How to become a nursery and greenhouse labourer
Official title: Nursery and greenhouse labourers
Also called: Nursery labourer, Hothouse labourer, Greenhouse labourer, Hydroponics labourer, Horticulture labourer, Cannabis trim labourer, Tree grafter - nursery, Forest nursery labourer, Forest assistant nursery, Hand sprayer - greenhouse, Plant propagator - greenhouse or nursery, Cannabis trimmer
Nursery and greenhouse labourers plant, cultivate and harvest trees, shrubs, flowers and plants, and serve nursery and greenhouse customers. They are employed in indoor and outdoor nurseries and greenhouses.
Main tasks
- Prepare soil; plant bulbs, seeds and cuttings; graft and bud plants; and transplant seedlings and rooted cuttings
- Monitor plants for healthy growth and potential weed, insect, disease, and fertilizer problems in greenhouse crops
- Spray trees, shrubs, flowers and plants to prevent disease and pests
- Position and regulate greenhouse and outdoor irrigation systems to water plants and fields
- Dig, cut and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers and plants and prepare them for sale
- Provide information to customers on gardening, the use of various garden tools and products and the care of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants and lawns
- May operate tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest and spray fields and plants
- Maintain inventory and order materials as required
How to become one
Completion of secondary school may be required. Completion of college courses in horticulture or a related field may be required. On-the-job training is provided. A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $38,025 a year The middle half earn $32,663 to $44,850.
- About 22,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 23,000 are projected by 2033. (+3.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a nursery and greenhouse labourer?
Completion of secondary school may be required. Completion of college courses in horticulture or a related field may be required. On-the-job training is provided. A provincial licence to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
How much does a nursery and greenhouse labourer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $38,025 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $32,663 to $44,850.
Is a nursery and greenhouse labourer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2033, from about 22,200 to about 23,000 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a nursery and greenhouse labourer?
Usually not. Only 11% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03