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What is a Pest Control Worker?
Pest Control Worker Definition Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
What Do Pest Control Workers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Clean work site after completion of job.
- Dig up and burn, or spray weeds with herbicides.
- Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
- Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
- Clean and remove blockages from infested areas to facilitate spraying procedures and provide drainage, using brooms, mops, shovels, or rakes.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
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Things a Pest Control Worker Should Know How to Do
When polled, Pest Control Workers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Other Pest Control Worker Job Titles
- Pest Control Operator
- Termite Exterminator Helper
- Exterminator Helper
- Exterminator
- Pest Control Specialist
Is There Job Demand for Pest Control Workers?
There were about 78,900 jobs for Pest Control Worker in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,500 new jobs for Pest Control Worker by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 11,700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Pest Control Worker are Washington, Nevada, and Iowa. Watch out if you plan on working in Georgia, Alaska, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Pest Control Worker
The salary for Pest Control Workers ranges between about $23,230 and $57,400 a year.
Pest Control Workers who work in Massachusetts, Washington, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Pest Control Workers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,650 |
| Arizona | $38,040 |
| Arkansas | $31,720 |
| California | $42,100 |
| Colorado | $35,200 |
| Connecticut | $38,540 |
| Delaware | $42,070 |
| Florida | $34,060 |
| Georgia | $35,210 |
| Hawaii | $39,860 |
| Idaho | $31,310 |
| Illinois | $36,910 |
| Indiana | $38,390 |
| Iowa | $38,490 |
| Kansas | $32,950 |
| Kentucky | $34,000 |
| Louisiana | $31,560 |
| Maine | $32,030 |
| Maryland | $40,150 |
| Massachusetts | $47,750 |
| Michigan | $42,380 |
| Minnesota | $39,910 |
| Mississippi | $35,660 |
| Missouri | $34,420 |
| Montana | $41,180 |
| Nebraska | $40,310 |
| Nevada | $42,880 |
| New Hampshire | $38,210 |
| New Jersey | $39,840 |
| New Mexico | $38,250 |
| New York | $39,960 |
| North Carolina | $35,330 |
| North Dakota | $35,160 |
| Ohio | $40,820 |
| Oklahoma | $30,790 |
| Oregon | $38,420 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,840 |
| Rhode Island | $35,730 |
| South Carolina | $32,460 |
| South Dakota | $36,190 |
| Tennessee | $41,870 |
| Texas | $42,030 |
| Utah | $30,870 |
| Virginia | $40,800 |
| Washington | $46,160 |
| West Virginia | $28,860 |
| Wisconsin | $35,290 |
| Wyoming | $37,670 |
What Tools do Pest Control Workers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pest Control Workers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Database software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- YouTube
- Work scheduling software
How do I Become a Pest Control Worker?
Are there Pest Control Workers education requirements?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Pest Control Workers Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Pest Control Worker may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Pest Control Worker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.