Gardeners

What does a garden landscaper do? – Tasks and work environment

A garden landscaper is responsible for creating and maintaining outdoor environments such as parks, gardens, courtyards, and green areas at public and private properties. Tasks include groundworks, planting of flowers and trees, paving, drainage, excavation, pruning, and maintenance. The work is mostly outdoors and involves physically demanding tasks as well as significant machine operation. Garden landscapers often work in teams, but independent work is also common, especially for smaller projects or specific area maintenance.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for garden landscapers has shown a steady but moderate increase. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK, rising the following year to 30 500 SEK, representing an increase of about 4.8%. Between 2023 and 2024, salaries continued to rise, albeit at a slower pace, to the current level of 30 800 SEK, which is an increase of about 1%. This trend reflects a relatively stable job market with unchanged demand, although competition for jobs remains high. Salary increases mainly follow the industry’s central agreements and are also influenced by regional differences and the employer sector.

Garden landscaper salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK/month (female, private sector employee)
• Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
• Hourly wage (average): 185 SEK
• Women earn: 29 900 SEK (96% of men's salary)
• Men earn: 31 200 SEK
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur, especially between municipal and private sectors

Education and qualifications

To work as a garden landscaper, a high school education in natural resources or gardening is usually required, often supplemented with practical training. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in machinery and basic knowledge of plants and groundworks. There are also opportunities for further education through vocational colleges or short courses to specialize in areas such as paving or pruning.

• High school education: Natural resources program with a focus on gardening (3 years)
• Vocational college: Courses in landscaping, plant knowledge, or specialization (1–2 years)
• Certifications: Machinery licenses, hot work, safety courses
• Practical training: Common as part of the education
• Prerequisites: Usually basic high school competence, sometimes driver’s license

Common benefits and compensations

Garden landscapers often receive benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, insurance, and sometimes further training paid by the employer. Many workplaces also offer occupational pension, insurance, and occasional bonuses during peak seasons or special projects. Compensation for unsociable hours and overtime may also be provided, especially during busy periods.

Competition and challenges

The market for garden landscapers is currently characterized by an oversupply of labor, which means competition for positions is high. The Employment Service’s forecast indicates limited opportunities and that demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges include standing out among applicants through experience, specialized skills, or certifications. Seasonal variations also affect job security and may lead to periods of unemployment during winter. Technological changes and requirements for machine skills further demand flexibility and continuous skill development.

Tips for those who want to become a garden landscaper

To succeed as a garden landscaper, it’s beneficial to be both practically inclined and detail-oriented. Demonstrating precision in work helps with paving and planting, while good physical endurance is important for heavy lifting and long outdoor workdays. Being cooperative and communicative provides advantages since many projects are team-based. Flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to weather and workload are also crucial. An interest in plants and outdoor environments facilitates learning and development in the profession, while a willingness to further educate oneself in new techniques and machinery increases employability and the potential for higher wages.

Key facts about Garden Landscapers

• Salary range: 26,700–34,600 SEK/month
• Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
• Women’s salary relative to men: 96%
• Education requirements: High school education, often supplemented with practical training
• Job market: Limited opportunities, surplus of labor

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years of experience, a garden landscaper can advance to supervisor, site manager, or start their own business in landscaping and maintenance. Specializing in areas such as paving, drainage, or pruning increases chances of more qualified and higher-paid assignments. The Employment Service’s forecast shows that the job market is saturated and that demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years. The number of available jobs is around 360 nationwide, indicating high competition. However, career influence can be increased through further education and specialization.

Frequently asked questions about Garden Landscapers

• What is the average salary of a garden landscaper?
  - A garden landscaper has an average salary of 30 800 SEK per month.
• How do salary differences between women and men look?
  - Women earn an average of 29 900 SEK while men earn 31 200 SEK, which means women have 96% of men's salaries.
• What education is required to become a garden landscaper?
  - High school education in natural resources or gardening is most common, often supplemented with practical training and sometimes vocational college courses.
• What is the job market like for garden landscapers?
  - There is a surplus of labor and limited job opportunities, but approximately 360 job openings are available nationwide.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries?
  - The highest salary is 34,600 SEK and the lowest 26,700 SEK, depending on gender, sector, and education.
• Are there regional salary differences?
  - Yes, salaries vary between municipal and private sectors and between different regions.
• What benefits are common?
  - Common benefits include work clothing, wellness allowances, insurance, and sometimes bonuses or training support.