5114 Groundsmen and greenkeepers

In short

• ONS unit group 5114, in minor group 511 (Agricultural and related trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £33,400 (£17.13 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Groundsmen and greenkeepers cut and lay turf and maintain areas for golf courses and other sports grounds.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic entry requirements. NVQs/SVQs in Sports Turf Management are available at level 4. Apprenticeships and professional qualifications are also available.

Tasks

• levels ground and installs drainage system as required
• cuts and lays turf using hand and machine tools and repairs damaged turf
• moves soil to alter surface contour of land using mechanical equipment and constructs appropriate landscaping features and maintains such features
• monitors and maintains the quality and condition of turf
• rolls, mows and waters grass, marks out pitches

Related job titles

• Greenkeeper
• Groundsman
• Groundsperson

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5114 Groundsmen and greenkeepers

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Groundsmen and greenkeepers

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5114 Groundsmen and greenkeepers

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5114

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Groundsmen and greenkeepers

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 511

• 5111 Farmers
• 5112 Horticultural trades
• 5113 Gardeners and landscape gardeners
• 5119 Agricultural and fishing trades n.e.c.

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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