Turf and Turfgrass Management: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program gain comprehensive expertise in the science and practice of managing turf and groundcover systems for both aesthetic and functional landscapes. The curriculum equips learners with the knowledge and skills to cultivate, maintain, and optimize grass-based environments used in parks, sports fields, residential lawns, and commercial properties.
- Plant Sciences: Core principles of plant biology, physiology, and growth dynamics as they apply specifically to turf species and groundcovers.
- Genetics of Grasses: Study of hereditary traits in turfgrass species to support breeding, selection, and development of resilient, high-performance varieties.
- Turf Science: In-depth exploration of soil-plant relationships, root development, and environmental interactions critical to turf health and performance.
- Use Analysis: Evaluation of site-specific conditions and intended applications to determine optimal turf selection and management strategies.
- Turf Management: Hands-on techniques for planting, overseeding, irrigation, mowing, pest control, and renovation of turf areas.
- Related Economics: Understanding cost-benefit analysis, resource allocation, and financial planning for sustainable turf production and maintenance operations.
Turf and Turfgrass Management Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Turf and Turfgrass Management Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Turf and Turfgrass Management degrees, including Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers and Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation. 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 1,101,460 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation 37-3012 | $45,200 | $34,590 - $58,910 | 25,200 | $21.73 |
| Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 37-3011 | $38,090 | $29,990 - $53,900 | 943,430 | $18.31 |
Turf and Turfgrass Management Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $42,287 in Louisiana to $68,375 in Michigan—a 62% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Washington, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,101,460 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 Turf and Turfgrass Management by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 39 institutions offering Turf and Turfgrass 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 Turf and Turfgrass Management is found at Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (47 graduates), Brunswick Community College (BCC) (35 graduates), Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) (28 graduates), Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) (21 graduates), and State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) (21 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 396 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
47 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| Brunswick Community College (BCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
35 | Bolivia, North Carolina | Public | brunswickcc.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
28 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Tifton, Georgia | Public | abac.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Associate's
|
21 | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| College of the Desert (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Palm Desert, California | Public | collegeofthedesert.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Western Texas College (WTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Snyder, Texas | Public | wtc.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Wayne Community College (WCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Goldsboro, North Carolina | Public | waynecc.edu |
| Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) |
Associate's
|
14 | Walla Walla, Washington | Public | wwcc.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
12 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| North Arkansas College (Northark) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Harrison, Arkansas | Public | northark.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| Southeast Technical College (STC) |
Associate's
|
9 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Public | southeasttech.edu |
| Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Hickory, North Carolina | Public | cvcc.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Other Award
|
7 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute |
Associate's
|
7 | Wooster, Ohio | Public | ati.osu.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
6 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Delaware Valley University (DelVal) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Doylestown, Pennsylvania | Private | delval.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | cpcc.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Illinois Central College (ICC) |
Other Award
|
4 | East Peoria, Illinois | Public | icc.edu |
| East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Scooba, Mississippi | Public | eastms.edu |
| First Coast Technical College (FCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Saint Augustine, Florida | Public | fctc.edu |
| SUNY College of Technology (SUNY Delhi) |
Associate's
|
3 | Delhi, New York | Public | delhi.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Iowa Central Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Fort Dodge, Iowa | Public | iowacentral.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Crookston, Minnesota | Public | crk.umn.edu |
| SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology (SUNY Cobleskill) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Cobleskill, New York | Public | cobleskill.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Cuyamaca College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | El Cajon, California | Public | cuyamaca.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| College of DuPage (COD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Glen Ellyn, Illinois | Public | cod.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Turf and Turfgrass Management programs
How much can I earn with a Turf and Turfgrass Management degree?
Salaries for Turf and Turfgrass Management graduates vary by role and location. Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $86,350 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers earn around $56,170. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Michigan average $68,375 compared to $42,287 in Louisiana. Approximately 1,101,460 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 Turf and Turfgrass Management programs?
Currently 39 accredited institutions offer Turf and Turfgrass Management degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (47 graduates), Brunswick Community College (BCC) (35 graduates), and Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) (28 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 Turf and Turfgrass Management growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 521 in 2010 to 396 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% 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 Turf and Turfgrass Management degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers, and Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation. Related occupations employ approximately 1,101,460 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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