Pest Control Workers
Pest control workers remove insects, rodents, and other pests that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
Is pest control workers a good career?
It scores 17/100 and ranks #448 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($45,250 vs $61,390)
What pest control workers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. pest control workers earn between $37,440 and $49,600 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live pest control workers jobs
No live pest control workers openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified pest control workers openings will appear here — each shown against the $45,250 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
No placeholder listings · nothing inventedHow to become a pest control worker
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Pest control workers typically need high school diploma or equivalent to enter the occupation. Employers may consider experienced candidates for some pest control jobs.
Training
Most pest control workers begin as technicians, typically receiving on-the-job training. They often study specialties such as rodent control, termite control, and fumigation. Technicians also must complete general training in pesticide use and safety. Pest control training can usually be completed in less than 3 months.
After completing training, workers are qualified to provide pest control services. Because pest control methods change, workers often attend continuing education classes.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Most states require pest control workers to be licensed. Licensure requirements vary by state, but workers usually must complete training and pass an exam. Some states have additional requirements, such as having a high school diploma or equivalent. States may have additional requirements for applicators. Check with your state regulatory agency
Advancement
Pest control workers typically advance as they gain experience. For example, applicators who have several years of experience may become supervisors. Some workers start their own pest management business.
Important qualities
Bookkeeping skills. Pest control workers must keep accurate records of the hours they work, chemicals they use, and payments they collect. Self-employed workers, in particular, need these skills in order to run their business.
Customer-service skills. Pest control workers should be friendly and polite when they interact with customers at their homes or businesses.
Detail oriented. Because pest control workers apply potentially toxic chemicals, they must be able to follow instructions precisely to prevent harm to residents, pets, the environment, and themselves.
Physical stamina. Pest control workers may spend hours standing, bending, kneeling, or crawling. They also must be able to withstand uncomfortable conditions, such as summer heat in attics and winter cold in crawl spaces.
Related occupations
How much do pest control workers make?
The national median wage is $45,250 a year, with the middle half earning between $37,440 and $49,600 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is pest control workers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 17 of 100 and ranks #448 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +4.9% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a pest control worker?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do pest control workers earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($51,300). Local pay for every state and metro is below.