Pest control workers
SOC Code: 37-2021Also known as:
Bed Bug Exterminator, Certified Pest Control Technician, Chemical Applicator, Commercial Pest Control Representative, Commercial Pest Control Technician
Median Annual Salary
$44,730
+4.9% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
102K
Current Jobs
What Pest control workers Do
Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
💰 Salary
$44,730
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.9%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
102,400
Projected Employment (2034)
107,500
Related Careers
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
$38,090 •
+3.6% growth
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
$45,200 •
+3.8% growth
Hazardous materials removal workers
$48,490 •
+1.0% growth
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
$49,140 •
+7.6% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Writing
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Record work activities performed.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
- Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
- Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
- Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
- Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
- Direct, or assist other workers in, treatment or extermination processes to eliminate or control rodents, insects, or weeds.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pest control workers make?
The median annual salary for pest control workers is $44,730.
What education do pest control workers need?
Most pest control workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming pest control workers a good career choice?
Pest control workers is projected to see +4.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 13,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for pest control workers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to pest control workers?
Pest control workers may also be known as: Bed Bug Exterminator, Certified Pest Control Technician, Chemical Applicator, Commercial Pest Control Representative, Commercial Pest Control Technician, Commercial Technician, Extermination Inspector, Exterminator, Field Service Representative (Field Service Rep), Field Service Technician, Fumigator, Hand Spray Operator, Insecticide Expert, Insecticide Sprayer, Mosquito Control Technician (Mosquito Control Tech), Mosquito Sprayer, Moth Exterminator, Pest Control Applicator, Pest Control Chemical Technician, Pest Control Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.