Greenhouse Operations and Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Greenhouse Operations and Management is a specialized academic program focused on the science and practice of cultivating plant species within controlled indoor environments. Students gain comprehensive expertise in optimizing plant growth through advanced environmental management, operational efficiency, and sustainable production systems. The curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles in commercial horticulture, research institutions, and agricultural enterprises requiring precision in plant production.
- Plant Science Fundamentals: Study of plant physiology, growth cycles, and species-specific requirements to support healthy development in artificial growing conditions.
- Environmental Control Systems: Mastery of temperature, humidity, light, and CO₂ regulation to create ideal microclimates for diverse plant species.
- Irrigation and Nutrient Management: Application of precision watering techniques and hydroponic or soilless nutrient delivery systems for optimal plant nutrition.
- Greenhouse Facility Operations: Training in the setup, monitoring, and maintenance of infrastructure, including heating, cooling, ventilation, and structural integrity.
- Inventory and Supply Chain Logistics: Strategies for tracking plant stock, managing harvest schedules, and ensuring timely delivery across commercial or research networks.
- Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of workplace safety protocols, chemical handling, pest control standards, and environmental regulations.
- Supervisory and Operational Leadership: Development of skills in team coordination, workflow planning, and resource allocation for efficient greenhouse management.
Greenhouse Operations and Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Greenhouse Operations and Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Greenhouse Operations and Management degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 1,111,700 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 Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
| 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 |
Greenhouse Operations and Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $47,235 in Arkansas to $75,174 in Maryland—a 59% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, California, and Michigan. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,111,700 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 Greenhouse Operations and Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Greenhouse Operations and Management 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 Greenhouse Operations and Management is found at Spokane Community College (SCC) (24 graduates), Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) (19 graduates), City Colleges of Chicago (OHC), Olive-Harvey College (17 graduates), Sinclair Community College (17 graduates), and Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 128 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Public | sfcc.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (OHC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
17 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute |
Associate's
|
8 | Wooster, Ohio | Public | ati.osu.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Kishwaukee College (Kish) |
Other Award
|
6 | Malta, Illinois | Public | kish.edu |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| Central Lakes College (CLC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Brainerd, Minnesota | Public | clcmn.edu |
| Gateway Technical College |
Associate's
|
4 | Kenosha, Wisconsin | Public | gtc.edu |
| Joliet Junior College (JJC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Joliet, Illinois | Public | jjc.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Other Award
|
2 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
| Richland Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Decatur, Illinois | Public | richland.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Other Award
|
1 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Other Award
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Greenhouse Operations and Management programs
How much can I earn with a Greenhouse Operations and Management degree?
Salaries for Greenhouse Operations and Management 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 Maryland average $75,174 compared to $47,235 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,111,700 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 Greenhouse Operations and Management programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Greenhouse Operations and Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Spokane Community College (SCC) (24 graduates), Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) (19 graduates), and City Colleges of Chicago (OHC), Olive-Harvey College (17 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 Greenhouse Operations and Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 36 in 2010 to 128 in 2023-24. This represents a 256% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 Greenhouse Operations and Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,111,700 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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