What They Do:
Arborists care for and maintain trees and woody plants, helping keep them healthy, safe, and attractive. Their work combines horticulture, tree science, equipment operation, and physical outdoor work. Depending on their specialty, arborists may prune trees, remove hazardous branches, plant and maintain trees, diagnose tree health problems, or safely remove trees.

Daily tasks may include:

• Pruning and trimming trees and shrubs

• Inspecting trees for disease, pests, damage, and safety concerns

• Removing dead, damaged, or hazardous branches

• Planting and caring for trees

• Operating chainsaws, chippers, lifts, and other specialized equipment

• Using ropes and climbing equipment to access trees

• Maintaining job sites and following strict safety procedures

• Advising property owners on tree health and maintenance

Where They Work:
Arborists and tree care technicians work for:

• Tree care and arboricultural companies

• Landscaping and grounds maintenance companies

• Municipal parks and public works departments

• Utility companies

• Nurseries and garden centers

• Independent tree care businesses

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
You can begin a career in tree care without a four-year college degree. Many arborists start in entry-level positions and develop their skills through on-the-job training, technical education, and industry certifications.

Common pathways include:

1. Start with hands-on training through an entry-level tree care or landscaping position, vocational program, or apprenticeship.

2. Build skills in tree identification, pruning, equipment operation, climbing, and workplace safety.

3. Earn industry certifications, such as the ISA Certified Arborist credential, as you gain experience.

4. Specialize or advance into areas such as tree climbing, plant health care, crew leadership, consulting, or tree risk assessment.

Arborists who develop advanced technical skills and certifications can move into crew leader, tree care manager, consulting arborist, or business owner roles.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level: $40,000–$50,000/year

• Mid-career: $50,000–$65,000/year

• Experienced/Certified Arborist: $65,000–$85,000+/year

Specialized climbers, crew leaders, consulting arborists, and experienced professionals may earn more, particularly with certifications, supervisory responsibilities, or specialized technical skills.

What They Do:

• Preparing soil and planting crops

• Watering, fertilizing, and caring for plants

• Harvesting and preparing crops for sale

• Caring for livestock and farm animals

• Operating tractors and other farm equipment

• Managing weeds, pests, and plant diseases

• Maintaining fields, greenhouses, fences, and other farm infrastructure

• Selling products through farm stands, markets, restaurants, or other outlets

Where They Work:
Farmers and Farm Production Workers work for:

• Vegetable and flower farms

• Livestock farms

• Nurseries and greenhouses

• Specialty crop farms

• Organic and sustainable farms

• Community farms and agricultural organizations

• Their own farms or agricultural businesses

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
A four-year college degree is not required to begin working in agriculture. Many farmers develop their skills through hands-on experience, farm apprenticeships, vocational programs, and agricultural education.

Common pathways include:

1. Gain hands-on experience through a farm job, internship, or apprenticeship.

2. Study agriculture, horticulture, animal science, or a related field through a vocational program, certificate, or college.

3. Develop skills in crop production, equipment operation, soil health, livestock care, and farm business management.

4. Build business and financial skills for those interested in managing or owning a farm.

With experience, Farm Production Workers can advance into farm management, specialized crop production, agricultural education, or their own farm business.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level: $35,000–$40,000/year

• Mid-career: $40,000–$50,000/year

• Experienced/Farm Manager: $50,000–$60,000+/year

Farm income varies significantly depending on the type and size of operation. Farm owners and highly specialized growers may earn substantially more, but income can also fluctuate based on production, markets, weather, and operating costs.

Successful florists bring a balance of creative talent and administrative skills. Having the artistic ability and attention to detail allow florists to bring designs to life.

Skills:

• Structural and creative design skills to aid in creating floral arrangements

• Customer serivce and communication skills with clients

• Time management and planning skills

Average Salary Range (Massachusetts): $30,000–$50,000

Education Required:

• Formal education may not be required. However, some employers may want candidates who have training in the form of an associate degree, participation in hands-on workshops, or professional certifications.

What They Do:
Gardeners care for plants, gardens, and landscaped spaces, with a stronger focus on plant health, horticulture, and specialized garden care than general groundskeeping. They work with a wide variety of plants and use their knowledge of soil, pruning, planting, and seasonal care to keep gardens healthy and thriving.

Daily tasks may include:

• Planting and transplanting flowers, shrubs, trees, and other plants

• Pruning and shaping plants

• Preparing and improving soil

• Identifying plant diseases, pests, and other problems

• Fertilizing and watering plants

• Maintaining perennial, vegetable, and ornamental gardens

• Propagating and caring for plants

• Performing seasonal garden preparation and maintenance

Where They Work:
Gardeners and Horticulture Technicians work for:

• Landscaping and garden design companies

• Nurseries and garden centers

• Farms and growing operations

• Private estates

• Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality properties

• Botanical gardens and public gardens

• Municipal parks and public spaces

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
You can enter horticulture without a four-year college degree. Many professionals begin with hands-on experience and build their knowledge through vocational programs, certificates, apprenticeships, and employer training.

Common pathways include:

1. Start with an entry-level gardening, nursery, or landscaping position.

2. Study horticulture, landscaping, or plant science through a vocational program, certificate, or community college.

3. Develop expertise in plant identification, soil health, pruning, propagation, and pest management.

4. Pursue additional certifications in areas such as pesticide application or professional horticulture.

With experience, Horticulture Technicians can advance into garden management, nursery management, landscape design, horticulture education, or their own gardening business.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level: $38,000–$45,000/year

• Mid-career: $45,000–$55,000/year

• Experienced: $55,000–$60,000+/year

Specialized horticultural knowledge, supervisory responsibilities, and working for private estates, specialty nurseries, or established landscape companies can increase earning potential.

What They Do:
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Technicians maintain outdoor spaces such as residential properties, commercial landscapes, parks, and public areas. Their work combines plant care, lawn maintenance, equipment operation, and landscape installation to keep properties healthy, functional, and attractive.

Daily tasks may include:

• Mowing, edging, and maintaining lawns

• Planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and other landscape plants

• Pruning and trimming plants

• Mulching, fertilizing, and preparing soil

• Installing and maintaining landscape features

• Operating lawn and landscaping equipment

• Identifying and addressing common plant and lawn problems

• Maintaining safe and organized work sites

Where They Work:
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Technicians work for:

• Landscaping companies

• Garden and nursery businesses

• Property management companies

• Golf courses and resorts

• Municipal parks and public works departments

• Schools and other institutions

• Independent landscaping businesses

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
You can begin a career in landscaping without a four-year college degree. Many people develop their skills through on-the-job training, vocational programs, and hands-on experience.

Common pathways include:

1. Start with an entry-level landscaping or groundskeeping position and build practical skills.

2. Complete vocational or technical training in horticulture, landscaping, or related fields.

3. Develop skills in plant identification, equipment operation, irrigation, and landscape maintenance.

4. Pursue additional certifications in areas such as pesticide application, irrigation, or horticulture.

With experience and additional training, technicians can advance into crew leader, landscape supervisor, landscape designer, or business owner roles.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level: $38,000–$45,000/year

• Mid-career: $45,000–$55,000/year

• Experienced: $55,000–$65,000+/year

Specialized skills, supervisory responsibilities, seasonal overtime, and running an independent landscaping business can increase earning potential.

What They Do:
Landscape Designers create plans for outdoor spaces that balance plants, design, functionality, and the natural environment. They work with clients to develop gardens, yards, outdoor living spaces, and other landscapes, then help coordinate the installation of their designs.

Daily tasks may include:

• Meeting with clients to understand their needs and preferences

• Creating landscape plans and planting designs

• Selecting plants and landscape materials

• Considering soil, drainage, sunlight, and site conditions

• Creating sketches, drawings, or digital landscape plans

• Estimating materials and project costs

• Coordinating with landscape installation teams

• Helping clients choose plants and finishes

Where They Work:
Landscape Designers work for:

• Landscape design and construction companies

• Landscaping and gardening businesses

• Nurseries and garden centers

• Architecture and design firms

• Property development companies

• Independent landscape design businesses

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
A four-year degree is not always required for landscape design, although formal education can help with more advanced design work. Many designers build experience through horticulture, landscaping, design, or related programs.

Common pathways include:

1. Gain hands-on experience in landscaping, gardening, or horticulture.

2. Study landscape design, horticulture, drafting, or a related field through a certificate, vocational program, or college.

3. Develop skills in plant selection, site planning, design software, and landscape construction.

4. Build a portfolio of landscape designs and completed projects.

Landscape Designers can advance into senior design, project management, landscape architecture, or independent design and consulting.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level: $45,000–$55,000/year

• Mid-career: $55,000–$70,000/year

• Experienced: $70,000–$80,000+/year

Design specialization, project-management skills, strong portfolios, and self-employment can increase earning potential.

What They Do:
Landscape Crew Leaders and Foremen supervise landscaping teams and help manage the day-to-day work required to maintain or build outdoor spaces. They combine hands-on landscaping skills with leadership, organization, and project management.

Daily tasks may include:

• Leading and assigning work to landscaping crews

• Overseeing planting, pruning, lawn care, and landscape installation

• Operating and maintaining landscaping equipment

• Reading landscape plans and coordinating projects

• Communicating with clients and supervisors

• Training and supporting team members

• Monitoring job quality and safety

• Managing materials, tools, and daily schedules

Where They Work:
Landscape Crew Leaders and Foremen work for:

• Landscaping companies

• Landscape design and construction companies

• Property management companies

• Garden and nursery businesses

• Golf courses and resorts

• Municipal parks and public works departments

• Independent landscaping businesses

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
Most Crew Leaders advance into the role after gaining several years of hands-on landscaping experience. A four-year college degree is generally not required.

Common pathways include:

1. Start in an entry-level landscaping or horticulture position.

2. Build experience in landscape maintenance, installation, equipment, and plant care.

3. Develop leadership, customer service, scheduling, and project-management skills.

4. Pursue additional training or certifications in horticulture, pesticide application, irrigation, or landscape construction.

Experienced Crew Leaders can advance into landscape management, operations management, project management, or business ownership.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level/Assistant Crew Leader: $45,000–$55,000/year

• Mid-career: $55,000–$70,000/year

• Experienced Foreman/Supervisor: $70,000–$85,000+/year

Larger projects, supervisory responsibilities, specialized skills, and business ownership can provide additional earning potential.

What They Do:
Irrigation Technicians install, maintain, and repair systems that deliver water to lawns, gardens, trees, and landscaped areas. Their work combines landscaping, plumbing, electrical controls, and water management to help plants receive the right amount of water while reducing waste.

Daily tasks may include:

• Installing irrigation systems and components

• Maintaining sprinklers, drip systems, pumps, and valves

• Troubleshooting leaks and system problems

• Programming and adjusting irrigation controllers

• Inspecting systems for efficiency and proper coverage

• Winterizing and reopening irrigation systems

• Repairing pipes, fittings, valves, and other components

• Communicating with property owners about irrigation needs

Where They Work:
Irrigation Technicians work for:

• Landscaping companies

• Irrigation and irrigation-design companies

• Garden and nursery businesses

• Property management companies

• Golf courses and resorts

• Municipal parks and public works departments

• Independent irrigation businesses

Training & Credentials (Massachusetts):
You can enter irrigation work without a four-year college degree. Many technicians learn through hands-on training, landscaping experience, technical programs, and employer training.

Common pathways include:

1. Start in landscaping or irrigation maintenance and develop hands-on experience.

2. Learn irrigation installation, troubleshooting, water management, and system design.

3. Develop basic plumbing, electrical, and equipment skills used in irrigation systems.

4. Pursue industry certifications in irrigation design, installation, or water management as you advance.

Experienced technicians can move into irrigation design, crew leadership, project management, or their own irrigation business.

Salary in Massachusetts:

• Entry-level: $40,000–$48,000/year

• Mid-career: $48,000–$60,000/year

• Experienced: $60,000–$70,000+/year

Specialized irrigation knowledge, system design skills, supervisory responsibilities, and independent contracting can increase earning potential.