Education · 1 of 5

The path

There is no school you have to attend. What separates a career from a summer job is what you add after the first season.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Biology and any agriculture or shop class. A driver's license matters more than your transcript here.

2. 2

   First season on a crew

   1 season

   Mowing, edging, planting, mulching, irrigation repair. You will learn the equipment, the plants and how fast is fast enough.

3. 3

   Add a license or a credential

   A few months, part time

   A state pesticide applicator license is the single most valuable one. The Landscape Industry Certified Technician credential from the National Association of Landscape Professionals tests installation, maintenance and irrigation skills and is offered in English and Spanish.

4. 4

   Horticulture or turf degree, if you want the supervisor jobs

   2 years

   A two-year community college program in horticulture, turfgrass or landscape management. Golf superintendents and campus grounds managers usually have one.

5. 5

   Lead, specialize or own

   3 to 8 years in

   Crew leader, irrigation specialist, arborist, designer or business owner. Every one of these pays more than the crew.