Also known as: Campground Attendant, Cemetery Worker, Chimney Sweeper, Disease Control Inspector
Your day begins before many students are even awake, as you pull into the campus grounds shop parking lot. After clocking in, you grab your assignment sheet from the bulletin board, outlining the areas needing attention today. You perform a quick pre-check on the utility vehicle and the zero-turn mower, ensuring fuel levels are good and blades are sharp. The morning air is crisp as you load up your Stihl weed trimmer, backpack blower, and various hand tools, ready to tackle the main quad.
+3.7%
US average: +3.5%
1,800
per year (US)
14,200
in 2025 → 14,800 (2035)
No formal educational credential
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
The outlook for Grounds Maintenance Workers is stable, with employment projected to grow by 3.7% through 2035 and about 1,800 openings expected each year. The median annual wage for this role is around $46,860. As you gain experience, you could advance to a supervisory position or specialize in areas like horticulture.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$46,860
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Turf and Turfgrass Management
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Ornamental Horticulture
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Horticultural Science
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years
Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management
Bachelor • Sports & Fitness • 4 years
Public Horticulture
Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years