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Agriculture

Landscaping and Groundskeeper Worker

Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: sod laying, mowing, trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, sprinkler installation, and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units.

Annual openings

3,919

Median wage

$45,760

Typical education

Some employers value a High school (GED), but others do not.

Growth 2026–2032

+6%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Some employers value a High school (GED), but others do not.

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Credential detail

A CDL Class B with Air Brake certification is not required, but is it is valued by employers, even providing additional opportunities, because of the use of equipment on the job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required. Without experience, some employers value the completion of this free safety course to demonstrate your interest.

Work-based learning

Start here and advance to Tree Trimmer or Arborist through an apprenticeship. Search here for those.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies

  • Love outdoors and physical work and okay with heights — Part of the joy of this job is being outdoors.
  • Being safety-minded and having attention to detail — Working with equipment safely requires focus.
  • Problem Solving
  • Teamwork
  • Math/Science/Physics — The science of plant healthcare is a practical use of this knowledge.
  • Mechanically minded — Machines are an integral part of the job, as is being able to drive, operate, and fix them.
More information about careers and certifications is available from TCIA and ISA both of which are valued by employers.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Human Services
  • Home Services

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
  2. Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
  3. Rake, mulch, and compost leaves.
  4. Gather and remove litter.
  5. Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
  6. Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
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