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.
Care1
Operate landscaping equipment and tools
+Start the day by checking the mower, chipper, blower, safety gear, and fuel, then operate the equipment…
Operate landscaping equipment and tools
+Start the day by checking the mower, chipper, blower, safety gear, and fuel, then operate the equipment across the Park Drive beds and turf until all scheduled trimming, top-cutting and chip runs are completed and hazards are cleared.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Windowsjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Move1
Remove litter and debris
+Walk the Central Plaza and northbound sidewalks, collect all litter and organic debris into the blue tote and…
Remove litter and debris
+Walk the Central Plaza and northbound sidewalks, collect all litter and organic debris into the blue tote and the chip pile respectively, report any dumped hazardous material to Site Supervisor Jill by 3pm and log time and location in the daily field report.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Make1
Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
+Survey the east lawn and perennial beds, mark compacted areas and shade patterns, map a three-zone planting…
Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
+Survey the east lawn and perennial beds, mark compacted areas and shade patterns, map a three-zone planting and irrigation plan that fits the soil tests and submit the plan to Crew Lead Marco before Wednesday for procurement of plants.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NETWikipedia
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Fixing3
Install sprinkler systems
+Stake and dig trenches along Maple Court, lay and connect lateral lines and emitters per the sprinkler…
Install sprinkler systems
+Stake and dig trenches along Maple Court, lay and connect lateral lines and emitters per the sprinkler layout, pressure-test each zone, fix any leaks, and leave a completion note with run-times and parts used for Maintenance Manager Rosa.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsO*NET
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Mow lawns and trim grass
+Mow the south campus lawns to 3.5 inches, edge the sidewalks and flowerbed borders, blow clippings from paths…
Mow lawns and trim grass
+Mow the south campus lawns to 3.5 inches, edge the sidewalks and flowerbed borders, blow clippings from paths into the compost trailer, and record hours and blade height in the weekly crew log for payroll.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia
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Mulch landscapes
+Apply two inches of hardwood mulch to the west shrub beds, pull back crowns, weed seedlings, firm the mulch…
Mulch landscapes
+Apply two inches of hardwood mulch to the west shrub beds, pull back crowns, weed seedlings, firm the mulch around roots without covering stems, and leave a photo and material tally for Procurement and Site Lead Aaron.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsWikipedia
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The daily work15
Advise customers on plant selection or care.
+Advise Mrs. Carter on plant selection for her shady north border, recommend three low-maintenance perennials,…
Advise customers on plant selection or care.
+Advise Mrs. Carter on plant selection for her shady north border, recommend three low-maintenance perennials, list watering and winter-care steps, and send the care sheet to her email by Thursday so she can approve before Saturday planting.
The tools that do the workIBM NotesO*NETWikipedia
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Prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
+Prune the row of privet hedges at 412 Oak Street to two-foot height, remove crossing branches, shape for a…
Prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
+Prune the row of privet hedges at 412 Oak Street to two-foot height, remove crossing branches, shape for a clean line, note any suckers or disease on the job sheet, and text the homeowner a before-and-after photo today.
The tools that do the workIBM Notesjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Install or repair fences and structures
+Repair the broken garden fence at 28 Maple Lane: replace two posts, realign three panels, use concrete…
Install or repair fences and structures
+Repair the broken garden fence at 28 Maple Lane: replace two posts, realign three panels, use concrete footings, confirm material list with Carlos, and log the completion and cost in the job file by Friday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia
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Remove dead or damaged trees
+Remove the dead maple at 77 Pine Road: grind the stump to four inches, haul wood to the yard, mark any root…
Remove dead or damaged trees
+Remove the dead maple at 77 Pine Road: grind the stump to four inches, haul wood to the yard, mark any root hazards, take safety photos, and file the removal report with the office by end of day.
The tools that do the workIBM Notesjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
+Attach support wires to the three newly planted oaks at Elm Park, use flexible ties at 18 inches height,…
Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
+Attach support wires to the three newly planted oaks at Elm Park, use flexible ties at 18 inches height, tension lightly to avoid trunk damage, record tie type and installation date on the planting log before leaving.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
+Design the front bed refresh at 56 Birch Avenue: place three river stones, add five drought-tolerant salvias,…
Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
+Design the front bed refresh at 56 Birch Avenue: place three river stones, add five drought-tolerant salvias, spread two inches of mulch, photograph the layout for client approval and note plant spacing on the work order.
The tools that do the workIBM NotesO*NET
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Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
+Audit each irrigation zone on the north and south beds this morning, reduce run times where soil moisture is…
Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
+Audit each irrigation zone on the north and south beds this morning, reduce run times where soil moisture is above 20 percent, replace any leaking emitters, and record the adjusted schedules so weekly water use drops by at least 15 percent.
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 the main walkway, driveway, and staff parking lot of snow to bare pavement, pile snow at the north…
Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas.
+Clear the main walkway, driveway, and staff parking lot of snow to bare pavement, pile snow at the north fence away from drains, then broadcast salt evenly on all cleared surfaces and note treated areas and times for the supervisor.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
+Winterize the irrigation by blowing out each lateral to 60 psi, drain the controller, tag any broken valves…
Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
+Winterize the irrigation by blowing out each lateral to 60 psi, drain the controller, tag any broken valves for spring repair, then schedule and list the spring start-up steps and parts needed so the system is ready by April 1.
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.
+Core aerate the natural turf, apply a sand topdressing to improve drainage on low spots, test three soil pits…
Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
+Core aerate the natural turf, apply a sand topdressing to improve drainage on low spots, test three soil pits to confirm sand content and organic matter, and report any compaction areas needing extra aeration.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
+Load and spread topsoil evenly across the east slope to two inches, tamp and level it, then cover newly…
Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
+Load and spread topsoil evenly across the east slope to two inches, tamp and level it, then cover newly seeded areas with straw held by netting to prevent erosion and log quantities used and locations.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Apply pesticides or fertilizers (license required)
+Mix and apply the licensed granular fertilizer and spot-apply approved pesticide to the crabgrass patches…
Apply pesticides or fertilizers (license required)
+Mix and apply the licensed granular fertilizer and spot-apply approved pesticide to the crabgrass patches this afternoon following label rates, post warning signs for 24 hours, and file the application record with license number and batch details.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptions
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Shape landforms to improve usability and aesthetics
+Reshape the raised bed and lawn edges on the north slope to improve drainage and seating sightlines, move 3…
Shape landforms to improve usability and aesthetics
+Reshape the raised bed and lawn edges on the north slope to improve drainage and seating sightlines, move 3 cubic yards of soil to form a gentle berm, compact and grade to a 2% fall toward the drain, and flag utilities first.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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Water and fertilize plants to promote healthy growth
+Schedule and apply the weekly irrigation and feed: hand-water newly planted borders for 20 minutes early…
Water and fertilize plants to promote healthy growth
+Schedule and apply the weekly irrigation and feed: hand-water newly planted borders for 20 minutes early morning, apply slow-release granular fertilizer at manufacturers’ rate to the beds, note volumes and plant response in the site log.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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Install and maintain water features like ponds
+Excavate and liner the small backyard pond to 1.2m depth, set the skimmer and pump on level pads, backfill…
Install and maintain water features like ponds
+Excavate and liner the small backyard pond to 1.2m depth, set the skimmer and pump on level pads, backfill around the liner with washed sand, test for leaks, and run the circulation system for 24 hours before planting aquatic marginals.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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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