Are you considering a career as a gardener in a domestic household? It can be a great career, and an exciting one too. But it will, of course, be important for you to understand how much you would make as a domestic household gardener. Although salary and payment are only one part of job satisfaction – it is an important one!
Hourly Rate / Self-Employment
One option of working as a domestic household gardener is to be self-employed. And when that is the case, you will normally agree on getting paid an hourly rate. You would then invoice, sometimes at the end of the week, or at the end of the month. So you would send the people you work for an invoice of your hours worked, which they then would pay for you.
Hourly rates for gardening jobs can differ quite a bit, depending on the area as well as the level of skills you might bring to the job. If you are able and qualified to work heavy machinery for example. You would then expect a higher hourly rate than someone who has not got these skills.
Minimum Wage
Whatever the rate offered is, make sure it is at least the minimum wage in the country you are working. It is important to know your rights as a minimum wage is the absolute, absolute minimum you should be receiving for your gardening work. Make sure to not undervalue or underprice your work! Look around at what rate similar jobs are paying in the area. When you know you work hard and deliver good quality work you should get paid suitably for that!
Being Self-Employed
Do you know what it means to be self-employed? Again, this will differ per country what exactly you would have to do. But it basically comes down to the fact that you are responsible for paying your own tax and any other money, such as National Insurance (in the UK). Lots of gardeners really like being self-employed, as it gives a sense of freedom and you are in control. You are not bound by a contract and you have much more flexibility which the work you do, for who, and how long.
However, make sure you are ready and able to do the work that comes with it. If you are self-employed, you will have to pay tax over all your earnings. So you need to be disciplined to put money aside every month so you will be able to pay the government what you are owed!
Employed/ Full Time
Another option as a gardener is to be employed. When you are looking to find out how much you will make as a domestic household gardener, an employed job is the most straight forward. Again, depending on the area, and the level of tasks. That will all depend on what your salary will look like.
When you are employed, you do not have to pay any tax or other contributions – your employer will pay for this. You will also get paid holidays and other job securities that come with having a contract. Such as a notice period and sickness pay too. All this will depend on the country you are in, and what it says in your contract too. So before you sign a contract it is always good to have someone else look over this to make sure everything indeed works well for you!
To get a rough idea of what you can expect to make as a domestic household gardener in full-time employment in the UK. Here is a handy overview. But please note – this is just a guideline! The actual salary can differ depending on the job location, tasks and rest of the employment package.
Salary Indications – UK
Entry-level/Less experienced Gardener & Groundsperson – 2-4 years experience.
- Expect a salary of £430-£600 gross a week live in and £510-615 gross a week live-out.
- Yearly salary range from £24,000 gross to £32,000 gross.
Mid-level/More experienced Gardener & Groundsperson – 4-8 years experience.
- Expect a salary of £610-780 gross a week live in and £6120-865 gross a week live-out.
- Yearly salary from £32,000 gross to £45,000 gross per year.
High level/Very experienced Gardener & Groundsperson – 8+ years experience.
- Expect a salary of £790+ gross a week live in and £870+ gross a week live-out
- Yearly salary from £45,000 gross upwards.
How Can Polo & Tweed Help
Do you have a better idea of what you can make as a domestic household gardener? So now it is time to find that new dream job. And we can help you with that! We know all the ins and outs of the domestic household and domestic staff industry. From helping you to make your CV the best it can, to interview techniques and understanding formal job offers. You can apply to register with us now by completing this form, and one of our consultants will be in touch. You can also contact us directly here if you want to have a chat!