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How to Become a Nursery Worker: Australian Careers in Horticulture

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What is a Nursery Worker?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

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What is a Nursery Worker?

A Nursery Worker grows and cares for plants in plant nurseries across Australia. This hands-on outdoor role suits people who enjoy working with plants and like active, varied work.

Daily tasks include watering, weeding, moving seedlings, and adjusting water systems. Nursery Workers also load and move supplies, prepare growing plots, and keep work areas tidy and safe.

Most roles are entry-level and open to people without formal training. A Certificate II in Horticulture (AHC20422) can boost job prospects and build plant knowledge. Full-time workers average 40 hours a week, with part-time and casual roles also common.

Around 6,300 Nursery Workers are employed in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). They work mainly in farming, wholesale trade, and retail plant businesses. With time, Nursery Workers can move up to a Nurseryperson trade role or other areas of the industry.

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Career snapshots For Nursery Workers

Nursery Workers hold a stable place in Australia’s plant industry. Around 6,300 people are employed in this role nationally, with stable future demand (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Roles are found in farming, wholesale trade, and retail nursery businesses.

The typical Nursery Worker is 38 years old. About 51% work full-time, averaging 40 hours per week. The remaining 49% work part-time, offering flexibility for those who need it. Women make up 56% of the workforce.

Pay is governed by the Nursery Award (MA000033). Typical earnings range from around $48,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience and level. Entry-level roles can progress to the Nurseryperson trade with further training.

What will I do?

A Nursery Worker supports the daily running of plant nurseries across Australia. The role is active and involves a range of plant care and site upkeep tasks. Nursery Workers help keep plants healthy and nurseries running well.

  • Loading, unloading, and moving nursery supplies and tools
  • Preparing nursery sites and plots using hand tools and machines
  • Helping grow and move plants to new areas
  • Watering and weeding plants by hand
  • Tidying work areas and removing rubbish
  • Adjusting mist water systems, shade, and airflow
  • Checking plant health and reporting issues to supervisors

What skills do I need?

A Nursery Worker needs a mix of plant knowledge and reliable work habits. Key skills include basic plant care such as watering, weeding, and spotting when plants need help.

Hands-on skills matter most in this role. Nursery Workers use hand tools and small machines to prepare growing plots, manage water systems, and move stock safely. Physical fitness and a sharp eye for detail are both key.

Good communication and teamwork help workers run a busy nursery well. Some roles involve serving customers, so a friendly and helpful manner is a plus. Problem-solving skills come into play when dealing with plant health or tool faults.

Skills/attributes

  • Basic plant care knowledge (watering, weeding, propagation)
  • Use of hand tools and small machinery
  • Knowledge of irrigation systems
  • Physical fitness and stamina
  • Attention to detail
  • Health and safety awareness
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Time management
  • Clear communication skills
  • Problem-solving for plant health issues
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Adaptability to seasonal work demands

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.