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Amenity horticulturist : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • Range of starting salaries for new graduates: £16,000 - £18,000, with supervisor roles offering £18,000 to £23,000.
  • Starting salaries for more experienced entrants depend on ability and experience and vary widely, depending on the initial level of responsibility.
  • Range of typical salaries for a head gardener: £18,000 - £30,000. Salaries may be lower if accommodation is provided or subsidised. Relatively few head gardeners earn more than £40,000.
  • Range of typical salaries for management positions, from assistant to senior: £20,000 - £50,000.
  • Working hours and workloads vary according to the season. Hours can be long and weekend working is often necessary, particularly in public sector amenities.
  • Elements of the work are conducted outdoors at all times of the year, and you may be cold, dirty and wet, or hot and sweaty. However, the work has become increasingly office based, which allows for more flexibility. Indoor jobs can often be undertaken when the weather is really bad.
  • A generalist 'hands-on' post is usually the first job for a new graduate. Specialisation may come later.
  • Working in amenity horticulture is very different from working in your own garden - you should accept that you are providing facilities for the general public, some of whom may lack appreciation and understanding of your work.
  • This area of work is currently male-dominated, but there is equality of opportunity for both male and female graduates and the industry is moving towards a more equal gender balance.
  • Jobs are available in most areas of the UK.
  • Self-employment is possible, with some horticulturists working as horticultural contractors. Part-time work and career breaks are also possible.
  • Travel within a working day may be frequent, particularly in public sector employment, but overnight absence from home is rarely required.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
February 2011
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