Position
Salary

How much does a Horticulturist make?

The average salary for a Horticulturist is $51,233 per year in the US.

A horticulturist focuses on growing plants and improving their health. This job can be very rewarding, both financially and personally. The average yearly salary for a horticulturist is around $51,233. This means that most horticulturists earn somewhere in this range each year.


The salary can vary based on experience and location. Some horticulturists earn less, while others earn more. Here is a look at the salary distribution:

  • 10% earn less than $31,500
  • 25% earn less than $40,455
  • 50% earn less than $49,409
  • 75% earn less than $67,318
  • 90% earn less than $85,227
  • 95% earn less than $94,182
The top earners make over $121,045 a year. This shows that with more experience, horticulturists can earn a higher salary.

View Horticulturist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Horticulturist?

Sacramento, California, offers the highest average salary for horticulturists, making it a prime location for those in the field. With an average salary of $102,022, professionals can expect competitive pay. Boston, Massachusetts, and Denver, Colorado, also provide strong earning potential for horticulturists.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Horticulturist jobs, highlighting Sacramento, CA with the highest at $102,022 and Omaha, NE with the lowest at $36,941.
  1. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $102,022
    In Sacramento, professionals grow plants and manage landscapes. The city's parks and gardens offer many opportunities. Companies like the California Department of Food and Agriculture often hire experts.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  2. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $50,279
    Boston offers a mix of urban and green spaces. Here, experts work in botanical gardens and nurseries. The Arnold Arboretum and local landscaping firms provide diverse roles.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Boston, MA


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $46,702
    Denver's high altitude and unique climate make it a great place for plant experts. They work in parks and private gardens. Companies like Denver Botanic Gardens offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $46,218
    Houston's warm climate allows for a wide variety of plants. Experts here manage landscapes and greenhouses. Local nurseries and parks offer many job openings.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Houston, TX


  5. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $45,942
    Salt Lake City's diverse landscapes provide many opportunities for plant experts. They work in parks and botanical gardens. Companies like Utah State University often hire skilled professionals.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Salt Lake City, UT


  6. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $44,349
    St. Louis offers a mix of urban and rural settings. Experts here manage gardens and green spaces. Local parks and landscaping firms provide many job options.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in St. Louis, MO


  7. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $40,888
    Atlanta's warm climate makes it ideal for growing a variety of plants. Experts work in botanical gardens and nurseries. Companies like Atlanta Botanical Garden offer many opportunities.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Atlanta, GA


  8. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $37,292
    Cincinnati's parks and gardens offer many opportunities for plant experts. They work in public and private gardens. Local parks and landscaping firms provide diverse roles.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  9. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $37,059
    Nashville's mild climate makes it a great place for plant experts. They work in parks and botanical gardens. Local parks and landscaping companies offer many job openings.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Nashville, TN


  10. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $36,941
    Omaha's parks and gardens offer many opportunities for plant experts. They work in public and private gardens. Local parks and landscaping firms provide diverse roles.
    Find Horticulturist jobs in Omaha, NE

What are the best companies a Horticulturist can work for?

Stantec offers the highest average salary for horticulturists, making it a top choice for those seeking a lucrative career. With an average salary of $87,256, Stantec provides a competitive edge in the industry. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance also offers a strong average salary of $45,455, making it another excellent option for job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Horticulturist jobs, highlighting Stantec with the highest at $87,256 and John Mini Distinctive Landscapes with the lowest at $38,000.
  1. Stantec
    Average Salary: $87,256
    Stantec offers exciting opportunities for horticulturists. They work with clients across the globe, focusing on sustainable landscapes. Their projects span from urban parks to large-scale botanical gardens. Stantec operates in many locations, including North America, Europe, and Asia.


  2. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
    Average Salary: $45,455
    At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, horticulturists play a vital role in maintaining the zoo's diverse plant collections. They work to create habitats that support wildlife conservation. The company operates in San Diego, California, and has conservation projects worldwide.


  3. Missouri Botanical Garden
    Average Salary: $39,369
    The Missouri Botanical Garden offers rewarding roles for horticulturists. They focus on plant conservation, research, and education. The garden is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and has a global impact through its conservation efforts.


  4. John Mini Distinctive Landscapes
    Average Salary: $38,000
    John Mini Distinctive Landscapes provides opportunities for horticulturists to work on residential and commercial projects. They specialize in creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes. The company operates in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on Oregon and Washington.

How to earn more as a Horticulturist?

Aspiring horticulturists can explore various avenues to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, they can enhance their skills and marketability. This can lead to higher-paying positions and opportunities for advancement. One key strategy involves gaining specialized certifications and expanding knowledge in niche areas of horticulture. These credentials can make a candidate more attractive to employers seeking experts in specific plant sciences.

Another effective approach is to seek out roles in high-demand sectors. These include urban agriculture, landscape design, and botanical research. These fields often offer competitive salaries and benefits. Networking with professionals in these areas can also open doors to exclusive job opportunities. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or starting a private consulting practice can significantly increase income. These steps require dedication and experience, but they can lead to substantial financial rewards. Finally, staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies can provide a competitive edge. This ensures that a horticulturist remains valuable in the job market.

Consider these factors to boost earnings as a horticulturist:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications in areas like organic farming or landscape architecture.
  2. Pursue roles in high-demand sectors such as urban agriculture or botanical research.
  3. Network with industry professionals to discover exclusive job opportunities.
  4. Take on leadership roles or start a private consulting practice.
  5. Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.

Currently 54 Horticulturist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Horticulturist in the US?

Learn what a Horticulturist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Horticulturist today.
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Horticulturist
54 Job Openings