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$12

$22

$36

How much do horticulture therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for horticulture therapy in the United States is $22.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is horticulture therapy?

Horticulture therapy is a practice that uses gardening and plant-based activities as therapeutic tools to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Guided by trained professionals, participants engage in activities such as planting, watering, and caring for plants in a structured, supportive environment. This therapy is used in settings like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and senior care facilities to enhance cognitive abilities, reduce stress, and promote social interaction. It can benefit people of all ages and abilities, and is often tailored to individual needs and goals.

What are the qualifications to get a job in horticulture therapy?

Horticulture therapy treatment may be done as an intervention, as a medical treatment, to support cognitive development, or as part of a social science effort. The primary qualifications include the completion of a horticulture therapy certificate program. Many employers prefer applicants who also have a postsecondary degree in a relevant field as well as horticultural experience. Experience is valuable in this field, so the more time you spend in horticulture, the more likely you are to stand out from other applicants. Fulfilling the responsibilities of this job requires critical thinking and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horticultural therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horticultural Therapist, you need a background in horticulture, psychology, or occupational therapy, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in horticultural therapy. Familiarity with therapeutic assessment tools, adaptive gardening equipment, and documentation systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and creativity help build rapport with clients and tailor therapeutic activities to individual needs. These skills are crucial for effectively using plants and nature-based activities to promote clients’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

What are the common challenges faced by horticulture therapists when working with diverse client populations?

Horticulture therapists often work with clients of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities, which can present unique challenges in tailoring activities that are both therapeutic and accessible for everyone. Adapting gardening tasks to accommodate physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations requires creativity, flexibility, and ongoing assessment. Additionally, managing group dynamics and ensuring a safe, supportive environment are important aspects of the role. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists or social workers, is common to ensure the best outcomes for clients.

What is the difference between Horticulture Therapy vs Horticulturist?

AspectHorticulture TherapyHorticulturist
Required CredentialsCertifications in horticultural therapy, often including a credential from the American Horticultural Therapy AssociationBachelor's or master's degree in horticulture, botany, or related field
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, rehabilitation centers, community programsResearch labs, nurseries, botanical gardens, agricultural settings
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, therapy, community health organizationsHorticultural industry, research institutions, agricultural companies

Horticulture Therapy focuses on using plants and gardening activities to improve clients' physical and mental health, often requiring specialized certifications. In contrast, Horticulturists primarily work in plant cultivation, research, and industry settings, with a focus on plant science and production. Both roles involve working with plants but serve different purposes and environments.

How do you become a horticulture therapist?

To become a horticulture therapist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in horticulture, psychology, or a related field, along with specialized training in horticultural therapy. Certification from organizations like the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) can enhance job prospects and credibility, and practical experience working with plants and clients is valuable in this field.

What does a horticulture therapy do?

A horticulture therapist uses plants and gardening activities to improve clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. They assess individual needs, develop therapeutic programs, and often work in healthcare, rehabilitation, or community settings, utilizing knowledge of plant care and therapeutic techniques. Certification from relevant organizations can enhance job prospects in this field.

Where do horticulture therapists work?

Horticulture therapists typically work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers, as well as in community programs, mental health clinics, and specialized therapeutic gardens. They often collaborate with healthcare professionals and may use tools like gardening and plant-based activities to support clients' physical and emotional well-being.
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Horticulture Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horticulture Therapy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,806 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Instructor, Therapeutic Horticulture Programs

Missouri Botanical Garden

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$18.32/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Summary:
The Therapeutic Horticulture Program Instructor's primary responsibility is to develop, prepare and facilitate therapeutic horticulture programs in the community and at the Garden. The target populations for this position are adults and children in the healthcare community, the senior living community, and social service agencies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develops, prepares and delivers quality, engaging therapeutic horticulture programs that focus on the process and not the end result.
  • Provides nature-focused activities that coordinate with the organization or facilities' client goals.
  • Delivers programs primarily in the St Louis community with some delivery of programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
  • Assists with creating, procuring and maintaining program supplies.
  • Creates in partner with the organization's staff, client goals and evaluation notes post-session (s) Participates in team planning sessions with staff to ensure a well-coordinated and effective session and that program objectives/goals will be met.
  • Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines and safe working practices and routinely monitors to enforce them. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
  • Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies
  • Meets expected attendance guidelines.
  • Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
  • Travels through the use of personal vehicle to organizations and facilities in Missouri and Illinois.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Competencies:
  • Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
  • Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
  • Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
  • Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
  • Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:
  • Minimum of three to five years' experience working with a variety of populations facilitating nature-based programs.
  • Strong organizational, therapeutic, educational and horticultural skills with demonstrated knowledge of plants and plant management practices and the ability to successfully adapt to diverse conditions and participant abilities.
  • Prior experience working in a cultural institution preferred.
  • The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
  • The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Horticultural Therapy, or related degree OR Associate's Degree in Horticulture or related area required; Certification in Horticulture Therapy preferred.
  • An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A.
Language Ability: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).
Reasoning Ability: Completes tasks with minor guidance to coordinate meeting times, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner.
Computer Skills:
  • Proficiency in navigating through the Internet, and various PC applications including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite 2003 (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or a similar application.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.
  • Must be willing to submit to testing and background checks required by the state of Missouri in order to enter classrooms and/or work with children at MBG sites.

Physical Demands:
  • Ability to stand and move about MBG facilities or classrooms for extended periods of time, 50 - 80% or more of a typical workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
  • Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
  • Able to lift up to (30) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
  • Ability to work exposed to outside weather conditions often and as needed.
  • Must be able to work in high heat/humidity.

Work Environment:
  • Classroom and outside instruction in the Garden.
  • Local travel required.
  • Flexibility in scheduling as needed, for weekend, evening or holiday work.
  • Climate controlled buildings.
  • Shared office space.
  • Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes) as needed.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:
  • Clients/students.
  • Education Division colleagues.
  • Employees throughout the Garden.
  • Garden education volunteers.
  • Diverse slate of visitors to the Garden, both children and adults.

Supervisor: Supervisor, Therapeutic Horticulture

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