Pest control technicians: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Pest control technicians identify potential and actual pest problems, conduct inspections, and design control strategies. They work directly with customers and, as entry-level workers, use only a limited range of pesticides.
- Education Required
- A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum qualification for most pest control jobs.
- Training Required
- Most pest control workers begin as technicians, receiving both formal technical instruction and moderate-term on-the-job training from employers. They often study specialties such as rodent control, termite control, and fumigation. Technicians also must complete general training in pesticide use and safety. Pest control training can usually be completed in less than 3 months.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 8% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Pest control workers typically advance as they gain experience. Applicators with several years of experience often become supervisors. Some experienced workers start their own pest management company.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Most states require pest control workers to be licensed. Licensure requirements vary by state, but workers usually must complete training and pass an exam. Some states have additional requirements, such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an apprenticeship, and passing a background check. States may have additional requirements for applicators.
- Median pay: How much do Pest Control Workers make?
- $33,040 Annual Salary
- $15.88 per hour
Careers for Pest Control Workers
- Applicators
- Certified pest control applicators
- Exterminators
- Fumigators
- Insecticide experts
- Mosquito sprayers
- Pest control applicators
- Pest control operators
- Pest management workers
- Rat exterminators
- Rodent exterminators
- Termite technicians
- Termite treaters