Groundskeeper Salary in the USA

If you are looking for a Groundskeeper salary in the USA, this job can be a simple way to start working in landscaping, property maintenance, parks, schools, sports fields, and outdoor facilities. A Groundskeeper usually takes care of lawns, plants, trees, gardens, walking areas, athletic fields and other outdoor property. The average pay can change a lot depending on the state, employer, experience, season and the type of grounds being maintained. Current U.S. labor data shows that the broader grounds maintenance occupation had a median wage of about $19.27 per hour in May 2025, equal to around $40,080 per year when annualized. Job-posting data for the specific Groundskeeper title shows an average base pay around $18.14 per hour. This means a person searching for how much does a Groundskeeper make may see different numbers because Groundskeeper jobs are not always classified under one single occupation. Entry level workers can start lower, while experienced Groundskeepers, senior grounds workers and workers in higher-paying locations can earn more.

What Is a Groundskeeper?

A Groundskeeper is a worker who looks after outdoor areas and makes sure the property stays clean, safe and in good condition. The job can be found at schools, colleges, parks, apartment communities, hotels, golf facilities, hospitals, office properties, sports stadiums, cemeteries, public facilities and private properties. A normal day may include mowing grass, trimming bushes, removing leaves, planting flowers, watering plants, cleaning outdoor areas and checking that the grounds are not creating a safety problem.

The actual work can be different from one employer to another. One Groundskeeper may mainly work with lawns and landscaping, while another person may spend more time maintaining athletic fields or large public grounds. Some workers also operate riding mowers, trimmers, blowers, small tractors and other power equipment. Because of this, Groundskeeper pay is not exactly the same everywhere.

Groundskeeper Salary in the USA

The national pay picture gives a useful starting point, but it is important to understand the difference between a job title and the federal occupation category used for wage statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median hourly wage of $19.27 for Grounds Maintenance Workers. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15.01 per hour, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.10 per hour. Within that broad occupation, landscaping and groundskeeping workers had a median hourly wage of $18.82.

For someone searching Groundskeeper average salary, another useful source is current job-posting data. Indeed reported an average base salary of about $18.14 per hour for Groundskeepers in the United States in August 2026, based on salaries from job postings and reported pay information. The same source showed a typical reported range of about $14.03 to $23.46 per hour. Actual pay can be outside this range depending on location, experience and employer.

How Much Does a Groundskeeper Make a Year?

How much a Groundskeeper makes a year depends on the hourly rate and how many hours the worker gets. A full-time worker earning $18 per hour would make roughly $37,440 before taxes if working 40 hours every week for 52 weeks. At $20 per hour, the same schedule would be around $41,600 a year. At $25 per hour, it would be about $52,000 a year. These are simple calculations and not a guarantee of actual salary because some Groundskeeper jobs are seasonal and some workers do not receive the same number of hours throughout the year.

Seasonal work is important in this occupation. Grounds maintenance is usually busier during spring, summer and fall when mowing, planting, trimming and other outdoor work increases. Some employers may offer winter work such as snow removal or other property maintenance, but this depends on the location and employer.

Groundskeeper Hourly Pay

Groundskeeper hourly pay is normally the easiest way to understand this job because many workers are paid by the hour. New workers may start close to the lower end of local wages, while workers with several years of experience or extra responsibilities can move into higher hourly rates.

The type of employer also matters. BLS data for the broader grounds maintenance occupation shows median wages of about $21.39 per hour in educational services, $20.90 in services to buildings and dwellings, $19.33 in government outside state and local education and hospitals, and $17.45 in amusement, gambling and recreation industries. This shows why two Groundskeepers with similar duties can still have different pay depending on where they work.

Groundskeeper Salary by State

Location can make a noticeable difference in Groundskeeper salary. The most recent detailed state tables are published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics through its state Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The detailed occupation most closely related to a standard Groundskeeper title is Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. The table below gives a starting view of major states using BLS state-level wage information. State wages should be read as occupation-level figures, not a guaranteed wage for every individual Groundskeeper.

These five state figures are from the BLS May 2023 detailed state profile for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers, while the national figures above use newer May 2025 data. The BLS now provides May 2025 state wage tables as well, and the complete state-by-state section will be expanded in the next part of this article.

What Does a Groundskeeper Do?

The main responsibility of a Groundskeeper is keeping outdoor property maintained. The work can look easy from outside, but it can involve physical work for many hours, especially during busy seasons.

• Mow and maintain lawns and grass areas.
• Trim bushes, shrubs and small trees.
• Plant flowers, trees and other landscape plants.
• Water lawns, gardens and plants.
• Remove leaves, branches, trash and other outdoor debris.
• Use hand tools and powered landscaping equipment.
• Maintain sports fields and recreation areas.
• Apply fertilizer or other approved landscape products when permitted.
• Inspect outdoor areas for damage or unsafe conditions.
• Help maintain irrigation and watering systems.
• Prepare outdoor areas for different seasons.
• Perform snow removal or other winter property work in some locations.

Groundskeeper Job Description

A typical Groundskeeper job description can include lawn mowing, landscaping, planting, trimming, watering, raking, cleaning and general property maintenance. Some employers expect the worker to know how to safely operate lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers and other equipment. In larger properties, Groundskeepers may work as part of a maintenance or landscaping team and receive daily assignments from a supervisor.

The work is usually outdoors and can happen in hot weather, cold weather, rain or other changing conditions. BLS says grounds maintenance work can be repetitive and physically demanding, with workers often bending, kneeling, lifting or shoveling.

How to Become a Groundskeeper

One reason people look at this career is that formal education requirements are usually limited. BLS says Grounds Maintenance Workers typically do not need a formal educational credential and are commonly trained on the job. Some jobs may prefer a high school diploma, previous landscaping experience or a commercial driver's license depending on the duties.

Special licensing can matter when the job includes pesticide or fertilizer application. Requirements can vary by state, so a worker should check the rules where they want to work. Experience with landscaping equipment, irrigation, plants and basic property maintenance can also help a person qualify for better Groundskeeper jobs.

Groundskeeper Jobs and Workplaces

Groundskeepers can work for landscaping companies, apartment communities, schools, universities, hotels, hospitals, parks, government agencies, sports facilities and property management companies. BLS reports that services to buildings and dwellings is one of the largest employer groups for grounds maintenance workers, while government and recreation-related employers also provide jobs.

The U.S. job outlook is also connected with continued demand for lawn care and landscaping services. BLS projects employment for the broader Grounds Maintenance Workers occupation to grow about 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 162,500 openings per year on average, including openings created when workers leave the occupation.

Groundskeeper Salary by State and Region

Groundskeeper salary can be different from one state to another because local wages, cost of living, weather, type of property and demand for landscaping work are not same everywhere. For a more useful comparison, the closest BLS occupation to the common Groundskeeper job title is Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers, SOC 37-3011. The latest national BLS data for May 2025 reports a median wage of $18.82 per hour and $42,290 per year for this occupation. State wage figures can move around from year to year, so job seekers should also check current local job postings before accepting an offer.

Northeast Region Groundskeeper Salary

Midwest Region Groundskeeper Salary

South Region Groundskeeper Salary

West Region Groundskeeper Salary

The state tables above are intended as practical salary references rather than a promise of what every Groundskeeper earns. BLS wage statistics are occupation based, while employers often use different titles such as Groundskeeper, Landscape Worker, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Athletic Field Groundskeeper or Landscape Technician. For example, Alabama's June 2025 state wage publication, based on May 2024 BLS data and adjusted using employment-cost changes, reported $17.22 per hour mean wage and $19.28 at the reported upper wage measure for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers.

In Wyoming, the 2024 statewide data for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers showed a mean wage of about $18.94 per hour and a median of about $18.39 per hour, showing that wages can also be quite different inside individual states and local labor markets.

Entry Level Groundskeeper Salary

An entry level Groundskeeper salary is normally lower than the pay of a worker who already knows landscaping equipment and maintenance work. New workers may start around the local minimum wage or somewhat above it, depending on the employer. A worker with no previous landscaping experience may start with basic tasks like raking, picking up debris, watering plants and helping experienced workers.

As the employee learns to operate commercial mowers, trimmers, blowers and other equipment safely, the pay can increase. Experience with irrigation systems, planting, pruning, sports field maintenance or basic equipment repair can also make a worker more useful to an employer.

• Entry-level Groundskeeper: often around $15 to $19 per hour depending on location.
• Experienced Groundskeeper: commonly around $18 to $24 per hour in many markets.
• Specialized or senior worker: can move above $24 per hour in some jobs.
• Supervisor positions can pay substantially more than regular Groundskeeper positions.

Experienced Groundskeeper Salary

An experienced Groundskeeper may earn more because the person can work with less supervision and can handle more difficult outdoor maintenance. Employers may value workers who know how to identify plant problems, maintain irrigation equipment, operate larger machines and organize daily maintenance work.

Experience also becomes more valuable when the Groundskeeper works at a large property. A university campus, golf facility, sports complex, hospital campus or large commercial property can have more complicated grounds than a small residential property. Some experienced workers move into lead Groundskeeper, crew leader or grounds supervisor roles.

Senior Groundskeeper Salary

A Senior Groundskeeper is not always a separate federal occupation, so salary depends heavily on the employer. A senior worker may still perform normal grounds maintenance but can also train newer workers, check completed work, operate specialized equipment and coordinate daily assignments.

Workers who move into first-line supervisory positions can see a larger salary difference. In May 2025, BLS reported a mean annual wage of $60,960 for First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers, with a median hourly wage of $28.09. This is a supervisory occupation and should not be confused with the regular Groundskeeper position.

Groundskeeper Salary by Employer

The employer can have a big effect on Groundskeeper pay. A private landscaping company may pay an hourly wage and send workers to several properties during the week. A school or university may hire Groundskeepers directly and offer a more regular schedule. Hotels, hospitals, golf facilities and sports properties may have different requirements and may pay according to the size and complexity of the grounds.

• Landscaping companies: Often provide hourly work maintaining several customer properties.
• Schools and colleges: Groundskeepers may maintain campuses, lawns, athletic areas and gardens.
• Golf courses: Work can involve highly detailed turf and landscape maintenance.
• Hotels and resorts: Workers may maintain gardens, lawns, outdoor guest areas and walkways.
• Hospitals: Grounds crews can maintain large outdoor areas around medical facilities.
• Government parks: Jobs may include maintaining public parks, recreation areas and government property.
• Property management companies: Workers can maintain apartment communities and commercial properties.

Groundskeeper Benefits and Other Pay

Salary is not the only part of a Groundskeeper job. Some full-time employees can receive health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, retirement benefits or employer-paid training. Part-time and seasonal workers may receive fewer benefits. The exact package depends on the employer and whether the worker is classified as full-time, part-time, temporary or seasonal.

Some Groundskeepers can also receive overtime pay when they work beyond the normal scheduled hours, although overtime rules depend on the employee's classification and applicable federal and state law. Workers in areas with snow may also have opportunities for additional seasonal maintenance work during winter.

Groundskeeper Overtime and Seasonal Pay

Groundskeeping can be a seasonal job, especially in colder parts of the United States. Spring and summer usually bring more mowing, planting, trimming and irrigation work. Fall can bring leaf removal and preparation for winter. In northern states, some workers may have fewer landscaping hours during winter, while others move into snow removal or indoor maintenance duties.

BLS notes that some grounds maintenance work is seasonal and is mainly available in spring, summer and fall. The work can also be physically demanding and may require frequent bending, kneeling, lifting and shoveling.

Groundskeeper Skills That Can Increase Pay

A person who wants to increase their Groundskeeper salary can focus on skills that are useful to larger employers. Basic lawn care is enough for some entry jobs, but additional skills can open more types of positions.

• Commercial lawn mower operation
• Trimmer and blower operation
• Plant identification
• Tree and shrub pruning
• Irrigation system maintenance
• Sports field maintenance
• Basic landscaping and planting
• Small engine and equipment knowledge
• Safe use of fertilizers and pesticides
• Snow removal equipment operation
• Basic crew leadership
• Commercial driving skills where required

Groundskeeper Career Growth

Groundskeeping does not have to remain an entry-level job for the entire career. A worker can gain experience and move into lead worker, crew leader, landscape technician, grounds supervisor or other property maintenance positions. Some people also move into landscaping business ownership after learning the trade and building experience with customers, equipment and property maintenance.

The broader grounds maintenance occupation is projected by BLS to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. BLS projects about 162,500 openings each year on average across the occupation, with many openings coming from workers leaving the occupation or retiring. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers make up the largest part of this occupation group.

Groundskeeper vs Landscaper

The words Groundskeeper and Landscaper are sometimes used for the same type of work, but they are not always exactly the same job. A Groundskeeper normally focuses more on keeping an existing property clean, safe and maintained. A Landscaper can also do grounds maintenance, but may spend more time installing new landscape features, planting, laying sod, building landscape areas and following a landscape design.

O*NET lists Groundskeeper, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Grounds Specialist, Landscape Technician and Landscaper among job titles connected with the Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers occupation. This is one reason salary information can look different when searching different job titles for almost similar work.

• Groundskeeper: Mainly maintains existing outdoor property.
• Landscaper: Can maintain grounds and also install or improve landscape areas.
• Grounds maintenance worker: Broader title covering many outdoor maintenance duties.
• Landscape technician: May have more specialized landscaping or irrigation responsibilities.
• Athletic fieldskeeper: Focuses on sports fields and related outdoor facilities.
• Greenskeeper: Usually works with golf course turf and grounds.

Groundskeeper vs Maintenance Worker

A Groundskeeper mainly works outside with lawns, plants, trees, gardens, fields and outdoor property. A general Maintenance Worker may spend more time repairing buildings, plumbing, electrical systems, doors, equipment or other property systems. Some employers combine both jobs and call the position Grounds and Maintenance Worker.

This difference can matter when comparing salaries. A person looking for a Groundskeeper job should read the full job description instead of looking only at the job title. One employer may expect simple lawn care while another may want a worker who can operate heavy equipment, repair irrigation systems and perform general facility maintenance.

What Skills Does a Groundskeeper Need?

A good Groundskeeper needs practical skills more than complicated academic education. The worker needs to know how to use equipment safely, follow instructions and notice when grass, plants, irrigation systems or outdoor property need attention.

O*NET lists mowing and edging lawns, operating powered equipment, using hand tools, trimming trees and shrubs, removing litter, caring for turf and gardens, following landscape plans and watering plants among the work activities for this occupation.

• Basic lawn care and mowing
• Plant and tree care
• Pruning and trimming
• Safe equipment operation
• Basic irrigation knowledge
• Physical stamina
• Ability to work outside in different weather
• Basic problem solving
• Good workplace safety habits
• Ability to follow a daily work schedule
• Basic equipment maintenance
• Teamwork and communication

Does a Groundskeeper Need a Degree?

Usually, a college degree is not required to start working as a Groundskeeper. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says grounds maintenance workers typically do not need a formal educational credential and are generally trained on the job. Some employers may still prefer a high school diploma or GED, especially for full-time institutional or government jobs.

O*NET places Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Job Zone 1-2, meaning very little to some preparation is generally needed. Training can range from a few days to as much as one year of on-the-job training depending on the position.

Groundskeeper Certification and License

There is no single national Groundskeeper license that every worker must have. However, special work can require state or local credentials. For example, workers who apply pesticides or certain fertilizers may need a state license or certification. The exact requirement depends on the state and the type of chemicals being used.

A commercial driver's license can also be useful for some jobs when the worker must drive larger vehicles or equipment. Other training, such as equipment safety, irrigation, arboriculture or turf management, can help a worker qualify for more specialized positions.

Groundskeeper Work Environment

Groundskeeping is mostly outdoor work. Workers can be outside for many hours and may work in hot sun, cold temperatures, rain and other weather conditions. The job can also involve repeated bending, kneeling, lifting, shoveling and walking.

O*NET reports that 65 percent of surveyed workers in this occupation said they work outdoors exposed to all weather conditions every day. It also reports that 61 percent reported a typical work week of more than 40 hours. These figures describe survey responses for the occupation and do not mean every Groundskeeper works those hours.

Is Groundskeeper a Physical Job?

Yes, Groundskeeper work can be physically demanding. Workers may push or operate mowers, carry materials, dig soil, move branches, rake leaves, trim plants and clean outdoor areas. The amount of physical work depends on the property and equipment available.

Some modern landscaping operations use riding mowers, tractors, vehicles and other powered equipment, which can reduce some manual work but also requires proper training and safety practices. O*NET lists equipment such as mowers, tractors, snow blowers, chainsaws and pruning equipment among tools used in this occupation.

Groundskeeper Salary Factors

There is no single salary for every Groundskeeper in America. Pay can change because of several factors. Location is one of the biggest factors, but experience and employer type also matter.

• Location: Local wages and demand can change by state and city.
• Experience: Experienced workers can qualify for more responsible jobs.
• Employer: A university, golf facility, government agency or private landscaping company may have different pay structures.
• Property size: Large campuses and sports facilities can require more skills.
• Equipment skills: Workers who can operate commercial equipment may qualify for different positions.
• Specialized skills: Irrigation, turf management and plant care can be useful.
• Season: Work availability can change during the year.
• Supervisory duties: A lead or supervisor position can have a different pay level.

How Much Does a Groundskeeper Make per Hour?

For the closest federal occupation, Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers had a median hourly wage of $18.82 in May 2025. The broader Grounds Maintenance Workers occupation had a median hourly wage of $19.27. The broader group includes landscaping and groundskeeping workers as well as tree trimmers, vegetation pesticide workers and other grounds maintenance occupations.

So when someone searches how much does a Groundskeeper make per hour, a reasonable national reference is around the high-$18 to $19-per-hour range, while actual job offers can be lower or higher. A worker's state, employer, experience and duties should be checked before comparing two offers.

How Much Does a Groundskeeper Make a Month?

Using a simple full-time calculation, a worker earning $18.82 per hour for 40 hours per week would have gross earnings of roughly $3,260 per month before taxes and other deductions. At $20 per hour, the same schedule would be around $3,467 per month. At $25 per hour, it would be around $4,333 per month.

These are calculated examples and not official monthly salary figures. Actual monthly income can change if the job is seasonal, part-time, overtime based or has weeks with fewer working hours.

How Much Does a Groundskeeper Make a Week?

At $18.82 per hour, a 40-hour week would produce about $752.80 before taxes. At $20 per hour, it would be $800 for 40 hours. At $25 per hour, it would be $1,000. Overtime, bonuses and seasonal changes can make actual weekly pay different.

Groundskeeper Salary Compared With Supervisor Pay

Moving into supervision can change the salary level considerably. BLS reported a $28.09 median hourly wage for First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers in May 2025, with a median annual wage of $58,430. The mean annual wage was $60,960. This is a separate supervisory occupation and should not be treated as the normal Groundskeeper salary.

A supervisor may schedule crews, inspect grounds, coordinate equipment and make sure work is completed according to requirements. O*NET lists scheduling crews, inspecting grounds, directing workers and checking completed work among the duties of this supervisory occupation.

Groundskeeper Career Outlook

The future demand for Groundskeepers is connected with continued need for lawn care, landscaping and maintenance of outdoor spaces. BLS projects employment for Grounds Maintenance Workers to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. The agency projects about 162,500 openings per year on average across the broader occupation during that period. Many openings are expected because workers leave the occupation or retire, rather than only from new job growth.

Within the broader occupation, Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers accounted for about 1.19 million jobs in 2025 and are projected to reach about 1.24 million jobs in 2035, according to BLS.

Where Can a Groundskeeper Work?

Groundskeepers can find work in many different types of properties. Some jobs are focused almost completely on landscaping while others combine outdoor grounds work with general maintenance.

• Schools and universities
• Public parks and recreation departments
• Golf courses
• Hotels and resorts
• Hospitals and healthcare campuses
• Apartment communities
• Office and commercial properties
• Sports stadiums and athletic facilities
• Cemeteries
• Government properties
• Landscaping companies
• Private residential properties

Groundskeeper Jobs Near Me

People searching Groundskeeper jobs near me will normally find the most opportunities by searching several related titles instead of only one title. Employers may use Groundskeeper, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Landscape Technician, Landscape Worker, Grounds Specialist, Athletic Fieldskeeper or Landscaper.

It is also useful to search by employer type. For example, a person looking for stable full-time work can check schools, universities, hospitals, municipalities and large property management companies. Someone looking for seasonal work may find more opportunities through landscaping companies and parks.

Is Being a Groundskeeper a Good Career?

Groundskeeping can be an accessible career for people who prefer practical outdoor work and do not want a long college education before starting. The occupation has a large number of annual openings and many positions provide on-the-job training. At the same time, the work can be physically demanding and seasonal, and outdoor weather can make the job harder.

The career can also provide a path toward specialized landscaping work or supervision. A worker who builds skills with equipment, irrigation, turf, plant care and crew management may qualify for jobs with more responsibility.

Groundskeeper Salary: Final Overview

The Groundskeeper salary in the USA depends on what type of Groundskeeper job is being counted. The latest BLS May 2025 data shows a median of $18.82 per hour and $42,290 per year for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. For the broader Grounds Maintenance Workers occupation, the median was $19.27 per hour and $40,080 per year. These numbers provide a useful national benchmark, but an actual Groundskeeper job offer can be different based on state, city, employer, experience, season and responsibilities.

For someone starting this career, the job generally has a low formal education barrier and on-the-job training is common. Learning equipment operation, irrigation, turf care, plant maintenance and other practical skills can help with career growth. Experienced workers can also move toward lead, supervisor or specialized grounds positions.

Overall, when comparing Groundskeeper pay, it is better to look at the complete job offer instead of salary alone. Hourly rate, guaranteed hours, overtime, seasonal work, benefits, commute, equipment responsibilities and opportunities for advancement can all change the real value of a Groundskeeper job.