Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other Salary Guide 2025: $46,860 Median
Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other earned a median of $46,860 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage works out to about $23. Salaries range from $31,650 at the 10th percentile to $74,820 at the 90th, meaning top performers can earn significantly more. This occupational category covers specialized groundskeepers not classified elsewhere, such as those maintaining athletic fields, golf courses, or cemeteries.
How much Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other earn
The median annual wage for the occupation is $46,860, with the average (mean) at $48,830. Hourly, that's roughly $23.47 on average. The middle 50% of workers earn between about $37,000 and $58,000, but the full spread is wide: the lowest 10% make under $31,650, while the highest 10% bring in over $74,820.
Pay varies by skill set and setting. Workers in specialized roles like sports turf management or pest control often command higher wages, while those in basic landscaping or custodial grounds care may earn less. Experience also matters—senior workers and supervisors can reach the upper end of the pay scale.
Pay by state
Indiana tops the list at $78,580 mean annual wage, followed by Minnesota and Oklahoma at $73,300 each, then Arizona and Massachusetts at $72,550. These states likely have strong demand for specialized grounds maintenance in sectors like golf, parks, or large estates.
At the lower end, Mississippi pays a mean of $31,420, Louisiana $33,970, and Idaho $36,000. Cost of living partly explains the gap, but wages also reflect local market rates and industry mix. If you're mobile and chasing top pay, Indiana or the upper Midwest offer the highest returns.
How to become Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is typical, lasting a few weeks to months depending on complexity. For specialized roles, employers may prefer candidates with a certificate from a community college in turf management, horticulture, or a related field.
Licenses or certifications can boost earnings. Examples include pesticide applicator licenses (required by many states for chemical treatments), arborist certifications, or irrigation system certifications. Drivers license is often necessary for jobs involving travel between sites. Physical stamina and ability to operate machinery like mowers, trimmers, and small tractors are basic requirements.
- Earn a high school diploma (most common minimum)
- Complete on-the-job training (typically 1–3 months)
- Consider a certificate or associate degree in horticulture or turf management for higher pay
- Obtain state pesticide license if handling chemicals
- Get certified through organizations like the National Association of Landscape Professionals
Job outlook
Employment for Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other is projected to grow 2.4% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,900 job openings each year over the decade. Current employment stands at 13,630 workers.
Growth is driven by construction of new parks, sports facilities, and commercial properties, as well as the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Competition for specialized roles (e.g., golf course superintendents) may be higher, but general grounds maintenance jobs should remain steady.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'All Other' mean in this occupation?
It's a catch-all for grounds maintenance workers who aren't classified in other specific roles like landscaping or tree trimming. Examples include workers maintaining athletic fields, golf courses, cemeteries, or parks with specialized equipment.
Do I need a degree to become a Grounds Maintenance Worker, All Other?
No. Most jobs only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, certificates or associate degrees in horticulture or turf management can help you qualify for higher-paying specialized roles.
What is the highest-paying state for this job?
Indiana has the highest mean annual wage at $78,580, followed by Minnesota and Oklahoma at $73,300.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other data.