What Do Pest Control Worker Do?
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.
A Day in the Life of a Pest Control Worker
- Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
- Record work activities performed.
- Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
- Set mechanical traps or place poisonous paste or bait in sewers, burrows, or ditches.
- 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.
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Qualities of a Pest Control Worker
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Related Job Titles
- Commercial Pest Control Representative
- Field Service Representative
- Rat Exterminator
- Pest Control Chemical Technician
- Commercial Pest Control Technician
Are There 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 11,700 job openings in this field each year.

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.
What is the Average Salary of a Pest Control Worker
The average yearly salary of a Pest Control Worker ranges between $23,230 and $57,400.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Pest Control Workers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pest Control Workers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Database software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- YouTube
- Work scheduling software
Becoming a Pest Control Worker
Individuals working as a Pest Control Worker have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Pest Control Workers Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Pest Control Worker might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Pest Control Worker in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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