What Does it Take to Be a Pest Control Worker?
Job Description: Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
Pest Control Worker Responsibilities
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
- Clean and remove blockages from infested areas to facilitate spraying procedures and provide drainage, using brooms, mops, shovels, or rakes.
- Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
- Position and fasten edges of tarpaulins over building and tape vents to ensure air-tight environment and check for leaks.
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What Every Pest Control Worker Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Pest Control Workers say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Exterminator Helper
- Field Service Technician
- Termite Control Servicer
- Pest Control Chemical Technician
- Exterminator
Job Opportunities for Pest Control Workers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 78,900 jobs in the United States for Pest Control Worker. 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. There will be an estimated 11,700 positions for Pest Control Worker per 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.
Average Pest Control Workers Salary
The typical yearly salary for Pest Control Workers is somewhere between $23,230 and $57,400.

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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pest Control Workers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Database software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- YouTube
- Work scheduling software
How to Become a Pest Control Worker
Education needed to be a Pest Control Worker:

What work experience do I need to become a Pest Control Worker?

Who Employs Pest Control Workers?

The table below shows the approximate number of Pest Control Workers employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Pest Control Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Pest Control Worker sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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