Gardener, garden

What does a landscaping gardener do? – Tasks and work environment

A landscaping gardener works with creating, building, and maintaining outdoor environments such as parks, gardens, courtyards, and public green spaces. Tasks include ground preparation, planting trees and shrubs, paving, lawn laying, and installing irrigation systems. The work is mostly outdoors and can be physically demanding, involving machine operation and heavy lifting. Depending on the project, the environment can range from private gardens to larger public areas, often involving collaboration with landscape architects and other professionals.

Salary development over time

The salary for a landscaping gardener has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 30 500 SEK in 2023 and further up to 30 800 SEK in 2024. The total salary increase during this period is approximately 6%, reflecting a moderate but steady improvement in compensation within the profession. Factors contributing to this development may include collective agreement adjustments, increased demand for qualified landscapers in certain regions, and general wage trends in the construction and landscaping industry. Despite this, salaries remain typical for green sector jobs, where competition for positions is relatively high.

Landscaping gardener salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK/month (female, private sector worker)
• Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, up to 2-year high school diploma)
• Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
• Women earn: 29 900 SEK (96% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 31 200 SEK
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on location and employer, but exact figures are unavailable.

Education and qualifications

To work as a landscaping gardener, a high school education with a focus on grounds and landscaping is usually required. Many employers also value practical experience and a driver’s license. Further education, certifications, and courses can increase employability and opportunities for higher wages or more specialized tasks.

• High school education: Building and construction program, grounds and landscaping specialization (about 3 years)
• Adult education/vocational training: Opportunities for supplementary training for adults
• Internship: Often integrated into education or as a traineeship to gain work experience
• Driver’s license B: Almost always required due to transportation and machine operation
• Certificates: e.g., chainsaw license or machinery operator certificate can be advantageous
• Prerequisites: Good physical condition and interest in outdoor work

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for landscaping gardeners can include occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and sometimes access to company vehicles or tools. Larger employers may also offer training and opportunities for career development. Overtime pay, shift allowances, and collective insurance schemes are also common.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a landscaping gardener is high, confirmed by the Swedish Public Employment Service’s assessment of a nationwide surplus of labor in the profession. Opportunities for employment are limited, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include seasonal variations, as many projects depend on weather conditions, and the physical demands of the work. To stand out in the job market, specialized skills such as paving or machine operation and a willingness to continually develop your competence are advantageous.

Tips for aspiring landscaping gardeners

To succeed as a landscaping gardener, it’s beneficial to combine practical skills with an interest in nature and outdoor environments. Precision is crucial when following plans and creating durable solutions, ensuring the final result is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Physical endurance is important, as the work often involves heavy lifting and long outdoor days. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and other professionals on site. Flexibility and problem-solving abilities are needed to handle unexpected challenges during projects. Gaining early experience through internships or summer jobs provides valuable contacts and insight into the profession. Finally, being open to further education and staying updated on new materials and techniques is an advantage.

Key facts about landscaping gardeners

• Education level: High school education, grounds and landscaping (about 3 years)
• Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding
• Demand: Limited opportunities for employment nationwide (360 job openings)
• Typical employment: Full-time, seasonal variations occur
• Gender differences: Women earn 96% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as supervisor, site manager, or specializing in areas like paving, pruning, or machine operation. Some choose to start their own landscaping business or further train as a gardener. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, the future outlook at the national level is unchanged, with limited job opportunities and a surplus of labor in the profession. For those motivated to develop, opportunities can open within niche services or by taking on larger, more complex projects, especially in growing regions or through further education.

Frequently asked questions about landscaping gardeners

• What does a landscaping gardener earn?
  - The average salary is 30 800 SEK per month, with some variation depending on experience and employer.
• How has the salary development looked for landscaping gardeners?
  - Over the past three years, the salary has increased from 29,100 SEK to 30 800 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a landscaping gardener?
  - Most commonly, a vocational education in grounds and landscaping, but adult education and certifications can also be relevant.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 29 900 SEK and men 31 200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 96% of men's salaries.
• What does the job market look like for landscaping gardeners?
  - The job market is characterized by an oversupply of labor and limited opportunities for employment nationwide.
• What tasks are included in the profession?
  - Tasks include ground preparation, planting, paving, and maintenance of outdoor environments.