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.
Move2
Operate landscaping equipment and tools
+Operate the ride-on mower and backpack blower to clear beds at Park North, inspect fuel and oil, set cutting…
Operate landscaping equipment and tools
+Operate the ride-on mower and backpack blower to clear beds at Park North, inspect fuel and oil, set cutting height for new plantings, use ear and eye protection, mulch trimmings into the collection trailer and report any equipment faults.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Remove litter and debris
+Walk the site at first light, pick up and bag all litter and debris from beds, paths and turf, remove…
Remove litter and debris
+Walk the site at first light, pick up and bag all litter and debris from beds, paths and turf, remove hazardous items to the disposal bin, sweep remaining grit into piles, and report any repeat dumping to facilities by noon.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Analysing1
Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
+Lay out the new lawn and garden beds using the site plan, mark turf and planting zones, flag irrigation lines…
Plan or cultivate lawns or gardens.
+Lay out the new lawn and garden beds using the site plan, mark turf and planting zones, flag irrigation lines and access points, loosen and amend the soil where new plants go, then submit the planting schedule and material list to the crew lead by Wednesday.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OfficeO*NETWikipedia
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Make3
Install sprinkler systems
+Walk the yard with the homeowner, confirm sprinkler coverage and control locations, mark trench lines and…
Install sprinkler systems
+Walk the yard with the homeowner, confirm sprinkler coverage and control locations, mark trench lines and valve placements, dig and set pipe runs, install valves and heads to specified spacing, pressure-test the system, and hand the homeowner the operation sheet at completion.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsO*NET
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Mow lawns and trim grass
+Mow the lawns on the agreed schedule, edge borders and hard surfaces, trim around trees and structures, blow…
Mow lawns and trim grass
+Mow the lawns on the agreed schedule, edge borders and hard surfaces, trim around trees and structures, blow clippings from paths into piles for composting, then log hours and machine maintenance notes before leaving site.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia
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Mulch landscapes
+Spread a two to three inch layer of mulch evenly across beds, pull mulch back from stems and trunks to avoid…
Mulch landscapes
+Spread a two to three inch layer of mulch evenly across beds, pull mulch back from stems and trunks to avoid contact, refill low spots, sweep pathways clean, and note quantity used and next replenishment date on the site sheet.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsWikipedia
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The daily work15
Shape landforms to improve usability and aesthetics
+Regrade the slope on the south berm to a gentler 3:1 pitch, redistribute the excavated topsoil to low spots,…
Shape landforms to improve usability and aesthetics
+Regrade the slope on the south berm to a gentler 3:1 pitch, redistribute the excavated topsoil to low spots, compact walkable edges, then seed nurse plants along the contour and mulch the beds before Friday so the path becomes usable and tidy.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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Water and fertilize plants to promote healthy growth
+Set up the irrigation schedule for the north border to run twice weekly at dawn, apply a balanced granular…
Water and fertilize plants to promote healthy growth
+Set up the irrigation schedule for the north border to run twice weekly at dawn, apply a balanced granular fertilizer across the beds, hand-water new transplants for ten minutes each and log volumes and dates so growth is tracked through the month.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelWikipedia
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Install and maintain water features like ponds
+Excavate and level a 12-by-8 foot pond basin, line it, install the pump and skimmer, backfill edges with…
Install and maintain water features like ponds
+Excavate and level a 12-by-8 foot pond basin, line it, install the pump and skimmer, backfill edges with graded soil, anchor marginal plants and inspect the system weekly for leaks and algae so the feature is safe and holds water.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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Advise customers on plant selection or care.
+Advise Mrs. Alvarez on plant choices for her shady front border, recommending three low-maintenance natives,…
Advise customers on plant selection or care.
+Advise Mrs. Alvarez on plant choices for her shady front border, recommending three low-maintenance natives, explain seasonal care and mulch depth, and schedule a follow-up visit in six weeks to check establishment.
The tools that do the workFacebookO*NETWikipedia
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Prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
+Prune the yew hedge along Pine Street to open sightlines for driveway access, remove crossing branches, shape…
Prune trees, shrubs, and hedges
+Prune the yew hedge along Pine Street to open sightlines for driveway access, remove crossing branches, shape to one uniform height, and leave clippings at curb for Tuesday municipal pickup.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Install or repair fences and structures
+Install a three-panel split-rail fence along the west property line, repair the loose posts near the gate,…
Install or repair fences and structures
+Install a three-panel split-rail fence along the west property line, repair the loose posts near the gate, ensure posts are set to code depth in concrete, and leave the gate operational with two new hinges.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptionsWikipedia
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Remove dead or damaged trees
+Remove the fallen ash at 112 Maple Drive, section the trunk on site with the chipper, grind the stump to two…
Remove dead or damaged trees
+Remove the fallen ash at 112 Maple Drive, section the trunk on site with the chipper, grind the stump to two inches below grade, and sweep the driveway clear before signing the job complete with the homeowner.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Officejob descriptionsWikipedia
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Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
+Attach flexible ties from the newly planted oaks on Elm Court to their stakes, check tension to allow trunk…
Attach wires from planted trees to support stakes.
+Attach flexible ties from the newly planted oaks on Elm Court to their stakes, check tension to allow trunk movement but prevent rubbing, record which trees need retightening in four weeks, and note any stake damage.
The tools that do the workIBM NotesO*NET
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Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
+Dress the client’s front bed with a curved river-stone edge, place three low beds of lavender and sedum for…
Decorate gardens with stones or plants.
+Dress the client’s front bed with a curved river-stone edge, place three low beds of lavender and sedum for summer color, rake the planting area smooth, and give the homeowner care instructions and a one-week check visit.
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 head pressure across the East lawn beds and xeriscape zone to reduce total…
Use irrigation methods to adjust the amount of water consumption and to prevent waste.
+Adjust irrigation run times and head pressure across the East lawn beds and xeriscape zone to reduce total daily water by 25 percent, check soil moisture at 4 inches before and after, and note any leaking heads to repair today.
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 walk, handicapped ramp and staff parking aisle, pile snow beside the lot edge, then…
Shovel snow from walks, driveways, or parking lots, and spread salt in those areas.
+Clear snow from the main walk, handicapped ramp and staff parking aisle, pile snow beside the lot edge, then broadcast salt evenly on all cleared surfaces and record which areas got treated before the noon check.
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 on North campus: drain the main line, blow out the zones, close the shutoff and tag…
Maintain irrigation systems, including winterizing the systems and starting them up in spring.
+Winterize the irrigation on North campus: drain the main line, blow out the zones, close the shutoff and tag the controller as winterized; schedule spring startup for March 15 and list any valves needing replacement.
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 compaction and percolation on the stadium turf at three locations, add sand or amend the rootzone where…
Care for natural turf fields, making sure the underlying soil has the required composition to allow proper drainage and to support the grasses.
+Test compaction and percolation on the stadium turf at three locations, add sand or amend the rootzone where drainage falls below standard, and set a follow-up aeration and overseed date within two weeks.
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 topsoil and deliver two cubic yards to the front beds, spread to a one-inch finish and rake, then cover…
Haul or spread topsoil, or spread straw over seeded soil to hold soil in place.
+Load topsoil and deliver two cubic yards to the front beds, spread to a one-inch finish and rake, then cover newly seeded slope with straw netting and stake it to prevent washout before the forecasted rain.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Apply pesticides or fertilizers (license required)
+Apply granular slow-release fertilizer to the south ornamentals and spot-treat invasive knotweed with the…
Apply pesticides or fertilizers (license required)
+Apply granular slow-release fertilizer to the south ornamentals and spot-treat invasive knotweed with the licensed herbicide, following label rates, log batch numbers and who signed off on the application.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Wordjob 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