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Pest Control Workers


Overview

Pest Control Workers

Introduction

Pest control workers treat residential and commercial properties with chemicals and mechanical traps to get rid of rodents, insects, and other common pests. They may work for a pest control company, lawn or landscaping firms, or own and operate their own company. Pest control workers make periodic visits to their clients' properties to make sure they remain pest-free. They may also use chemicals to control diseases and pests that attack lawns, shrubs, and other outdoor vegetation. There are approximately 84,500 pest control workers ...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$37,330

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma
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Experience

On-the-job training


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Conventional
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Earnings

Salaries vary according to geographic area, company, and job title. Beginning technicians can earn minimum wage ($15,080 annually). According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for pest control workers was $37,330 in May 2018. The lowest paid 10 percent of pest controllers earned $24,920 or less, and the top paid 10 percent earned $60,320 or more. Some technicians receive...

Work Environment

Most pest control workers are employed in urban areas where there are more homes and therefore a greater chance of unwanted pests. This profession generally involves a 40-hour week, but may work longer hours in the spring and summer when insects and rodents are most active. Sometimes they have to work nights if an establishment such as a restaurant does not want spraying to occur in front of th...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment of pest control workers will grow 7 percent through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. While some people take a do-it-yourself approach to pest control, stink bugs and other invasive species will support demand. Although steady advances in science are resulting in safer and more effective pesticides, pest control will always ...