AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE
BECOME A
Horticultural Technologist
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."
— Proverb
Program Start:
May 05, 2025
Program Duration:
7 Month
PAY SNAPSHOT
2023 Median National Annual Pay
$47,010
2023 Top Decile National Annual Pay
$74,630
6 Month Advertised Salary Growth
1%
12 Month Advertised Salary Growth
11%
What Is A Horticultural Technologist?
A Horticulture Technology Professional - typically a Nursery, Greenhouse, or Landscaping Manager - oversees the cultivation of plants, trees, and crops. They maintain landscapes for homes, parks, and campuses while managing planting, trimming, irrigation, equipment, and customer communications. Monitoring growing conditions and ensuring high yields is essential. Managers also oversee pest control, soil management, and greenhouse operations, ensuring optimal plant health. They work with suppliers, hire and train staff, and develop seasonal planting.
NOW ENROLLING NEAR PITTSBURGH, PA
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What Could I Earn?
National median annual pay (2023) for horticultural professionals in the top industries in which they worked were as follows
How Do I Become A Horticultural Technologist?
Becoming a Horticultural Technologist requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical skill. These can typically be acquired through a trade school or vocational program, community college, or 4-year university, depending on the breadth of knowledge and experience required. A short curriculum may read as follows:
Botany, Plant Science & Taxonomy
Students will study plant structure, growth, and classification. They will learn plant morphology, taxonomy, and systematics, using field guides and dichotomous keys. Topics include photosynthesis, respiration, soil properties, and environmental impacts on plant growth. Hands-on fieldwork includes collecting, preserving, and analyzing plant specimens.
Pest Management & Propagation
Students will study seed germination, asexual propagation (grafting, budding, layering), and micropropagation. Pest management training includes Integrated Pest Management (IPM), insect identification, weed science, and plant diseases. They will also earn pesticide safety certification, learning proper handling, application, and compliance.
Horticulture Design, Installation & Maintenance
Students will develop skills in landscape design, plant selection, irrigation, lighting, and construction. Training includes hardscaping, pond construction, and greenhouse operations. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, green infrastructure, and environmentally responsible practices through hands-on projects and service learning.
Industry Operations & Greenhouse Production
Students will gain experience in greenhouse management, floriculture, and food crop production. They will learn crop scheduling, hydroponics, urban farming, and market analysis. Training includes maintaining and marketing cut flowers, edible crops, and specialty plants, applying industry techniques in real-world settings.
Business & Technology Development
Students will develop business, marketing, and technology skills for horticulture careers. Topics include financial management, customer service, and enterprise software. They will enhance computer literacy, resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategies, along with math and data analysis skills.
Externship, Internship & Early Experience
Students will apply their horticulture, greenhouse management, landscape installation, and pest control skills in a real-world setting. This externship enhances professional skills, industry connections, and job readiness, preparing them for careers in horticulture, landscape design, floriculture, and agriculture.
Students study plant structure, growth, and classification, covering morphology, taxonomy, and systematics. Hands-on fieldwork includes collecting, preserving, and analyzing plant specimens.
Students develop skills in landscape design, plant selection, irrigation, and construction. Training includes hardscaping, greenhouse operations, and sustainable landscaping practices.
Students gain experience in greenhouse management, hydroponics, floriculture, and food crop production. Training includes urban farming, market analysis, and specialty plant cultivation.
Students explore seed germination, propagation techniques, and pest control. Training covers Integrated Pest Management (IPM), weed science, plant diseases, and pesticide safety certification.
Students develop business, marketing, and technology skills for horticulture careers. Topics include financial management, customer service, software, resume writing, and job search strategies.
Students apply skills in horticulture, greenhouse management, and pest control through real-world experience. The externship builds industry connections, job readiness, and professional skills.
What Could I Earn?
National median annual pay (2023) for horticultural professionals in the top industries in which they worked were as follows
$40,520
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
$59,660
Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing
$54,350
Professional, scientific, and technical services
$47,370
Food manufacturing
$48,300
Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state
$46,100
Wholesale trade
What Skills Are Important?
Greenhouse and Grounds Manager
Management
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
6,708
Management is a set of skills that involves planning, organizing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve goals. It requires communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills, applicable in business, government, and non-profits.
Operations
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
5,843
Operations is fundamental skill that involves managing resources, processes, people, and technology to ensure efficient daily business activities. Strong skills in this area are vital for meeting objectives, satisfying customers, and staying competitive.
Irrigation
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
5,083
Irrigation is the process of supplying controlled water to plants for better growth. It uses specialized equipment and water management techniques to boost plant health and yield.
Pruning
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
2,376
Pruning is the horticultural practice of removing parts of a plant to improve health, shape, or productivity. Proper timing and technique can boost growth, prevent disease, and enhance appearance.
Horticulture
# of Trailing 5 Month Job Postings:
1,025
Horticulture is the specialized skill of cultivating and caring for plants, fruits, and flowers. It requires knowledge of plant growth, soil, and pest management to enrich food production and landscapes.
How Are Job Postings Trending?
Greenhouse and Grounds Manager
What Industries Are Experiencing Growth?
Greenhouse and Grounds Manager
Administrative and Support Services
3,852
Postings
22%
Change from last year
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
1,306
Postings
-6%
Change from last year
Educational Services
968
Postings
-10%
Change from last year
Real Estate
662
Postings
-44%
Change from last year
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries
511
Postings
6%
Change from last year
Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
484
Postings
44%
Change from last year
Crop Production
379
Postings
47%
Change from last year
Specialty Trade Contractors
313
Postings
13%
Change from last year
Accommodation
286
Postings
-22%
Change from last year
Personal and Laundry Services
259
Postings
2%
Change from last year
What Industries Are Experiencing Growth?
Greenhouse and Grounds Manager
Top Companies
Where Are The Top Companies Hiring?
Greenhouse and Grounds Manager
Top Cities
5-Month Job Postings
Omaha, NE
11
Chicago, IL
10
Philadelphia, PA
9
Loveland, CO
8
Washington, DC
8
Top Companies
5-Month Job Postings
Deloitte
14
Gotham Greens
10
APTIM
6
Electric Power Research Institute
6
ICF International
6