Ornamental Horticulture: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Ornamental Horticulture is a specialized field dedicated to the cultivation, design, and management of decorative plant species for aesthetic, recreational, and commercial use. This program equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to develop, maintain, and apply ornamental plants in landscapes, gardens, and urban environments.
- Plant Propagation and Cultivation: Study of techniques for multiplying and nurturing ornamental plants through seeds, cuttings, grafting, and tissue culture, emphasizing species-specific growth requirements and efficiency.
- Horticultural Science and Botany: In-depth exploration of plant physiology, genetics, and taxonomy, providing the biological foundation for selecting and improving ornamental varieties.
- Landscape Design and Aesthetics: Application of artistic principles and spatial planning to create visually harmonious and functional outdoor environments using plant materials.
- Environmental and Sustainable Practices: Focus on eco-conscious cultivation methods, water conservation, soil health, and integrated pest management to support resilient green spaces.
- Business and Operations Management: Training in the logistics of horticultural enterprises, including supply chain coordination, marketing, cost analysis, and facility operations.
Ornamental Horticulture Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Ornamental Horticulture Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Ornamental Horticulture degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,082,170 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 11-9013 | $87,980 | $51,700 - $156,530 | 5,910 | $42.30 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers 37-1012 | $56,170 | $39,270 - $83,080 | 124,130 | $27.01 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 37-3011 | $38,090 | $29,990 - $53,900 | 943,430 | $18.31 |
Ornamental Horticulture Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $42,770 in Louisiana to $78,338 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Michigan, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,082,170 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Ornamental Horticulture by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Ornamental Horticulture programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Ornamental Horticulture is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (16 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (16 graduates), University of Arkansas (U of A) (12 graduates), School of Professional Horticulture New York Botanical Garden (NYBG SoPH) (10 graduates), and College of DuPage (COD) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 104 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Other Award
|
16 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| School of Professional Horticulture New York Botanical Garden (NYBG SoPH) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
10 | Bronx, New York | Private | nybg.org |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
8 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Associate's
|
8 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| Kishwaukee College (Kish) |
Associate's
|
7 | Malta, Illinois | Public | kish.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| Farmingdale State College |
Associate's
|
5 | Farmingdale, New York | Public | farmingdale.edu |
| Rowan College of South Jersey |
Associate's
|
3 | Vineland, New Jersey | Public | rcsj.edu |
| Mercer County Community College (MCCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | West Windsor, New Jersey | Public | mccc.edu |
| CUNY Bronx Community College (BCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Bronx, New York | Public | bcc.cuny.edu |
| Delaware Valley University (DelVal) |
Other Award
|
3 | Doylestown, Pennsylvania | Private | delval.edu |
| Danville Area Community College (DACC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
2 | Danville, Illinois | Public | dacc.edu |
| Triton College |
Other Award
|
2 | River Grove, Illinois | Public | triton.edu |
| Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute |
Associate's
|
1 | Wooster, Ohio | Public | ati.osu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ornamental Horticulture programs
How much can I earn with a Ornamental Horticulture degree?
Salaries for Ornamental Horticulture graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $78,338 compared to $42,770 in Louisiana. Approximately 1,082,170 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Ornamental Horticulture programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Ornamental Horticulture degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (16 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (16 graduates), and University of Arkansas (U of A) (12 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Ornamental Horticulture growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 323 in 2010 to a peak of 115 in 2020, before declining slightly to 104 in 2023-24. This represents a 68% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Ornamental Horticulture degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,082,170 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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