidewalks. And the work of gardeners is not limited to green spaces. They may maintain pools and fountains or make sure picnic areas and public spaces are free of litter.

Both jobs are ideal for green thumbs and outdoorsy people, and are also great invitations for those with an entrepreneurial spirit to start their own lawn care and landscaping business. Boettger says there’s a lot of potential for advancement in the profession — landscape designers can move up the ranks and become supervisors, while groundskeepers can be promoted to grounds managers or facilities managers.

From manicured lawns on college campuses to manicured gardens in historic homes, the work of landscapers and landscapers surrounds us. You can also find their handiwork in public parks, botanical gardens, sports fields and even cemeteries.

Baby boomers aren’t just increasing the demand for more health care professionals—they’re also impacting job opportunities in landscaping and landscaping. Older homeowners often use lawn care services when they can no longer take care of their homes themselves. These services are also popular with working professionals who have limited hours in the day to work in the yard.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 7.6 percent between 2020 and 2030 for landscapers and land conservationists. During that period, an estimated 85,000 jobs will be created.