Grounds maintenance workers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Grounds maintenance workers in the United States earn a median salary of $39,150 per year — about $19 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 953K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +4%.
AI & Automation Risk
The core duties of this occupation are almost entirely physical and performed in unpredictable outdoor environments, which provides a strong natural barrier against AI. While autonomous mowers or drones may assist with specific tasks, the majority of the work—such as planting, tree climbing, and complex manual maintenance—requires human dexterity and physical presence that AI cannot replicate.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Forks, ND-MNBEST VALUE | $45,860 | Below avg (86.7) | $52,918 |
| Bismarck, ND | $46,310 | Below avg (91.0) | $50,877 |
| Ames, IA | $44,580 | Below avg (88.8) | $50,186 |
| Rochester, MN | $45,550 | Below avg (90.8) | $50,154 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $45,970 | Below avg (91.9) | $50,016 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $43,770 | Below avg (87.6) | $49,948 |
| Mankato, MN | $45,400 | Below avg (91.0) | $49,915 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $49,010 | Average (98.4) | $49,832 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $45,040 | Below avg (90.9) | $49,565 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $45,180 | Below avg (91.7) | $49,269 |
| Minot, ND | $42,680 | Below avg (87.0) | $49,042 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $46,190 | Below avg (95.1) | $48,567 |
| Carson City, NV | $47,160 | Average (98.1) | $48,059 |
| Appleton, WI | $44,380 | Below avg (92.4) | $48,020 |
| Helena, MT | $45,640 | Below avg (95.7) | $47,703 |