Employers

Pest control jobs are available across the country, but most of the 84,500 pest control workers in the United States are employed in large, high-density population areas. Many pest control professionals work in states that have warmer climates or New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, and other cities where bedbugs have become a substantial pest problem. Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana have the highest concentration of pest control workers.

Most pest control workers will work for private pest control companies, but a small percentage start their own business.

Starting Out

Most pest control jobs are advertised online at employment Web sites such as http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/pest-control and http://www.indeed.com/q-pest-control-jobs.html. Another option is to approach a company you would like to work for, submit a resume, and follow up with the manager.

Skilled pest control workers may be promoted to a supervisory position. Those with job experience and sales aptitude may become pest control salespersons that contact prospective customers to inform them of the firm's services. They might also become employees of firms that make pesticides or equipment for the industry. Other workers may get jobs as service managers and act as liaisons between the company and its customers. Some may advance to owning their own pest control business.

Visit your state's official Web site to find the licensure requirements for applying pesticides.

Maintain an impeccable driving record because you might be required to drive for the pest control company.

Consider if there is a particular aspect of pest management that interests you, such as insects versus rodents or eco-friendly strategies versus traditional pesticides.

Learn all you can about insects and vermin, how they live, and what risks they pose for humans.