Groundsmen and greenkeepers Salary
Median salary £27,519 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £28,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For groundsmen and greenkeepers, £28,288 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -28% versus the national average. Experienced groundsmen and greenkeepers (top 25%) earn over £32,997.
About this role
Groundsmen and greenkeepers maintain sports pitches, golf courses, cricket grounds and other sports surfaces to professional standards. They manage turf, drainage, irrigation and playing surface preparation to ensure optimal conditions for sport and recreation.
Key responsibilities
- Maintaining turf quality through mowing, aerating, top-dressing and overseeding
- Preparing playing surfaces for matches and events
- Managing irrigation, drainage and growing conditions
- Operating specialist grounds maintenance machinery
- Applying fertilisers, pesticides and line markings
Qualifications and entry routes
NVQ Level 2/3 in Sports Turf Management or equivalent. IOG (Institute of Groundsmanship) qualifications and membership are the professional standard. PA1/PA6 pesticide qualifications are required for chemical applications.
Career outlook
Professional sport demands ever-higher pitch standards. Sustainability and water management skills are increasingly important alongside traditional turf expertise.
Key skills
Common industries
- Golf clubs
- Football and rugby clubs
- Cricket clubs
- Local authority sports facilities
- Horse racing
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£16,806
0-2 years
Mid Level
£23,868
3-7 years
Senior
£32,997
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +96% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 8.2%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£769
Groundsmen and greenkeepers salary: common questions
How much do groundsmen and greenkeepers earn in the UK?
Is £28,288 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for groundsmen and greenkeepers?
Have groundsmen and greenkeepers salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for groundsmen and greenkeepers?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).