Ornamental plant grower salary

Ornamental Plant Grower: A Creative and Important Profession

Working as an ornamental plant grower involves cultivating and caring for plants used for decoration and aesthetics. This profession, also known as a horticulturist, requires a blend of knowledge in botany, creativity, and practical skills. Ornamental plant growers can work in various environments, such as greenhouses, garden centers, and sometimes directly in nature, depending on the season and needs.

What Does an Ornamental Plant Grower Do?

As an ornamental plant grower, one is responsible for cultivating, planting, and maintaining various types of plants. This can include everything from flowers and shrubs to trees and other decorative plants. The work often involves selecting the right soil, fertilizers, and irrigation techniques to maximize plant growth and health. Additionally, it may require addressing pest control and plant diseases. Creativity and an eye for aesthetics are essential qualities for creating appealing plantings that suit customers' preferences and trends in garden design.

Salaries and Economics for Ornamental Plant Growers

The salary for an ornamental plant grower varies depending on experience, workplace, and gender. With an average monthly salary of 27 600 SEK, there are some differences between men and women in the profession. Men tend to earn around 28 200 SEK, while women earn an average of 26 900 SEK, meaning women earn approximately 95% of what men do in the same profession. For hourly employees, the average hourly wage is 166 SEK, based on a working time of 166 hours per month.

Salary Development and Disparities

It is pleasing to see that the average salary for ornamental plant growers has increased from 26 500 SEK to 27 600 SEK since the last measurement. The highest salary for an ornamental plant grower is 28 200 SEK, which applies to a male private sector employee, while the highest salary for a female is 26 900 SEK. The lowest salary for both men and women is 26 900 SEK and 28 200 SEK, respectively, depending on the sector and educational background.

Education and Career Opportunities

Becoming an ornamental plant grower often requires education in horticulture or equivalent practical experience. Training programs are available at various levels, from high school to higher education in horticulture. Practical experience is highly valuable in this profession, and many employers appreciate previous work in gardening or related areas.

Future Prospects and Challenges

It is difficult to make an exact assessment of the future prospects for ornamental plant growers, as this profession is part of a larger occupational group in agriculture. The labor market forecasts for horticulturists, in general, are limited, but overall, the need for aesthetically pleasing green spaces continues to be important in our society.

Working Conditions and Competition

Working conditions for ornamental plant growers can vary depending on the season and workplace. During spring and summer, workdays can be long and physically demanding, while the winter months may involve more planning and preparations for upcoming seasons. The competition in the profession depends on the region and demand, but having a strong combination of education and experience can make a candidate more attractive in the job market.

Benefits and Working Conditions

Within the profession of ornamental plant growers, benefits such as paid training and the opportunity to participate in garden exhibitions may occur, which can be both motivating and developmental for the employee. However, the possibility of working from home is limited in this profession, as much of the work is practical and requires on-site presence.

Summary Advice for Future Ornamental Plant Growers

For those considering a career as an ornamental plant grower, it is important to have a genuine interest in plants and garden design. Acquiring a solid education and practical experience in the field can open doors to various job opportunities, from working in greenhouses to being part of larger garden projects. Considering the salary development within the profession, there is also potential for a stable and rewarding career.