What does a park landscaper do? – Tasks and work environment
A park landscaper works with creating, planting, and maintaining parks, green areas, and outdoor environments. The profession includes everything from planting trees and shrubs to paving, drainage, and ground preparation. The work environment is often outdoors and characterized by physical work, with tasks varying by season and project scope. Collaboration often takes place in teams with other professionals such as gardeners, machine operators, and landscape architects. Parks, residential areas, schools, and public spaces are the most common workplaces for a park landscaper.
Salary development over time
The salary for a park landscaper has shown a steady but moderate increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, which increased to 30 500 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued upward to 30 800 SEK, representing a total increase of just over 5.8% over the three-year period. This trend reflects a certain stability in the job market but also indicates that the profession has not experienced strong wage growth compared to some other trades. The demand for park landscapers has been relatively unchanged, which may explain the slow salary increase. The labor market surplus of qualified workers helps keep salary levels relatively stable.
Park landscaper salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK/month (women), 27,700 SEK/month (men)
- Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (women), 33,400 SEK/month (men)
- Hourly wage: 185 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 96% of what men do (29 900 SEK/month vs 31 200 SEK/month)
- Regional differences: Specific regional data is lacking, but salary ranges vary between employers and sectors.
Education and qualifications
To work as a park landscaper, a high school education in gardening or land and construction is usually required. Many employers value practical experience, and some tasks may require specific certificates or training, such as machine licenses or safety courses. Starting as an apprentice or through internships is common to build professional skills and networks. Further training and specialized courses in paving or plant knowledge can increase employability.
- High school education: Gardening or land and construction, 3 years
- Certificates: Machine licenses, safety training (e.g., road work)
- Internship: Often a requirement or strong merit for employment
- Further education: Specialized courses in plant knowledge or paving
- Prerequisites: Interest in outdoor work and good physical condition are advantageous
Many park landscapers get the opportunity to work on unique projects, from historic gardens to city green areas. Creative problem-solving and good teamwork skills are often crucial for success, especially when unexpected challenges arise on site.
Common benefits and compensations
Park landscapers are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pensions, insurance, and compensation for unsociable hours. Many employers also offer work clothing, wellness allowances, and opportunities for skills development. In municipal employment, extra vacation days and favorable pension conditions may also be available.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a park landscaper is currently high, with an oversupply of qualified workers. The Employment Service's prognosis indicates limited opportunities for new employment, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Seasonal variations impact the job market, with many positions being temporary during spring and summer. The profession also requires good health and stamina, as the work is physically demanding and performed outdoors year-round. The ability to handle machinery and follow safety routines is essential for employability and safety at work.
Tips for those who want to become a park landscaper
To succeed as a park landscaper, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in plants and outdoor environments with practical problem-solving skills. Precision is important, especially during planting and measuring areas, while teamwork facilitates daily work as projects are often carried out in teams. Flexibility and adaptability make it easier to handle seasonal variations and different tasks, and good physical fitness is a great asset when work involves heavy lifting or working in all weather conditions. Engagement in further education and willingness to learn new techniques or machinery can improve career prospects. Finally, responsibility and punctuality are highly valued by employers and colleagues in the industry.
Key facts about Parkanläggare
- Salary range: 26,700–34,600 SEK/month
- Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
- Education level: High school (3 years) in gardening or land and construction
- Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding and seasonal
- Demand: Limited opportunities for new jobs, oversupply in the labor market
Career paths and future prospects
After 3–5 years in the profession, a park landscaper can advance to more specialized roles, such as supervisor, site manager, or project leader in outdoor environments and construction. With further training, there are also opportunities to work with machinery, planning, or within contracting companies. According to the Employment Service's forecast, demand for park landscapers is unchanged, with an oversupply of workers. Nationally, job opportunities are limited, but regional variations may exist depending on municipal investments or large urban development projects. Those who acquire specialist skills or experience in sustainability and plant selection may find improved job prospects.
Frequently asked questions about Parkanläggare
- What does a Parkanläggare earn?
- A park landscaper has an average salary of 30 800 SEK per month according to current statistics.
- What are the gender differences in salary for Parkanläggare?
- Women earn 29 900 SEK per month, which corresponds to 96% of men's salary of 31 200 SEK.
- What education is required to become a Parkanläggare?
- High school education in gardening or land and construction is most common, often supplemented with practical training and certificates.
- What is the job market like for Parkanläggare?
- There is an oversupply of labor and limited opportunities for new jobs according to the Employment Service.
- What is the highest salary for a Parkanläggare?
- The highest recorded salary is 34,600 SEK per month for a woman in the municipal sector.
- What are the future prospects for the profession?
- Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, but regional variations may occur.
- What benefits are common for Parkanläggare?
- Common benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, work clothing, and extra vacation days.
