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Pest Control Worker

Also called: Pest Control Applicator, Pest Control Technician (Pest Control Tech), Pest Technician (Pest Tech), Termite Technician (Termite Tech)

Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.

No four-year degree needed Bright outlook Building & grounds
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Median pay
$45,250/yr
Typical range
$34,680 – $61,890
Outlook
Bright outlook

What does a Pest Control Worker do?

  • Record work activities performed.
  • Clean work site after completion of job.
  • Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.

How to become a Pest Control Worker

Training: A high school diploma or GED or a certificate after high school. Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Skills you'll use

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questionsThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problemNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve itUnderstanding people's reactionsLooking for ways to help people

Is it a fit for you?

  • Cautiousness
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Perseverance

Tools and technology

Microsoft WordReport writing softwareYouTubeDatabase softwareMarathon Data Systems PestPac

Questions people ask

How much does a Pest Control Worker make?

About $45,250 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $34,680 and $61,890. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.

How long does it take to become a Pest Control Worker?

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Do you need a college degree to be a Pest Control Worker?

No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED or a certificate after high school.

Is Pest Control Worker a good career to get into?

O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.

Related careers

Landscaping & Groundskeeping Worker$39,150 a yearJanitor & Cleaner$36,840 a yearMaid & Housekeeping Cleaner$35,510 a year

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National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

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