What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in the U.S. earn more than $39,150 a year — the middle 80% land between $31,150 and $56,730. About 952,640 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Elementary occupations earn about ₹11,530 a month on average — around ₹1.4 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$39,150typical pay / year
952,640people in this work
$56,730+top 10% earn
₹1.4 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Fixing4
Install sprinkler systems
+Install a three-zone irrigation layout across the east lawn and flower beds, trench and lay mainline and…
Install sprinkler systems
+Install a three-zone irrigation layout across the east lawn and flower beds, trench and lay mainline and lateral pipe to heads, pressure-test each zone, program the controller for 6am start times, and leave the site clean today.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NET
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Mow lawns and trim grass
+Mow the front and rear turf to a two-inch cut, edge sidewalks and planting beds, trim grass along fences and…
Mow lawns and trim grass
+Mow the front and rear turf to a two-inch cut, edge sidewalks and planting beds, trim grass along fences and playground, collect and remove clippings, and report any irrigation or bare-spot issues before quitting time.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia
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Mulch landscapes
+Spread three inches of wood mulch in all shrub beds, pull weeds, keep mulch two inches from plant crowns,…
Mulch landscapes
+Spread three inches of wood mulch in all shrub beds, pull weeds, keep mulch two inches from plant crowns, rake smooth, and refill the bin at the mulch shed before leaving the park this afternoon.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Operate landscaping equipment and tools
+Assign the ride-on mower, blower and hedge trimmer to the morning team, list fuel and safety checks for each…
Operate landscaping equipment and tools
+Assign the ride-on mower, blower and hedge trimmer to the morning team, list fuel and safety checks for each machine, and log operator names and hours so we can bill overtime after the weekend event.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Keeping the record1
Remove litter and debris
+Map the litter hotspots on the west and south lawns, schedule two staff for a midday sweep with bin swaps and…
Remove litter and debris
+Map the litter hotspots on the west and south lawns, schedule two staff for a midday sweep with bin swaps and one compost pickup, and record incidents that need facilities follow-up before Monday’s council visit.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Learning1
Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
+Draw this season’s lawn and border cultivation plan with turf repair dates, seeding windows and mulch…
Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
+Draw this season’s lawn and border cultivation plan with turf repair dates, seeding windows and mulch application, assign machine time for aeration on Thursday and notify the crew of fertilizer tolerances for the rose beds.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work15
Shape landforms to improve usability and aesthetics
+Regrade the slope on the west lawn to create two gentle terraces, add topsoil where low, compact and shape to…
Shape landforms to improve usability and aesthetics
+Regrade the slope on the west lawn to create two gentle terraces, add topsoil where low, compact and shape to drain away from the path, seed the exposed areas with turf mix and flag where irrigation risers need relocating by Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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Water and fertilize plants to promote healthy growth
+Set the weekly watering and fertiliser run: hand-water new shrubs every other morning for two weeks, drip…
Water and fertilize plants to promote healthy growth
+Set the weekly watering and fertiliser run: hand-water new shrubs every other morning for two weeks, drip irrigate the perennial borders at 30 minutes twice per week, and apply slow-release granular fertiliser to the rose beds today so signage notes next application in six weeks.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelWikipedia
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Install and maintain water features like ponds
+Excavate and line the shallow pond at the northwest corner, install the pump and skimmer on the south edge,…
Install and maintain water features like ponds
+Excavate and line the shallow pond at the northwest corner, install the pump and skimmer on the south edge, backfill with washed gravel, edge with stone, and test circulation for 48 hours while planting marginal plants around the rim.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeWikipedia
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Advise customers on plant selection or care.
+Advise the Walker family at 142 Pine Lane about low-water, deer-resistant shrubs for the north border, list…
Advise customers on plant selection or care.
+Advise the Walker family at 142 Pine Lane about low-water, deer-resistant shrubs for the north border, list three planting times, soil amendments, and a fortnightly summer care schedule they can follow.
The tools that do the workFacebookO*NETWikipedia
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Prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
+Prune the leyland cypress along the south pathway to clear a four-foot pedestrian corridor, remove dead wood,…
Prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
+Prune the leyland cypress along the south pathway to clear a four-foot pedestrian corridor, remove dead wood, trim tops for even sightlines, and leave cuttings stacked by the compost bin.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsWikipedia
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Install or repair fences and structures
+Replace the rotten pickets and reattach the leaning section of fence beside Garage B, set two new posts in…
Install or repair fences and structures
+Replace the rotten pickets and reattach the leaning section of fence beside Garage B, set two new posts in concrete, ensure gate swings true, and record materials used and hours for billing.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Remove dead or damaged trees
+Take down the dead elm by the northwest parking, section it for safe removal, grind the stump to two inches…
Remove dead or damaged trees
+Take down the dead elm by the northwest parking, section it for safe removal, grind the stump to two inches below grade, haul debris to the green waste area, and update the hazard log.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia
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Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
+Attach flexible ties from the new honeylocust at Lot 8 to two support stakes, adjust tension so trunk can…
Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
+Attach flexible ties from the new honeylocust at Lot 8 to two support stakes, adjust tension so trunk can move slightly, trim excess ties, and note the anchor locations in the planting record.
The tools that do the workIBM NotesO*NET
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Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
+Create a decorative rock and perennial layout for the front courtyard, place test groupings on-site, mark…
Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
+Create a decorative rock and perennial layout for the front courtyard, place test groupings on-site, mark plant locations and rock sizes, then get approval from Facilities before installation.
The tools that do the workFacebookO*NET
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Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
+Adjust irrigation run times and zone schedules to reduce water use this week: lower sprinklers in beds near…
Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
+Adjust irrigation run times and zone schedules to reduce water use this week: lower sprinklers in beds near new plantings, shorten turf cycles during rainy forecast, check each valve for leaks, and report any broken heads to maintenance by Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas.
+Clear snow from the main walks, staff parking and front driveway to a three-foot clear path, salt all…
Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas.
+Clear snow from the main walks, staff parking and front driveway to a three-foot clear path, salt all pedestrian routes and vehicle entrances, mark any icy spots with cones, and confirm completion with a photo and time-stamped note at 07:30.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeO*NET
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Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
+Winterize the irrigation network today: blow out each zone to 40 psi, drain manifold and backflow assembly,…
Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
+Winterize the irrigation network today: blow out each zone to 40 psi, drain manifold and backflow assembly, tag shut valves, record which controllers were powered down, and schedule spring start-up checks for April 10 with replacement parts list if needed.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
+Test and amend the turf rootzone on Field B: core aerate, take three soil samples down to four inches, add…
Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
+Test and amend the turf rootzone on Field B: core aerate, take three soil samples down to four inches, add sand and compost where drainage is poor, level low spots, and log the soil mix and drainage result for the athletic director before next match.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
+Load the truck with 2 cubic yards of screened topsoil and enough straw to cover 500 square feet, spread…
Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
+Load the truck with 2 cubic yards of screened topsoil and enough straw to cover 500 square feet, spread topsoil to feather into existing grade, tack straw over seeded areas, and note quantities used and leftover in the site supplies log at day end.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OfficeO*NET
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Apply pesticides or fertilizers (license required)
+Apply fertilizer and authorized turf pesticide to Zone C only, follow label rates, calibrate the spreader…
Apply pesticides or fertilizers (license required)
+Apply fertilizer and authorized turf pesticide to Zone C only, follow label rates, calibrate the spreader before use, wear required protective gear, post notice to staff at all entrances, and file the application record, license number, and weather conditions in the chemical log.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses