Gardener

What does a Gardening Worker do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A gardening worker is responsible for planting, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and maintaining plants and green spaces in parks, gardens, and public areas. Tasks may also include laying lawns, paving, watering, and working with garden machinery. The work is primarily outdoors and often physically demanding, meaning weather and season significantly impact the work environment. The role requires good planning, teamwork skills, and an eye for detail to create pleasant and sustainable outdoor environments.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, the salary for gardening workers has shown steady positive growth. In 2022, the average salary was 26,500 SEK per month. In 2023, this increased to 27 600 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 4.2%. The latest figure from 2024 shows the average salary is now 29 300 SEK, which is a further increase of about 6.2% from the previous year. This trend can be partly explained by increased demand for green space expertise as sustainability, urban greenery, and recreational areas gain more focus, along with a slight improvement in the job market for green sector jobs. Shortages of trained workers and seasonal variations also influence salary setting, with employers sometimes forced to offer higher wages to secure expertise during busy periods.

Gardening Worker Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 29 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 28,000 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 30,300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 176 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 92% of what men do
• Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but variations exist depending on local labor markets

Education and Qualifications

To work as a gardening worker, a university degree is generally not required, but high school education in natural resources or gardening is often advantageous. Many employers value practical experience, and it is common to combine education with internships or seasonal work to build the right skills. Opportunities for further training and certification exist for those who want to specialize in areas such as pruning, plant protection, or machinery operation.

• High school education: Natural Resources Program, specializing in gardening (3 years)
• Vocational college: Available for specialization, often 1–2 years
• Internships: Common during education and as an entry point to the profession
• Courses/certificates: For example, chainsaw license or plant protection license
• Prerequisites: Interest in plants, endurance, and teamwork skills

Common Benefits and Compensation

Gardening workers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes access to company vehicles. Overtime pay may be provided during peak seasons, and some employers offer training grants for further skill development. Seasonal employment is common, which can include additional compensation during intensive periods.

Competition and Challenges

Competition for permanent positions as a gardening worker varies depending on region and season. During spring and summer, the demand for labor increases, while the number of jobs decreases in winter. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding tasks, exposure to weather, and sometimes monotonous work. A shortage of trained personnel can lead to higher workloads for existing employees, and there are risks of injury when handling machinery and tools. For those flexible and willing to work seasonally, opportunities can be good.

Tips for Aspiring Gardening Workers

To succeed as a gardening worker, it is helpful to have a genuine curiosity about plants and nature, which facilitates learning about different plant species and care methods. Precision is an important trait, especially when planning and executing pruning or planting. Physical endurance is needed to handle long outdoor workdays in varying weather. Being service-minded and able to collaborate with colleagues and clients is crucial for creating pleasant environments. Finally, flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to new tasks can lead to a long and varied career in the profession.

Key Facts About Gardening Workers

• Education level: High school education (natural resources/gardening) is most common
• Work environment: Outdoors, often physically demanding and seasonal
• Job openings: Approximately 360 available jobs in the profession
• Gender distribution: Women have lower average salaries than men (92%)

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After gaining some experience, a gardening worker can advance to supervisor, gardener, or specialize in areas such as plant protection, pruning, or machinery operation. Some choose to start their own gardening or landscaping business. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that there is currently not enough data to provide an exact assessment of future prospects, but with around 360 job openings, there is a certain demand in the labor market. Seasonal variations and regional differences affect job availability, with the best opportunities during spring and summer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gardening Workers

• What is the average salary of a Gardening Worker?
  - The average salary is 29 300 SEK per month.
• What is the hourly wage for a Gardening Worker?
  - The average hourly wage is 176 SEK.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 92% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the highest salary for a Gardening Worker?
  - The highest salary is 30,300 SEK per month and belongs to a man who is a private sector employee.
• Is education required to become a Gardening Worker?
  - High school education in natural resources or gardening is common, but practical experience weighs heavily.
• What is the work environment like?
  - Work is outdoors, physically demanding, and influenced by season and weather.
• What are the future prospects?
  - No specific forecast, but there are approximately 360 job openings in the profession.