National Occupational Classification (NOC): 85103
Fast Facts
- Average Pay: N/A
- Future Growth: N/A
- Skill Level: N/A
- Employment Size: N/A
- Unemployment: N/A
- Full-time Share: N/A
Sample Job Titles
- Cannabis trimmer
- Christmas tree trimmer
- Forest nursery worker
- Greenhouse worker
- Hand sprayer - greenhouse
- Horticulture worker
- Hothouse worker
- Hydroponics worker
- Nursery worker
- Tree grafter - nursery
What do nursery and greenhouse labourers do?
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.
Nursery and greenhouse labourers perform some or all of the following duties:
- 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
- Clean working areas
Source: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada
Nursery and greenhouse labourers work in the following subsectors (NAICS) in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- 111-112 Farms
- 444 Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealer
- 445 Food and beverage stores
Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada
Short and Long Term Occupational Projections
Short Term Projections for 2023-2025
An employment outlook is unavailable for this occupation due to low levels of employment in the province.
Source: Job Bank, Government of Canada
Long Term Projections for 2023-2032
Nursery and greenhouse labourers belong to the broader occupational group 85100, 85103 (Agriculture and horticulture workers). This group is forecast to be balanced (rating of 1.8 out of 4) over the next several years, meaning projected labour supply is expected to meet forecasted job openings.
Source: Department of Finance, Occupation Projections (Summer 2023)
Number of Job Postings in 2023
During 2023, there were 5 public job postings for this occupation, with the following distribution:
| Avalon: 20% | Western: 20% |
| Eastern: 40% | Labrador: 0% |
| Central: 20% | NL-unspecified: 0% |
Source: Lightcast (note: data used in this analysis reflects new unique monthly postings which are totaled for the calendar year)
Who works as nursery and greenhouse labourers in Newfoundland and Labrador?
During the reference week of May 2021, there were approximately 125 people working in this occupation in Newfoundland and Labrador. 44% of those employed were Male+ and 56% of those employed were Female+.
Here is the age group breakdown for this group of workers:
| 15 to 24 | 25 to 54 | 55 to 64 | 65+ |
| 32% | 36% | 32% | 0% |
Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada
How much do nursery and greenhouse labourers make?
Annual Earnings
The median employment income for all nursery and greenhouse labourers in the reference year 2020 (140 workers in total, including those working part-time and full-time, as well as part-year and full-year) was $10,100.
Source: Census 2021, Statistics Canada
Hourly Earnings
Salary information for nursery and greenhouse labourers in Newfoundland and Labrador is as follows:
| Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15.00 | $15.00 | $18.15 |
The following low, median, and high wages are for Canada:
| Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) |
| $14.25 | $18.00 | $26.00 |
Source: Job Bank, Government of Canada
Most Frequently Sought Skills from Job Postings (2023)
- Machine Setup
- Machine Operation
- Marketing
- Machinery
- Equipment Repair
- Pallet Jacks
- Housekeeping
- Forklift Truck
Source: Lightcast
What training is required?
- 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 license to apply chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides may be required.
- Progression to supervisory positions, such as greenhouse supervisor, is possible with experience.
Source: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Employment and Social Development Canada
* Find public and private education, training and skills development opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador here.