What Does a Horticulturist Do? (Salary, Job Description, and More)

How much does a horticulturist make? Requirements for becoming a horticulturist? What skills do you need to be successful as a horticulturist? What does the job of a horticulturist entail?

Here, we answer all these questions and more as we dive into everything you need to know about becoming and being successful as a horticulturist. 

First, let’s start with an overview of what this job entails.

SEE ALSO: What Does a Plumber Do? (See Salary, Required Skill…

What Is a Horticulturist?

A horticulturist is a professional who studies and cultivates plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees. They work in greenhouses, nurseries, gardens, and parks. 

Horticulturists typically have a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field.

Job Description

A horticulturist is responsible for the care of plants and gardens. This includes planting, watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

They may also be responsible for maintaining tools and equipment. 

They typically work regular hours outdoors. The job can be physically demanding, often involving kneeling, crouching, and lifting heavy objects.

They also typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs may require postsecondary education in horticulture or a related field. 

Many horticulturists learn on the job through apprenticeships or other on-the-job training programs. 

However, some horticulturists receive formal training from trade schools or colleges. 

Many employers prefer applicants with experience working with plants, such as gardeners or landscape architects. 

A good sense of color, an artistic eye for design, and knowledge about plant growth cycles and soil types are all important qualities that many employers look for in a prospective employee. 

Requirements for Becoming a Horticulturist

A horticulturist is a professional who works with plants, often in agriculture or landscape design. 

To become a horticulturist, one must first complete an accredited horticulture program. 

After completing a program, horticulturists must obtain a state license. 

Some states also require certification from the American Society for Horticultural Science.

To maintain their license, horticulturists must complete continuing education credits.

Skill Requirements

A horticulturist should have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

They should be able to work independently and as part of a team. They should have strong problem-solving skills and be able to think critically. 

A horticulturist should also know plant science, including botany, soil science, and entomology. 

They should be comfortable working with computers and using data collection and analysis technology. 

Finally, professionals in this field should have good time management skills and be able to prioritize tasks.

SEE ALSO: What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

Horticulturist Salary: What You Will Make and Why

A horticulturist’s salary can vary based on experience, location, and employer. The median wage for a horticulturist is $30,000 per year. 

Those in the top 10 percent of earners make more than $56,000 annually, while those in the bottom 10 percent earn less than $20,000 yearly. 

The best-paid 25 percent of horticulturists earn $39,000 or more annually, while the lowest-paid 25 percent earn $24,000 or less yearly. 

Other factors determine how much you will be paid as professional in this field, such as: 

Geographical Location

The cost of living varies from one region to another. You will be paid more if you live in an expensive area. 

Years of experience

Generally speaking, an experienced worker will make significantly more money than someone with little or no experience. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule in specific industries where inexperienced workers may have other skills that offset their lack of professional background. 

For example, some companies may prefer to hire younger workers who they think will work cheaper but do not require additional training because they have no industry-specific skills.

Are There Any Other Benefits to Being a Horticulturist?

In addition to the salary and job security that comes with being a horticulturist, this career has other benefits. 

For example, horticulturists often have the opportunity to work outdoors in some of the most beautiful settings imaginable. 

They also work with plants daily, which can be very rewarding.

In addition, horticulturists typically enjoy good benefits and job satisfaction.

Typical Duties of a Horticulturist

A horticulturist is responsible for the cultivation and care of plants. This may include planting, watering, weeding, and fertilizing. 

In addition to these hands-on duties, a horticulturist may also be responsible for planning and designing gardens or landscapes. 

They may also give lectures or write articles on topics related to plant care.

A horticulturist typically works in a garden or nursery setting but may also work in research laboratories or greenhouses. 

The hours can be long and irregular, as many horticultural tasks must be performed during the day.

SEE ALSO: What Does Walmart Protection Plan Cover And How Long

Conclusion

In conclusion, a horticulturist is responsible for caring for plants and gardens.

They may work in greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, landscaping businesses, or botanical gardens. 

Some horticulturists may also be self-employed. The median salary for a horticulturist is $30,090 per year.