Urban and Community Horticulture: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Urban and Community Horticulture is a specialized field dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems and green spaces within densely populated areas. This program equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to cultivate plants and manage landscapes in cities, fostering resilience, biodiversity, and community well-being.
- Ecological Systems in Urban Settings: Explores how natural processes function within built environments, emphasizing the interplay between flora, fauna, and human activity in shaping sustainable urban ecosystems.
- Environmental Sustainability: Focuses on minimizing ecological footprints through resource-efficient practices, waste reduction, and the integration of renewable strategies in horticultural operations.
- Urban Food Production Systems: Examines innovative methods such as vertical farming, rooftop gardens, and community plots to enhance local food security and accessibility in metropolitan regions.
- Plant and Soil Sciences: Provides in-depth study of plant physiology, nutrient dynamics, soil health, and growing media tailored to the unique challenges of city-based agriculture.
Urban and Community Horticulture Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Urban and Community Horticulture Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Urban and Community Horticulture degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers and Farm and Home Management Educators. 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 16,170 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 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators 25-9021 | $58,120 | $36,780 - $85,230 | 10,260 | $27.94 |
Urban and Community Horticulture Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,760 in Georgia to $103,430 in Idaho—a 226% difference. The highest-paying states include Idaho, California, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 16,170 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 Urban and Community Horticulture by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Urban and Community 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 Urban and Community Horticulture is found at Johnson & Wales University, Providence (10 graduates), Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) (6 graduates), Sinclair Community College (6 graduates), and Oregon State University (OSU) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 26 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Wales University |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | jwu.edu |
| Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) |
Other Award
|
6 | Godfrey, Illinois | Public | lc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Oregon State University (OSU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Corvallis, Oregon | Public | oregonstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Urban and Community Horticulture programs
How much can I earn with a Urban and Community Horticulture degree?
Salaries for Urban and Community Horticulture graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Farm and Home Management Educators earn around $58,120. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Idaho average $103,430 compared to $31,760 in Georgia. Approximately 16,170 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 Urban and Community Horticulture programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Urban and Community Horticulture degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Johnson & Wales University, Providence (10 graduates), Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) (6 graduates), and Sinclair Community College (6 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.
What career paths are available with a Urban and Community Horticulture degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Farm and Home Management Educators, . Related occupations employ approximately 16,170 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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