Position
Salary
A horticulturist studies plants, soils, and related topics. Their job involves designing landscapes, growing crops, and managing trees and shrubs. These professionals earn a decent salary for their work. The average yearly salary for horticulturists is $51,665. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific role within the field.
Most horticulturists fall into different salary ranges. Here are some common figures:

Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $103,912
In Sacramento, professionals explore careers with local nurseries and landscape companies. The city’s climate offers a range of plants to work with, making it a vibrant place for plant enthusiasts. Notable companies include Smith Nursery and Green Thumb Landscape.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $47,060
Denver offers a mix of urban and natural settings for horticulturists. The city’s parks and botanical gardens provide excellent opportunities to work with diverse plant species. Companies like Denver Botanic Gardens and Earthwise Landscapes offer promising roles.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $46,497
Houston’s warm climate supports a year-round growing season. Horticulturists here work with a variety of tropical and subtropical plants. Local companies like Houston Nursery and Greenscapes Inc. look for skilled professionals.
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Salt Lake City, UT
Average Salary: $45,713
Salt Lake City provides a unique setting for horticulturists to thrive. The city’s gardens and parks offer plenty of opportunities to work with native plants. Companies such as Utah State University’s Botanical Garden and Wasatch Mountain Nursery are key employers.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $44,411
Atlanta’s diverse climate makes it an exciting place for horticulturists. The city’s many parks and botanical gardens provide a rich environment for plant care. Companies like Atlanta Botanical Garden and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange offer excellent career opportunities.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $43,645
St. Louis offers a mix of urban and rural opportunities for those in the horticulture field. The city’s many gardens and parks provide diverse environments for plant care. Companies like the Missouri Botanical Garden and Urban Landscapes Inc. are notable employers.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $37,902
Nashville’s mild climate allows horticulturists to work with a variety of plants throughout the year. The city’s many parks and gardens offer beautiful settings to practice. Notable companies include Tennessee State Parks and Nashville Tree Farm.
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Cincinnati, OH
Average Salary: $37,308
Cincinnati’s diverse climate supports a wide range of plant species. The city’s parks and gardens offer excellent opportunities to work with various plants. Companies like Cincinnati Nature Center and Anderson's Greenhouse provide promising roles.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $36,654
Omaha offers a variety of opportunities for horticulturists to work with different types of plants. The city’s parks and gardens provide beautiful settings to practice. Companies like the Henry Doorly Zoo and Omaha Botanical Garden are notable employers.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $33,277
New Orleans’ warm climate supports a diverse range of plants. The city’s many gardens and parks offer great opportunities to work with various species. Companies like the New Orleans Botanical Garden and Bayou Botanical Garden offer promising careers.
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Stantec
Average Salary: $87,256
Stantec offers rewarding opportunities for horticulturists to work on landscape design and sustainability projects. The company operates in major cities across the United States and internationally.
Rotolo Consultants, Inc. (RCI)
Average Salary: $50,000
RCI focuses on landscape architecture and urban planning. Horticulturists at RCI contribute to park and garden designs in various locations across California.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Average Salary: $48,942
This organization combines wildlife conservation with horticulture. Horticulturists work in the San Diego area to create and maintain habitats for exotic plants and animals.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Average Salary: $38,490
At the Missouri Botanical Garden, horticulturists play a key role in plant research and conservation. The garden is located in St. Louis, Missouri.
John Mini Distinctive Landscapes
Average Salary: $38,364
John Mini Distinctive Landscapes provides custom landscaping services. Horticulturists here work in Southern California, focusing on residential and commercial projects.
Looking to increase your earnings as a Horticulturist? There are several steps you can take to boost your income. Specialization is one of the key factors. Focusing on a specific area, such as ornamental plants, landscaping, or organic farming, can make you more valuable. Another important factor is gaining additional certifications. These can help you stand out and command higher pay. For example, becoming a Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Experience matters as well. Working in the field for several years can lead to higher-paying roles. Networking is another crucial step. Building relationships with other professionals can open doors to better-paying jobs. Finally, consider advancing to a managerial or consulting role. These positions often come with higher salaries. By focusing on these factors, you can earn more as a Horticulturist.
Here are five factors to help you earn more: