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Pest Control Worker

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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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:

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

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Who Employs Pest Control Workers?

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

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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:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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