Greenhouse Worker
This page provides a role overview for Greenhouse Worker positions in the United States for international candidates. Exact terms (state, start date, schedule, accommodation, and compensation) depend on the hiring employer and seasonality. CV is required for review.
A realistic “day in the greenhouse”
The day usually starts with a short task brief: which crop line is priority, what quality checks apply, and which carts or benches must be cleared. You may rotate between potting-line work, spacing plants for airflow, irrigation tasks, pruning, and sanitation.
The pace is steady. Greenhouse work rewards accuracy: correct labels, correct spacing, and clean handling so plants stay market-ready. Most employers track output by section rather than by “one perfect task,” so consistency matters.
Greenhouse work is controlled agriculture: temperature, irrigation, and plant health checks happen on a schedule. Your shift can move from transplanting seedlings to spacing containers, then to staging finished plants for loading.
The most successful workers keep a clean rhythm: correct labels, no damage to stems, tidy aisles, and safe cart handling. Supervisors usually prefer stable performance over short bursts of speed.
Many greenhouses run like a production line: fill trays, plant plugs, tag correctly, water-in, then move flats to the next zone. You may also unload supplies, set up irrigation tubes, or remove damaged plants from the line.
The work is repetitive but predictable. If you follow instructions, protect plant quality, and maintain pace, you become “core crew” quickly.
The day usually starts with a short task brief: which crop line is priority, what quality checks apply, and which carts or benches must be cleared. You may rotate between potting-line work, spacing plants for airflow, irrigation tasks, pruning, and sanitation.
The pace is steady. Greenhouse work rewards accuracy: correct labels, correct spacing, and clean handling so plants stay market-ready. Most employers track output by section rather than by “one perfect task,” so consistency matters.
This page uses a deterministic “anti-template” selector (stable for the URL) so content stays consistent for users and crawlers.
Typical tasks (Greenhouse Worker)
- Planting, transplanting, spacing, and basic propagation (seeding/cuttings)
- Watering and irrigation support (hoses, lines, hand-watering as needed)
- Pruning, trimming, and removing damaged plants to maintain quality
- Potting-line tasks: filling trays/pots, tagging, staging flats or racks
- Sanitation and organization: clean benches, aisles, tools, and work zones
- Loading/unloading plant materials and safe cart handling (site-dependent)
- Prepare growing areas: media, trays, benches, and staging zones.
- Plant handling: transplant, space, prune, and quality-check.
- Irrigation support: water-in, adjust lines, report issues.
- Order prep: tag accuracy, staging, packing (role-dependent).
- Sanitation: keep work zones clean and pest-risk low.
Hands-on plant care: planting, pruning, spacing, and monitoring for pests/disease.
Production support: potting line, tagging, watering-in, moving flats/racks.
Site upkeep: sanitation, debris removal, tool organization, safe cart movement.
- Planting, transplanting, spacing, and basic propagation (seeding/cuttings)
- Watering and irrigation support (hoses, lines, hand-watering as needed)
- Pruning, trimming, and removing damaged plants to maintain quality
- Potting-line tasks: filling trays/pots, tagging, staging flats or racks
- Sanitation and organization: clean benches, aisles, tools, and work zones
- Loading/unloading plant materials and safe cart handling (site-dependent)
Detailed requirements
- CV in English (mandatory for review)
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions (quality and safety)
- Comfort with repetitive tasks and a sustained work pace (peak season)
- Physical readiness: frequent standing/walking; bending/stooping; lifting commonly up to 50 lb (23 kg) (role-dependent)
- Basic workplace discipline: on-time attendance, phone restriction during work except emergencies
- Willingness to work variable schedules (including some weekends/holidays, depending on employer)
Short candidate portrait
Employers typically shortlist candidates who match this profile:
- Reliable: steady attendance and consistent pace
- Careful: protects plant quality (labels, spacing, gentle handling)
- Safety-minded: follows hygiene, PPE, and equipment rules
- Adaptable: comfortable switching tasks during the day
- Communicative: reports problems early (pests, irrigation leaks, damaged batches)
Typical gross pay (brutto) — realistic range and what drives it
Greenhouse Worker compensation in the U.S. varies primarily by state, skill level (entry vs experience), and the employer’s required wage rules for seasonal agricultural hiring. Some job orders show a separate H-2A cash wage line when housing is provided at no cost.
| Example location | Gross hourly pay shown in recent job orders | Notes (why it can differ) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (greenhouse line work) | $11.25/hour | Some orders list a separate H-2A cash wage line if housing adjustment applies. Always confirm the final cash wage and any lawful deductions in your documents. |
| Texas (nursery/greenhouse) | $13.67/hour Skill Level I/II floors can apply | In 2026, some states use Skill Level I (entry) vs Skill Level II (experience) AEWR floors. Your offered wage depends on job qualifications and duties. |
| Minnesota (greenhouse production) | $14.60/hour | Seasonality and shift needs influence weekly hours; peak season can increase total gross earnings. |
| Pennsylvania (nursery/greenhouse) | $17.99/hour | Skilled nursery work and heavier lifting can correlate with higher wage offers. Some job orders list a different H-2A cash wage line. |
Practical expectation: many Greenhouse Worker offers cluster around $13–$18 gross per hour, but outliers exist by state and crop specialization. Your exact offer is confirmed only after CV review and employer matching.
Working conditions in the USA (what candidates should expect)
- Environment: warm/humid greenhouse zones; occasional outdoor work; wet floors possible
- Physical load: repetitive handling, bending/stooping, cart movement; lifting varies by site
- Quality discipline: labeling accuracy, spacing standards, plant damage prevention
- Safety: hygiene routines, restricted phone use during work, PPE as required
Housing, transport, and basics (H-2A focus)
Many seasonal agricultural roles under the H-2A route include employer-provided housing at no cost to the worker, and defined transport arrangements. Terms vary by employer and must be confirmed in the work documents you receive during the hiring stage.
- Housing details (type, rules, location, occupancy)
- Daily commute plan (housing ↔ worksite)
- Meals or cooking facilities (site-dependent)
- Tools/equipment policy and safety orientation
Next steps
- Create / upload your CV (English) and verify contact details.
- MaViAl reviews role fit and confirms available projects.
- If shortlisted, you proceed to employer interview and documentation steps.
FAQ (Greenhouse Worker — USA)
What does a Greenhouse Worker do?
Is experience required?
What is a realistic gross (brutto) pay range?
What should I include in my CV to be reviewed faster?
What is the difference between Greenhouse Worker and Plant Nursery Worker?
Are hours guaranteed?
Can pay be hourly or piece-rate?
Do I need a driver’s license?
What makes candidates successful in greenhouse roles?
Is greenhouse work only indoors?
What are common physical requirements?
How quickly can I start after applying?
What does a Greenhouse Worker do?
Is experience required?
What is a realistic gross (brutto) pay range?
What should I include in my CV to be reviewed faster?
Related roles in Agriculture (H-2A focus)
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.