Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
SOC Code: 37-3012Also known as:
Agricultural Service Worker, Applicator, Applicator Sprayer, Certified Pesticide Applicator, Chemical Applicator
Median Annual Salary
$45,200
+3.8% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
30K
Current Jobs
What Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation Do
Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.
💰 Salary
$45,200
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
29,600
Projected Employment (2034)
30,700
Related Careers
Pest control workers
$44,730 •
+4.9% growth
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
$38,090 •
+3.6% growth
Agricultural equipment operators
$42,580 •
+7.7% growth
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
$58,260 •
-6.5% growth
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment
$35,270 •
+3.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
- Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
- Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
- Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
- Start motors and engage machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment.
- Connect hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities.
- Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or hand tools.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation:
Landscaping and Groundskeeping
877 degrees awarded •
80 colleges offer this program
Turf and Turfgrass Management
396 degrees awarded •
39 colleges offer this program
Plant Nursery Operations and Management
131 degrees awarded •
24 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation make?
The median annual salary for pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation is $45,200.
What education do pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation need?
Most pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Landscaping and Groundskeeping, Turf and Turfgrass Management, Plant Nursery Operations and Management.
Is becoming a pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation a good career choice?
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation is projected to see +3.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 4,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation?
Top colleges for aspiring pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation include
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Texas A & M University-College Station, Purdue University-Main Campus.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation?
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation may also be known as: Agricultural Service Worker, Applicator, Applicator Sprayer, Certified Pesticide Applicator, Chemical Applicator, Commercial Lawn Specialist, Crop Applicator, Eradicator, Fertilizer Applicator, Fruit Sprayer, Fumigator, Hand Spray Operator, Hand Sprayer, Herbicide Sprayer, Hydro-Sprayer Operator, Insecticide Sprayer, Integrated Pest Management Technician (IPM Technician), Knapsack Sprayer, Lawn and Garden Technician, Lawn Care Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.