How much does a Garden director make

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  2. Garden director
Image that illustrates Garden director

Garden director

29 300 kr

Horticulturists

28 000 - 30 300 kr / month

Women earn 92% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Garden director

Average salary 29 300 kr
Males 30 300 kr
Females 28 000 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 9 Vacant jobs ->

What does a garden director do? – tasks and work environment

A garden director is responsible for leading, planning, and developing horticultural activities, often within large parks, botanical gardens, or commercial cultivation. Tasks include budget management, personnel leadership, strategic development, coordinating cultivation processes, and quality assurance of plant populations and facilities. The director often collaborates with both public and private sectors, and the work environment varies between offices, greenhouses, outdoor settings, and meetings with partners. The role requires a good overall understanding of cultivation techniques, project management, and sustainability issues.

Salary development over time

The salary for garden directors has shown positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 26,500 SEK per month, which increased to 27 600 SEK in 2023 and further to 29 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 10.6% over the period. The salary increase can partly be explained by higher demand for sustainability expertise and leadership within green space management, as well as general salary hikes in the nature sector. Meanwhile, gender pay gaps remain clear, with men still earning a higher average salary than women. The market for qualified garden directors is still relatively small, which also influences salary levels.

Garden director salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 29 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,000 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 30,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 176 SEK/hour
  • Women: 28,000 SEK/month (92% of men's salary)
  • Men: 30,300 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Limited data available

Education and qualifications

A garden director usually has higher education in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related natural sciences, often at college or university level. In addition to formal education, experience in leadership roles within green space maintenance or cultivation, as well as knowledge of finance and project management, are required. Additional courses in plant protection, environmental management, or personnel management can be advantageous.

  • College or university degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related fields (2–5 years)
  • Certifications/courses in plant protection, environmental management, or leadership
  • Internships/trainee programs in larger garden or park operations
  • Experience in project management and personnel responsibility
  • In-depth knowledge of plant biology and sustainability

Working as a garden director often involves being the link between cultivation experts, municipal decision-makers, and the public. The role demands strong communication skills and the ability to lead long-term projects, while offering great opportunities to influence the development of green spaces and the city's environmental profile.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Besides salary, garden directors often receive benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, work clothing, and sometimes flexible working hours. Some employers also offer professional development, further training, and participation in industry events. Access to company cars or bike allowances may be available depending on the employer and geographic location of the position.

Competition and challenges

The market for garden directors is relatively limited as it is a niche leadership role within the nature sector. Since the number of available positions is few and most require formal education plus several years of experience, competition for the best jobs is noticeable. The profession also faces challenges in balancing budget constraints, sustainability goals, and personnel management. Long-term projects and seasonal workload variations demand flexibility and problem-solving skills. Staying updated on new cultivation methods and environmental regulations is essential for success in the role.

Tips for aspiring garden directors

To succeed as a garden director, it helps to combine a strong drive for sustainable development with a genuine interest in plant biology and leadership. Focus on gaining broad practical experience during your education, preferably through internships or summer jobs in larger garden operations. Good organizational skills and an analytical mindset aid in planning and executing projects efficiently. Develop your communication skills, as the role often involves leading teams and collaborating with various stakeholders. Demonstrate meticulous financial planning and budgeting, as this is often crucial for project success. A solution-oriented approach and the ability to prioritize under time pressure are also important qualities for handling unexpected challenges in the profession.

Key facts about Garden Director

  • Average salary: 29 300 SEK/month
  • Salary range: 28,000–30,300 SEK/month
  • Education level: College or university degree
  • Gender difference: Women earn 92% of what men do
  • Number of job openings (2024): 360 in the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a garden director can advance to senior management positions within park administration, larger botanical gardens, or municipal management. Other possible career paths include specializing in urban planning, sustainability work, or consulting for private and public clients. According to the Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts for horticulturists, no precise assessment exists due to limited data, but there are reports of 360 available jobs, indicating some demand. Future outlooks are influenced by investments in green infrastructure, climate issues, and increasing demands for sustainable urban environments. Specialized skills in environmental management and project coordination are becoming increasingly important for career development in the field.

Common questions about Garden Director

  • What does a Garden Director earn?
    - A garden director has an average salary of 29 300 SEK per month.
  • How do salary differences between women and men look?
    - Women earn on average 28,000 SEK and men 30,300 SEK, which means women have 92% of men's salaries.
  • What education is needed to become a garden director?
    - Typically, a college or university degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or similar fields is required.
  • Are there many job openings for garden directors?
    - According to the latest statistics, there are 360 available jobs.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Benefits include wellness allowances, occupational pension, work clothing, and opportunities for skill development.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - No exact forecast exists, but demand is influenced by investments in green infrastructure and sustainable urban development.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a garden director?
    - The highest salary is 30,300 SEK and the lowest is 28,000 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 07:59:04

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Garden director is 30300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 28000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Garden director is 28000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 30300 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 28400 kr 28700 kr
45-54 28700 kr 28800 kr
Snitt 92% 29200 kr 29300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Garden director has the SSYK code 6112, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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