Horticultural therapist : Salary and conditions

Range of typical starting salaries: £17,000 - £25,000.
Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g. after 10 - 15 years in the role), possibly with line management responsibilities: £22,000 - £30,000.
Salaries can vary between employers and sectors.
There are no national scales and typically no fringe benefits.
Working hours often include regular extra hours. Some weekend or evening work may be expected.
Therapists work mainly in gardens and associated outbuildings.
Self-employment/freelance work is sometimes possible but is generally limited. Part-time work and career breaks are also possible.
Vacancies are limited but potentially available in most areas of the country. Opportunities abroad are rare apart from in the US where horticultural therapy is established in most states. Limited openings may exist in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The dress code is generally informal as you need to work outdoors.
The role usually forms part of a multidisciplinary care team. The work can be emotionally stressful. Budgets are frequently limited and goals can be difficult to achieve.
Travel within a working day is occasional. Absence from home at night is uncommon.

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AGCAS

Written by AGCAS editors

Date:

November 2010