What Does a Horticulturist Do?
A horticulturist applies scientific knowledge of plant biology to cultivate, manage, and improve plants for food production, landscaping, and environmental conservation.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Agronomist, Arboriculture Researcher, Crop Nutrition Scientist, Forage Physiologist, Horticulture Specialist, Plant Physiologist, Plant Research Geneticist, Research Scientist.
Horticulturist Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of a horticulturist include:
- Plan and manage gardens, greenhouses, and nursery operations
- Research and implement best practices for plant cultivation and care
- Select plant varieties suited to local climate and soil conditions
- Develop and implement pest and disease management programs
- Design landscape plantings and garden installations
- Conduct soil testing and recommend amendments for plant health
- Manage irrigation systems and water conservation practices
- Train and supervise garden workers and landscape crews
- Maintain records of plantings, treatments, and harvests
- Educate the public or clients on plant care and sustainable practices
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as a horticulturist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Deep knowledge of plant science, botany, and ecology
- Experience with plant propagation and cultivation techniques
- Pest and disease identification and management
- Soil science and nutrient management knowledge
- Design skills for landscape and garden planning
- Research and analytical abilities
- Physical fitness for outdoor work
- Communication and education skills
Education and Training
A bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, plant science, or a related field. Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) are available. Advanced positions may require a master's degree.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $61,660 - $103,740 per year, with a median of $78,850.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Soil and Plant Scientists.
Horticulturists are employed in botanical gardens, nurseries, farms, universities, and landscape companies. Growing interest in sustainable agriculture, urban farming, and environmental conservation supports demand for skilled horticulturists.
Horticulturist Pay Range
| Earners | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $48,680 |
| Bottom 25% earn less than | $61,660 |
| Median (half earn more, half less) | $78,850 |
| Top 25% earn more than | $103,740 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $138,120 |
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as soil and plant scientists about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 81% use email every day
- 76% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 76% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 52% have a lot of freedom to make decisions
- 48% usually work more than 40 hours a week
- 43% are on the phone every day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Master's degree | 29% |
| Bachelor's degree | 24% |
| Doctoral degree | 19% |
Tools and Software Horticulturists Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy analyzing problems and working with ideas as well as hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Science, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Active Listening.
Knowledge areas used most: Biology, English Language, Computers and Electronics, Chemistry, Mathematics.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 5 of 5, which means extensive preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for a Horticulturist Job
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 19-1013.00 (Soil and Plant Scientists). View on O*NET OnLine.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.1 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. The Job Explorer has modified some of the information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these changes.