Horticulture and Landscaping in South Carolina
South Carolina's Horticulture pathway prepares students for careers in landscape design, plant production, and horticultural management. The state's diverse climate, from coastal regions to mountains, creates opportunities in ornamental gardening, nursery operations, and landscape services throughout the year.
Students develop expertise in plant propagation, landscape design, soil science, and pest management. They gain experience through school greenhouses, landscape design projects, and partnerships with local nurseries and landscape companies in their communities.
Graduates work as landscape designers, nursery managers, greenhouse technicians, groundskeeping specialists, or horticultural consultants. Many establish landscape or lawn care businesses, while others advance to management positions with major landscape companies and botanical gardens across the state.
Horticulture and Landscaping at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina horticulture standards cover plant identification, propagation techniques, landscape design principles, and sustainable cultivation practices. The state works with Clemson University's horticulture programs and industry associations to ensure curriculum relevance.
Students complete competency assessments in plant identification, soil analysis, landscape sketching, and installation techniques. The standards include customer service and business management components.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Introduction to Horticulture |
| Horticulture for the Workplace 1 |
| Horticulture for the Workplace 2 |
| Landscape Technology |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
- ✓Certified Horticulture Professional
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Landscape Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $30,340 - $39,410
Adjusted for cost of living: $32,561
Nursery Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $28,900 - $45,280
Adjusted for cost of living: $37,809
Landscape Designer
ExperiencedSalary range: $64,280 - $88,130
Adjusted for cost of living: $79,921
Greenhouse Manager
Entry LevelSalary range: $28,900 - $45,280
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,015
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at local nurseries, landscape companies, parks and recreation departments, and botanical gardens throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
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