🌱 Full-time gardener job: $18-$20 per hour, enjoy the fun of working outdoors!
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors, tending to plants, and making your green space more beautiful? Now is the time to turn your hobby into a full-time job! There are gardening job openings currently with steady hours, $18-20 an hour, good benefits, and the opportunity to grow in this increasingly popular field.
🌼 Why gardening jobs are in demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 900,000 gardening and green space workers in 2023, with steady growth expected through 2032 due to rising urban green spaces and environmental awareness. Gardening jobs have shifted from seasonal to year-round full-time positions as demand grows.
💵 What your job pays
1. Good hourly pay
Most gardeners make between $18-20 an hour. If you work full-time, you can expect to make around $720-800 a week before taxes. That's a solid income for those who enjoy physically demanding, meaningful work.
2. Reliable, full-time hours
Many of these positions are full-time, and typically work about 40 hours a week. You'll typically work Monday through Friday, from 6am to 2:30pm. Weekends may also be required, depending on the season or location.
3. Benefits you can enjoy
Depending on the company, you may also get health insurance, paid vacation, a retirement savings plan, and more. Some even offer uniforms or travel expenses. That means this isn't just a job, it could be the start of a lasting career.
4. Nationwide Job Postings
Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta are among the cities with open gardener positions. Whether it's a park, a rooftop, or a private residence, skilled gardeners are needed in a variety of locations.
🌟 Real Companies Hiring Gardeners
Several reputable employers are currently hiring full-time gardeners, including:
• City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation Department: Hiring gardeners and grounds crews to maintain public parks.
• BrightView Landscaping Services: A large company hiring gardeners in multiple cities across the United States.
• Private Properties in Los Angeles and New York: High-end homes and estates are looking for experienced gardeners to maintain the beauty of their grounds. These jobs typically pay more if you have experience and a solid track record.
🏡 Real case description
💬 Case 1: David, a private gardener in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
David originally worked in a gardening center, and later was introduced by a friend to work in a private estate in Beverly Hills. With his knowledge of tropical plants and water-saving irrigation systems, he was hired as a dedicated gardener, mainly responsible for designing and maintaining the front and back gardens.
📈 Salary: Starting salary is $25/hour, and lunch, uniforms, and extra bonuses before holidays. The owner also supports him to participate in local gardening design training courses.
💡 Experience highlights: Proficient in pruning and shaping, irrigation system management, and can adjust plant configuration according to the season.
💬 Case 2: Sophie, a townhouse gardener in the Upper East Side of New York
Sophie was originally a freelance gardener and took over a client who needed to renovate the front yard. She completed the design and planting in two weeks, and the results amazed the client. The client then recommended her to a neighbor, and it quickly developed from a project to a regular maintenance task for 4 households per week.
📈 Salary: $30 per hour, plus holiday bonuses, annual income exceeds $60,000. She was also invited by clients to help with Christmas and Easter yard decorations.
💡 Experience highlights: Good at flower matching, seasonal garden arrangement, strong communication skills, and able to establish long-term trust relationships with customers.
✅ Ready to apply? Follow these three steps
Step 1: Find jobs
Search on sites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, or your local job board using keywords like "gardener," "groundskeeper," or "landscape worker."
Step 2: Update your resume
Add any experience you have related to gardening or outdoor work. Highlight your strengths, like being trustworthy and willing to learn.
Step 3: Apply and get connected
Submit your application and follow up within a few days. If you’ve worked on garden or landscape design projects before, include photos of your work – this will help your work stand out!
🔎 Want to stand out? Here’s how:
When applying for a gardener position, you’ll increase your chances of success if you:
• List past experience in landscape design, outdoor maintenance, or plant care
• Show that you’re trustworthy, organized, and able to work independently without supervision
• Mention any training or certifications you’ve completed (e.g., safety or pesticide handling)
• Be prepared to demonstrate your skills in a trial or short-term job demonstration
👩🌾 Who should apply?
This position is for someone who:
• Ability to frequently operate a variety of power tools and equipment, such as lawn mowers, snow blowers, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, and pruning saws.
• Ability to use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge and shrub trimmers, and axes.
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch or crawl, and climb (stairs, ladders, etc.)
• Detail-oriented and enjoys creating neat and organized spaces
• Experience in landscape design, gardening, or grounds maintenance (but many places will offer appropriate training!)
• Ability to safely lift up to 60 pounds and understand how to use common gardening tools
• Ability to work alone or in a group
• Possess a high school diploma or high school equivalency (GED)
• Possess a valid driver's license and vehicle
While a background in gardening or landscaping is helpful, it's not required. Many employers are happy to train new team members who are eager to learn.
🚀 How this job can lead to a bigger career
Starting as a gardener can open the door to many other positions in the landscape design and design field. Over time, you can advance to a supervisor, specialize in tree care (arborism), or even learn to manage an irrigation system. Some employers will even help employees get special certifications that lead to promotions and higher wages.
🌳 Conclusion
If being around plants, getting your hands dirty, and creating beautiful outdoor spaces sounds like your type of job, becoming a full-time gardener may be the perfect fit. With stable hours, good pay, and opportunities for career advancement, this isn't just a job; it could be your next big career move.
Now is a great time to look for open positions in your area and turn your love of gardening into a fulfilling career. 🌿🌞
BrightView Landscaping Services