What does a gardening assistant do? – Tasks and work environment
A gardening assistant works with establishing, maintaining, and caring for green environments such as parks, gardens, residential areas, and public spaces. Tasks include planting flowers and shrubs, mowing lawns, pruning, weed control, and watering. The work also involves using various machines and tools, as well as collaborating with others in the gardening industry. The work environment is often outdoors and varies with the seasons, requiring good physical fitness and adaptability.
Salary development over time
Statistics show a steady increase in the salary of gardening assistants over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 29,100 SEK per month, rising the following year to 30 500 SEK. In 2024, the average salary has increased further to 30 800 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5.8% over three years. This trend reflects a broader movement within green industries, where wages have somewhat strengthened due to increased awareness of environmental sustainability, though demand for labor remains relatively low. Despite some wage growth, the salary level for the profession remains below the average for many other occupations, which can be explained by competition within the industry and limited career paths.
Gardening assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,700 SEK/month (female, private sector)
- Highest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (female, municipal sector)
- Hourly wage: 185 SEK/hour
- Male salary: 31 200 SEK/month
- Female salary: 29 900 SEK/month
- Women earn: 96% of what men do
Education and qualifications
To work as a gardening assistant, a high school education with a focus on gardening, natural resources, or similar is usually required. Some employers also seek experience from practical gardening or supplementary courses in plant knowledge and machinery use. Internships during education are common and provide valuable skills for the professional life. For those without formal education, entry into the profession can sometimes be achieved through seasonal work or apprenticeships.
- Vocational program at high school: Agriculture/Natural Resources program, specialization in gardening (3 years)
- Adult education or supplementary courses: Gardening education (1–2 years)
- Certifications: Courses in plant knowledge, machinery handling, safety
- Internship/Work-based learning: Practical components during education provide important networks
- Prerequisites: Often basic high school eligibility
- Tip: Choose education with a focus on both theory and practical work
Working as a gardening assistant often involves early mornings and changing weather conditions, which many professionals describe as fostering a special sense of community and pride within the profession. Seeing the results of your work in the form of blooming parks or well-maintained green spaces is appreciated by both colleagues and the public.
Common benefits and compensation
Gardening assistants are often offered benefits such as work clothing, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to company vehicles or tools. Other common compensations include overtime pay for work during evenings and weekends, as well as opportunities for skills development through internal or external courses. Some employers also provide seasonal bonuses or extra leave during the winter season.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a gardening assistant is considered high, with an oversupply of applicants relative to available jobs. According to the Employment Service’s forecast for the group of landscape workers and similar, opportunities for employment are limited and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This makes it difficult to secure permanent employment without relevant education and experience. Seasonal variations also impact the job market, with the most opportunities during spring and summer. Challenges include physical strain, exposure to weather, and sometimes monotonous tasks.
Tips for aspiring gardening assistants
To succeed as a gardening assistant, it’s good to combine a genuine interest in nature with practical skills and good endurance. Being meticulous and attentive to detail facilitates planting and plant care. Flexibility is important, as tasks can vary greatly depending on the season and workplace. Teamwork skills are highly valued, especially in larger projects involving multiple people. Showing engagement and a willingness to learn new techniques or machinery increases chances of permanent employment. Social skills are also an asset, as work is often performed in teams and sometimes involves customer contact. Lastly, it’s essential to enjoy outdoor work and be prepared to take responsibility for both small and large tasks in daily work.
Key facts about Gardening Assistant
- Average salary: 30 800 SEK/month
- Education level: Vocational high school education
- Work environment: Outdoors, physically demanding
- Job opportunities: 360 available jobs within the profession
- Future prospects: Limited opportunities and a surplus of applicants
Career paths and future outlook
After gaining several years of experience as a gardening assistant, there are opportunities to advance to supervisor, garden designer, or specialize in areas such as plant protection, pruning, or machinery. Some choose to further their education in landscape architecture or start their own gardening business. However, according to the Employment Service’s forecast, future prospects are limited, with few opportunities for employment and a continued surplus of trained labor. The demand for the profession is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, implying that competition for permanent positions will likely stay high. Regionally, demand may vary depending on the season and local investments in green spaces.
Common questions about Gardening Assistant
- What is the average salary of a gardening assistant?
- A gardening assistant has an average salary of 30 800 SEK per month.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for a gardening assistant?
- The highest salary is 34,600 SEK, and the lowest is 26,700 SEK per month.
- How does the pay differ between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 31 200 SEK, women 29 900 SEK, which is 96% of men's salaries.
- How does one become a gardening assistant?
- Most commonly, through high school education focused on gardening or natural resources, plus practical training.
- What are the typical tasks of a gardening assistant?
- Planting, caring for plants, mowing lawns, pruning, and maintaining green areas.
- What is the job market like?
- The job market offers limited opportunities and a surplus of applicants according to the Employment Service.
- Are there regional salary differences?
- Salary levels can vary depending on employer and region, but general differences are small.
