Also called: Turf Application Technician, Lawn Specialist
Treats lawns with fertilizer and weed or pest control on a regular route of homes and businesses.
A lawn tech drives a truck with a spray rig to 15 to 20 lawns a day, identifies weeds and grubs, applies treatments, and leaves notes for customers. A state pesticide license is required.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training plus a state pesticide applicator license.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Turfgrass Management (certificate).
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 37-3012: Average (3% to 4%).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Route software and robot mowers change the job; applying treatments safely and talking with customers stay human.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to lawn care companies (TruGreen, local firms); they train you and pay for the state applicator exam First: State pesticide applicator license or registered technician card (a few weeks)
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Business.
Official data: O*NET occupation 37-3012.
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