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Nursery worker salary
Average nursery worker salary
$13.02
Understanding Nursery Worker Salaries
The role of a nursery worker is critical in supporting the growth and development of children. As of October 2025, the average annual salary for nursery workers stands at $27,083, or about $13.02 per hour. Salary can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, experience, and the specific industry.
Salary Variations by State
In states like California and New York, nursery workers may earn significantly more than the national average. For instance, top-paying states often include:
- California
- New York
- Texas
These states not only offer higher wages but also provide more job opportunities in childcare facilities, schools, and private nurseries.
Career Opportunities
Aside from salaries, various roles within the nursery sector can impact earnings. Positions such as head nursery director or specialized educators typically command higher pay due to their responsibilities. Moreover, gaining additional qualifications can enhance earning potential and open doors to advanced roles.
Explore job listings on Zippia to find opportunities that align with your career goals and desired salary.
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Where can a Nursery Worker earn more?
Nursery worker salary estimates from across the web
Average nursery worker salary by state
The highest-paying states for nursery workers are Montana, Minnesota, and Washington. The lowest average nursery worker salary states are Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for nursery workers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $34,862 | $16.76 |
| 2 | Idaho | $34,287 | $16.48 |
| 3 | Oregon | $34,833 | $16.75 |
| 4 | Montana | $35,412 | $17.02 |
| 5 | Wyoming | $32,976 | $15.85 |
| 6 | Utah | $32,346 | $15.55 |
| 7 | South Dakota | $31,954 | $15.36 |
| 8 | Iowa | $33,247 | $15.98 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $35,278 | $16.96 |
| 10 | Missouri | $30,348 | $14.59 |
| 11 | North Dakota | $34,223 | $16.45 |
| 12 | Kansas | $33,024 | $15.88 |
| 13 | New Hampshire | $30,096 | $14.47 |
| 14 | Colorado | $32,186 | $15.47 |
| 15 | Maine | $32,552 | $15.65 |
| 16 | Ohio | $31,602 | $15.19 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $32,465 | $15.61 |
| 18 | California | $30,588 | $14.71 |
| 19 | Nebraska | $28,711 | $13.80 |
| 20 | Connecticut | $30,022 | $14.43 |
| 21 | Indiana | $30,872 | $14.84 |
| 22 | Illinois | $32,283 | $15.52 |
| 23 | Alaska | $31,915 | $15.34 |
| 24 | West Virginia | $26,130 | $12.56 |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | $31,112 | $14.96 |
| 26 | Vermont | $30,511 | $14.67 |
| 27 | Massachusetts | $30,145 | $14.49 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $26,655 | $12.81 |
| 29 | Michigan | $29,817 | $14.34 |
| 30 | New York | $30,759 | $14.79 |
| 31 | Maryland | $28,641 | $13.77 |
| 32 | Oklahoma | $25,905 | $12.45 |
| 33 | Arizona | $26,948 | $12.96 |
| 34 | North Carolina | $24,030 | $11.55 |
| 35 | Louisiana | $23,148 | $11.13 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $26,477 | $12.73 |
| 37 | Virginia | $26,088 | $12.54 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $29,633 | $14.25 |
| 39 | Texas | $24,613 | $11.83 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $23,077 | $11.09 |
| 41 | Nevada | $25,890 | $12.45 |
| 42 | Rhode Island | $23,666 | $11.38 |
| 43 | Georgia | $21,816 | $10.49 |
| 44 | Florida | $21,749 | $10.46 |
| 45 | Alabama | $21,925 | $10.54 |
| 46 | Delaware | $22,791 | $10.96 |
| 47 | Mississippi | $22,768 | $10.95 |
| 48 | New Mexico | $20,720 | $9.96 |
| 49 | District of Columbia | $22,304 | $10.72 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $24,855 | $11.95 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $21,377 | $10.28 |
Highest paying cities for nursery workers
The highest-paying cities for nursery workers are McMinnville, OR, Arvada, CO, and Queensbury, NY.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McMinnville, OR | $34,923 | $16.79 |
| 2 | Arvada, CO | $32,281 | $15.52 |
| 3 | Queensbury, NY | $31,484 | $15.14 |
| 4 | Mason, OH | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| 5 | Riverside, CA | $29,743 | $14.30 |
| 6 | Bridgeton, NJ | $28,856 | $13.87 |
| 7 | Frederick, MD | $28,809 | $13.85 |
| 8 | Buckeye, AZ | $27,152 | $13.05 |
| 9 | Suffolk, VA | $25,286 | $12.16 |
| 10 | Austin, TX | $24,401 | $11.73 |
| 11 | Greensboro, NC | $24,394 | $11.73 |
| 12 | New Iberia, LA | $23,078 | $11.10 |
Nursery worker salary details
A nursery worker's salary ranges from $22,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $32,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a nursery worker's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
| 75th Percentile | $29,000 | $2,417 | $14 |
| Average | $27,083 | $2,257 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $22,000 | $1,833 | $11 |
Highest paying nursery worker jobs
The highest paying types of nursery workers are tree surgeon helper, grower, and plant propagator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Center Employee | $28,946 | $2,412 | $13.92 | 31,432 |
| Grower | $36,332 | $3,028 | $17.47 | 188 |
| Ship Worker | $28,576 | $2,381 | $13.74 | 29,706 |
Top companies hiring nursery workers now:
Which companies pay nursery workers the most?
Nursery worker salaries at Twin Lakes Community and Prolifics are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average nursery worker salary at companies like Hancock Whitney and Blooming Colors Nursery are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Twin Lakes Community | $29,552 | $14.21 |
| 2 | Prolifics | $29,440 | $14.15 |
| 3 | Hancock Whitney | $28,801 | $13.85 |
| 4 | Blooming Colors Nursery | $28,436 | $13.67 |
| 5 | Castro & Company | $28,258 | $13.59 |
| 6 | PeopleReady | $28,219 | $13.57 |
| 7 | lakeforest | $28,092 | $13.51 |
| 8 | Moon Valley Nurseries | $28,005 | $13.46 |
| 9 | Gaia Herbs | $27,988 | $13.46 |
| 10 | Keewaydin | $27,821 | $13.38 |
| 11 | Bissett Nursery | $27,820 | $13.38 |
| 12 | The Florida Bar | $27,813 | $13.37 |
| 13 | Studebaker Nurseries | $27,794 | $13.36 |
| 14 | Illinois Farm Bureau | $27,785 | $13.36 |
| 15 | The Bruce Company | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| 16 | TMA Solutions | $27,765 | $13.35 |
| 17 | Eagle Crest Communities | $27,527 | $13.23 |
| 18 | Northern Nurseries, Inc. | $27,518 | $13.23 |
| 19 | Four Seasons | $27,451 | $13.20 |
| 20 | Green Circle Growers | $27,324 | $13.14 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Nursery Worker salary by industry
The average nursery worker salary varies across industries:
- The average nursery worker salary in the finance industry is $31,349, the highest of any industry.
- The average nursery worker salary in the finance industry is $27,316.
- Nursery workers in the non profits industry earn an average salary of $26,167, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for nursery workers
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance | $31,349 | $15.07 |
| 2 | Health Care | $27,316 | $13.13 |
| 3 | Retail | $27,113 | $13.04 |
| 4 | Agriculture | $26,525 | $12.75 |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $26,474 | $12.73 |
| 6 | Non Profits | $26,167 | $12.58 |
High paying nursery worker jobs
Nursery worker salary trends
The average nursery worker salary has risen by $9,421 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average nursery worker earned $17,662 annually, but today, they earn $27,083 a year. That works out to a 30% change in pay for nursery workers over the last decade.
Compare nursery worker salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average nursery worker salary over time
Compare nursery worker salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Nursery worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $27,100 | $13.02 | +11.2% |
| 2025 | $24,000 | $11.56 | +4.4% |
| 2024 | $23,000 | $11.05 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $22,100 | $10.62 | +5.9% |
| 2022 | $20,800 | $9.99 | +10.1% |
Recently added nursery worker salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redeemer Lincoln Square | Sunday Morning Nursery Worker | Fine, NY | 06/03/2025 | $58,436 |
| Davey Tree | Seasonal Nursery Worker | | Wooster, OH | 05/21/2025 | $40,843 |
| The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory | Nursery Worker | Leesburg, FL | 04/06/2025 | $27,131 |
| Auburn University | Student Animal Care/Weekend Nursery Worker | Auburn, AL | 03/25/2025 | $25,044 |
| Arthur Weiler Inc. | Nursery Worker | Bristol, WI | 03/19/2025 | $37,879 |
| MacKenzie Farms, Inc. | Nursery Worker | Yakima, WA | 03/06/2025 | $41,364 |
| Sandra Arizmendi | Nursery Worker | Bellville, GA | 03/06/2025 | $33,559 |
| Twin Pines Landscaping, LLC | Tree Nursery Worker | Merritt, MI | 02/28/2025 | $37,879 |
| Greenforest Nursery, Inc. | Nursery Workers | Mississippi | 02/28/2025 | $30,950 |
| Witten's Produce Patch, Inc. | Farmworker/Nursery Worker | Lowell, OH | 02/26/2025 | $40,843 |
Nursery worker salary FAQs
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