Are you thinking of a career in horticulture? If yes, then the question about Horticulture salary ranges must have crossed your mind. Whether you’re an aspiring student or a horticulturist, the industry has something for everyone.
The average salary in horticulture is $68,835 in the United States. And the average hourly rate is $33. The Horticulture salary ranges vary from $36,438 all the way up to $130,962.
Usually, a bachelor’s degree is very common for Horticulturists. That being said, a formal education gives you the skills needed to master the art. Because most programs include internships that gives hands-on experience.
Often, graduates start with higher salaries. And with a good experience level, you could earn anywhere between $50,000 to $75,000 a year. What’s more, industry leaders and executives can easily cross six figures!
However, most jobs don’t need a college degree. But this affects the salary severely. It all comes down to the nature of the job and the responsibilities. Besides, horticulture salary also varies by state.
Industry analysis shows that 45 percent of horticulturists have a bachelor’s degree. And 24 percent have associate degrees. Whereas, 27 percent don’t have a degree.
Horticulture salary by experience
Often, experience has a huge effect on salary. And this is true for every career.
Here’s how much experience horticulturists make:
- Top-level horticulture salary is $130,962
- Senior level salaries average at $96,723
- Mid-level salary is around $69,075
- Junior level horticulture salary is $49,321
- Entry-level salary starts at $36,436
How Education affects salary in Horticulture?
Whether you have a college degree or not, horticulture has jobs for everyone. The kind of job influences the level of education needed. But most jobs don’t require a formal education.
For instance, managers and executives are usually expected to have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture. Whereas, maintenance teams may only need an associate degree or relevant experience.
However, having a college degree makes you eligible for a wider range of jobs. Besides, you will be paid more than those without a degree.
More advanced research and training may require a doctorate. As the responsibilities increase, so does the salary.
Taking certificate courses is a good way to boost your career. Most institutes and colleges provide certificate programs. Some facilities even provide practical courses in a greenhouse setting.
A horticulture degree can take your career to the next level!
A horticulture degree can help you make a career in
- Landscape Design
- Plant Breeding
- Nursery Production
- Food Science
- Genetic Engineering
- Floral Design
- Farming
- Education
- Research
- Marketing
- Landscape Management
- Pest Management
and much more.
In fact, there are jobs that you may not even know exist. For example, consulting businesses like a greenhouse, nursery or suppliers. Or, working as a horticulture therapist to help people suffering from disabilities and illnesses.
Indeed, there’s a whole world of opportunities out there for you to explore!
Related: What can you do with a horticulture degree?
Horticulture salary by expertise
Just as education and experience is vital, equally important is your expertise. Some horticulture careers are higher paying than others.
For instance, post-secondary agriculture science teachers make as much as $128,275 a year. Most of them having a doctorate degree.
Whereas, researchers and plant scientists earn as much as $101,483 a year. They discover new ways to improve plant growth, quality and yield. What’s more, they also study plant physiology and composition.
Such careers demand exceptional knowledge and skills in horticulture. That’s exactly why most of them have doctoral and master’s degrees.
Some of the popular careers and their average salaries are:
- Plant Scientist: $79,839
- Food scientist: $74,085
- Plant and Soil Specialist: $69,460
- Greenhouse/Nursery manager: $65,328
- Range manager $63,135
- Landscape architect $59,246
- Landscape designer: $55,209
- Landscaping operations: $49,573
- Lawn care technician: $47,549
Some even start their own businesses such as a greenhouse. In fact, it is much more profitable than farming. Especially thanks to innovations like hydroponics, vertical gardens, propagation and breeding.
Speaking of careers, check out my Horticulture Careers Guide for more information.
How horticulture salary compares to related careers?
Generally, horticulture salary is 12% higher than its related careers in the United States.
Unlike its related careers, horticulture focuses on improving crop quality and yield. As well as finding better ways to process, store and package produce to boost shelf-life. And all this is a much smaller space than large-scale farming.
That’s why horticulture salaries are much higher than its related careers.
Which states pay the most?
Like most careers, the horticulture salary varies by the state you choose to work in. Some states have a higher demand. While others may not.
Industry insights show that some states like Minnesota, North Carolina and New Jersey are among the highest payers.
Here are some of the average salaries by state:
- Minnesota: $95930
- North Carolina: $90730
- New Jersey: $90300
- Virginia: $86170
- Nevada: 82060
- Washington: $79,880
- Wyoming: $79,010
- California: $78,940
- Kentucky: $78,290
- Pennsylvania: $77,590
- New York: $77,050
- Georgia: $75,450
Final thoughts
Horticulture can be a fulfilling career for nature lovers. Especially if you have a green thumb. Instead of looking at the Horticulture salary ranges, look for ways to follow your passion. After all, satisfaction is more important than money.
However, horticulture is not all about getting your hands dirty. Some careers require creativity to find new ways to improve horticulture. For instance, research can lead to better crop quality, yield and resistance to diseases.
There are plenty of career options in horticulture. You could get into marketing or consultancy. Or help people by providing horticulture therapy. Even better, teach aspiring students and inspire them.
Research, education, consultancy, marketing, nursery and greenhouse production are only a few of the careers. Sometimes, you may find jobs that you may not even know exist! Since the job market is so huge, horticulture salary ranges vary drastically.
I hope you enjoyed this article. So, which career are you aspiring for? Let me know in the comments below.
Also, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.
Follow me on social media
This blog may contain affiliate links
0 Comments Leave a comment