How to Become a Horticultural Technician in Ontario
Grow plants, build landscapes and care for lawns, gardens, golf courses and irrigation.
To become a horticultural technician in Ontario, find an employer to sponsor you and register your Horticultural Technician (441C) apprenticeship with Skilled Trades Ontario. You need Grade 12 to start. The apprenticeship generally takes 6,120 hours — about 3 years — mostly paid work on the job, with 2 in-school levels. It is a voluntary trade, so certification is optional, and a Red Seal trade. Job Bank puts the median wage in Ontario at $31.05 an hour (2023–2024).
Facts checked against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page. Rules and fees change — confirm with the organization before you rely on them.
What the work involves
- Grows plants, works out what nutrients they need, and transplants, installs and prunes them.
- Builds landscapes from drawings.
- Installs and maintains irrigation systems and cares for turf grass.
- Controls plant pests and diseases using integrated pest management.
Summarized from Skilled Trades Ontario’s description of the trade(opens in a new tab).
A day as an apprentice
- Load the truck and head out with your crew — most days are spent outside.
- Plant, prune, lay sod or build a patio or retaining wall from the drawings.
- Check irrigation and plant health, and spot pest problems early.
- Wrap up the site, then log the skills you practised in your training standard.
A typical picture — every employer and every job site is different.
The facts: Horticultural Technician (441C)
Each line links to the official page it came from.
| Trade name and code | Horticultural Technician (441C) source (opens in a new tab) |
|---|---|
| Compulsory or voluntary | Voluntary — certification is available, not required source (opens in a new tab) |
| Apprenticeship hours | 6,120 hours (about 3 years): 5,400 on the job + 720 in school source (opens in a new tab)Skilled Trades Ontario words these hours as what the apprenticeship “generally” takes, not as a Registrar-set figure. |
| In-school levels | |
| Red Seal | Yes — Red Seal title: Landscape Horticulturist source (opens in a new tab) |
| Certificate of Qualification exam | Yes source (opens in a new tab)Skilled Trades Ontario’s page lists a certifying exam leading to a Certificate of Qualification, and in another place calls the Certificate of Apprenticeship the highest certification available. Confirm with Skilled Trades Ontario. |
| Minimum schooling to start | Grade 12 source (opens in a new tab) |
| Certificates of Qualification issued in 2025 | |
| Wages in Ontario (Job Bank) | Median $31.05/hour · low $22.00 · high $42.82 source (opens in a new tab)Job Bank “Landscape Horticulturist”, NOC 22114 (Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists). Reference period 2023–2024; source: Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada; updated 2025-11-19. |
| Job outlook in Ontario (Job Bank) | Limited (2025–2027) source (opens in a new tab)Job Bank’s 3-year outlook; updated 2025-12-10. |
| Apprentice pay | No legal pay scale — see what apprentices earn Ontario law sets no apprentice pay scale — the old government percentage schedules ended in 2013. Apprentices must be paid at least the general minimum wage ($17.95 an hour since October 1, 2026; any yearly change takes effect October 1). Above that, the employer sets the rate — or, for union members, the collective agreement. |
What apprentices earn in Ontario
The law first, then what people in the trade earn where you live, then what one real agreement pays.
The rule
Ontario law sets no apprentice pay scale. The floor is the general minimum wage — $17.95 an hour since October 1, 2026 — and it applies to apprentices like anyone else. Above that, your employer sets your pay, or, if you are a union member, the collective agreement does.
- The old government schedules that set apprentice pay as a percentage of a journeyperson’s rate ended in 2013 (revoked April 8, 2013 by O. Reg. 426/12). The current law, the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, has no apprentice pay provision. e-Laws(opens in a new tab)
- The minimum wage was $17.60 before October 1, 2026. Any yearly change is published by April 1 and takes effect October 1. Ontario’s minimum wage page(opens in a new tab)
- The lower $16.90 student rate applies only to students under 18 working 28 hours a week or less while school is in session, or during school breaks — not to an adult apprentice. Ontario’s minimum-wage rules have no apprentice exemption.
- Ask what you will be paid — and how it goes up as you progress — before you sign your training agreement.
What horticultural technicians earn, by region
Hourly wages from Job Bank (Government of Canada) for “Landscape Horticulturist” (NOC 22114), updated November 19, 2025. Job Bank publishes one set of figures for the whole occupation, apprentices included — so the low end is not an apprentice rate, and the median is not a pure journeyperson rate. Regions use different survey data; each row says which.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $22.00 | $31.05 | $42.82 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula | $18.00 | $31.05 | $34.13 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Kingston–Pembroke | $21.51 | $28.39 | $35.67 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie | $24.31 | $30.48 | $42.11 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| London | $19.54 | $29.82 | $49.47 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Muskoka–Kawarthas | $19.85 | $30.35 | $41.29 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Northeast | $19.55 | $27.12 | $38.90 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Northwest | $19.74 | $28.56 | $39.96 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Ottawa | $18.46 | $28.28 | $39.71 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Stratford–Bruce Peninsula | $19.45 | $27.73 | $38.89 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Toronto | $22.00 | $30.00 | $36.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Windsor-Sarnia | $19.68 | $28.36 | $40.07 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
Source: Job Bank — Landscape Horticulturist wages in Ontario (opens in a new tab). The minimum wage ($17.95 since October 1, 2026) is the same everywhere in Ontario.
The minimum wage is 57.8% of this median (calculated: $17.95 divided by the median). Hourly, before deductions. Both figures are in the table.
How to start
- Find a sponsor. An employer (or union, or group) agrees to train you. This is the step that starts everything.
- Register as an apprentice. Sign a Training Agreement with your sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.
- Do the training. Log your on-the-job hours and complete each in-school level.
- Get certified. Write the Certificate of Qualification exam; in a Red Seal trade you can earn the Red Seal too.
The exam costs $150 + HST; the first attempt is free when you complete an Ontario apprenticeship.
Where to train
Colleges and training providers (1)
In-school training is delivered by colleges and other approved training providers. A few with a 441C program:
Running your own business later
Horticultural Technician is a voluntary trade, so certification is not required to do the work. We have not researched business licensing for landscaping companies: check with your municipality, and look at WSIB coverage before you hire anyone.
Trade associations
Looking for a sponsor?
Contractors who may hire apprentices
Apprentices are sponsored by employers in the trade. Browse local horticultural technicians by city on ProScore and contact them directly — not every business sponsors apprentices, so ask.
Landscapers on ProScoreUpcoming events to meet the trade
Career fairs and industry events in Ontario where you can meet people in the trade. Dates checked against each organizer.
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – Windsor Nov 11–12, 2026 LaSalle (Windsor)
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – London Nov 17–19, 2026 London
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – Ottawa Nov 24–26, 2026 Ottawa
- ConferenceLandscape Designers Conference Jan 11, 2027 Toronto
- Trade showLandscape Ontario Congress Jan 12–14, 2027 Toronto
- ConferenceOntario Turfgrass Symposium Feb 17–18, 2027 Guelph
Frequently asked questions
How do I become a horticultural technician in Ontario?
Find a sponsor (usually an employer) and register an apprenticeship in Horticultural Technician (441C) with Skilled Trades Ontario. The entry requirement is Grade 12. You then log on-the-job hours, complete the in-school levels, and can write the Certificate of Qualification exam. Skilled Trades Ontario’s page lists a certifying exam leading to a Certificate of Qualification, and in another place calls the Certificate of Apprenticeship the highest certification available. Confirm with Skilled Trades Ontario.
How long does it take to become a horticultural technician in Ontario?
Skilled Trades Ontario says the apprenticeship generally takes 6,120 hours, about 3 years: 5,400 hours on the job and 720 hours of in-school training over 2 levels.
Do you need a certificate to work as a horticultural technician in Ontario?
No. Horticultural Technician is a voluntary trade in Ontario: you can work in it without a certificate, but an apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification are available. Skilled Trades Ontario’s page lists a certifying exam leading to a Certificate of Qualification, and in another place calls the Certificate of Apprenticeship the highest certification available. Confirm with Skilled Trades Ontario.
How much do horticultural technicians make in Ontario?
Job Bank puts the median wage for landscape horticulturists in Ontario (NOC 22114) at $31.05 an hour, with a low of $22.00 and a high of $42.82 (2023–2024). Job Bank publishes one figure for the whole occupation, apprentices included, so it is not an apprentice rate.
How much do apprentice horticultural technicians earn in Ontario?
Ontario law sets no apprentice pay scale — the old government percentage schedules ended in 2013. Apprentices must be paid at least the general minimum wage ($17.95 an hour since October 1, 2026; any yearly change takes effect October 1). Above that, the employer sets the rate — or, for union members, the collective agreement.
Is Horticultural Technician a Red Seal trade?
Yes — its Red Seal title is Landscape Horticulturist. Passing the Red Seal exam adds a Red Seal endorsement to your provincial certificate.
Compare other trades
Each page covers the work, the apprenticeship, the pay, where to train and what to do first.
- ElectricianWire, power and light homes and buildings — and find out why something isn’t working.309ACompulsoryabout 5 yearsRed Seal
- PlumberBring clean water in and take waste water away — in homes, businesses and industry.306ACompulsoryabout 5 yearsRed Seal
- HVAC TechnicianKeep homes and buildings cool, warm and comfortable — refrigeration, air conditioning and heating.313ACompulsoryabout 5 yearsRed Seal
- CarpenterBuild the frame of a house, the forms for a foundation, the stairs and the finishing touches.403AVoluntaryabout 4 yearsRed Seal
- RooferInstall and repair the roofs that keep everything else dry — flat, sloped, shingle and membrane.449AVoluntaryabout 2 yearsRed Seal
- Horticultural TechnicianGrow plants, build landscapes and care for lawns, gardens, golf courses and irrigation.441CVoluntaryabout 3 yearsRed Seal
Facts checked
Every number on this page comes from one of these official pages, read on that date. Where two official sources disagree, we show both. Where nothing official is published, we say so instead of estimating. ProScore is not affiliated with these organizations.
The 14 official sources
- Skilled Trades Ontario — 2025 trade report, 441C(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Horticultural Technician (441C)(opens in a new tab)
- Job Bank — Landscape horticulturist wages in Ontario(opens in a new tab)
- Job Bank — Landscape horticulturist job outlook in Ontario(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Starting your apprenticeship(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Finishing an apprenticeship(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Exam scheduling(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Certificate of Qualification(opens in a new tab)
- Red Seal Program — About the program(opens in a new tab)
- Government of Ontario — Your guide to the Employment Standards Act: Minimum wage(opens in a new tab)
- Ontario e-Laws — O. Reg. 285/01, Exemptions, special rules and establishment of minimum wage(opens in a new tab)
- Ontario e-Laws — Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021(opens in a new tab)
- Ontario e-Laws — O. Reg. 426/12, Revoking various regulations(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Sponsor an apprentice(opens in a new tab)