Potomac Lawn Professionals
Field Career Ladder
Climb your way from first day to leadership
Division 01
Lawn Care & PHC
Level 1
Lawn Care Technician
$22 – $24 / hr
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Level 2
Senior Lawn Care Technician
$26 – $28 / hr
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Level 3
Lawn Care Manager
Salaried
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Level 4
Division Operations Manager
Salaried
Division 02
Mowing
Level 1
Crew Member
$17 – $19 / hr
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Level 2
Crew Leader — Driver
$22 – $24 / hr
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Level 3
Mowing Field Manager
Salaried
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Level 4
Division Operations Manager
Salaried
Division 03
Landscape Maintenance
Level 1
Crew Member
$17 – $19 / hr
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Level 2
Crew Leader — Driver
$22 – $24 / hr
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Level 3
Landscape Maintenance Field Manager
Salaried
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Level 4
Division Operations Manager
Salaried
Division 04
Landscape Enhancements
Level 1
Crew Member
$17 – $19 / hr
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Level 2
Crew Leader — Driver
$22 – $24 / hr
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Level 3
Enhancements Field Manager
Salaried
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Level 4
Division Operations Manager
Salaried
How raises and promotions work
Earning your next rung
Within-level raises $0.50 – $2.00 / hr
- 12+ months reliable attendance and punctuality
- Demonstrated mastery of equipment and tasks for your level
- Positive customer feedback and zero complaints
- Willingness to take on additional responsibility
- Bilingual ability or active training contribution
- Follows direction well and uses technology effectively
Promotion to next rung
- All listed skills and certifications for the target level
- Manager recommendation
- Open headcount in the target role (leadership positions)
- Successful 30–60 day trial at the new responsibility level
- Pay change finalized after trial sign-off
Annual review cycle: Formal reviews happen each June after the spring rush, often aligned with PLP price adjustments. Mid-season spot raises are appropriate for technicians who earn a new license (RT or CA) or step into a vacated leadership role.
A note on Performance Pay (P4P)
If you participate in the P4P program, understand that raising base pay can affect your ability to earn performance bonuses. P4P is calculated as a percentage of your labor cost against revenue produced — a higher base means a higher threshold to earn the same bonus. Before requesting a raise, talk with your manager about whether the issue is base pay or P4P performance. Often the better conversation is about why P4P targets aren't being hit. It's better for you and better for the company.