Learn the critical points of a vocation as a pest control technician. Research the work duties, the possible Salary and the work outlook to see if this job is right for you.
Career Information at a Glance
Pest control technicians inspect properties for signs of infestation and use pesticides and traps to take care of the problem. A senior high school diploma is normally required and technicians usually proceed through an amount of trainig. Read the table below for more information.
- Degree Required High school diploma
- Training Required On-the-job training
- Key Skills Physical stamina, customer care
- Job Growth (2020-2030) 10% (for all pest control workers)
- Median Salary (2022) $39,193
- Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale.com
What’s the Job Description of a Pest Control Technician?
When it creeps or crawls, a pest control technician knows how to deal with it. Pest control technicians are in charge of ridding residences and commercial buildings of unwanted pests including rats, roaches, ticks and all sorts of other bugs. They’ll inspect the inside and outside a house, looking for signs of activity. Based on their findings, they’ll determine which kind of pesticide or trap is appropriate and provide the dog owner with an estimate for the work. Once the dog owner agrees, the technician will spread pesticide strategically round the property to eliminate the infestation. Sometimes, the technician could need to schedule follow-ups or regular spraying schedules to manage the issue.
How Do You Turn into a Pest Control Technician?
Pest control companies typically set their own requirements for employees, but most want candidates who hold at the very least a senior high school diploma. Once hired, technicians may proceed through training to learn pesticide safety and company procedures. Training typically lasts for fewer than three months. The pest control business is definitely changing, though, so technicians might be asked to go to continuing education classes.
Do Pest Control Technicians Need Certification?
Technicians require licensure generally in most states. This usually involves training and taking a test although requirements vary by state. Technicians are limited to a certain array of pesticides. If they would like to advance in the field, technicians can get certified as pest control applicators.
Pest control applicators may use restricted-use pesticides and may work with more challenging infestations such as for instance termites. Each state has its own group of certification requirements, but there are also standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Certification might involve a written test and a performance-based test, and applicators are asked to do continuing education to maintain using their certification.
How Much Can You Make as a Pest Control Technician?
The median annual Salary for all pest control workers in the U.S. in 2020 was $37,820 in line with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, technicians are just one type of worker in the industry. PayScale.com offers more specific salary info for technicians; as as of 2022, your website indicated a median salary of $39,193 per year.
What’s the Job Outlook for Pest Control Technicians?
How a BLS sees it, the pest control industry might be afflicted with a few things in the coming years. More and more, consumers may choose to do their own pest control, which would reduce the necessity for technicians. However, that might be counteracted by the fact that new invasive species are making their way into homes at an increasing rate. All told, the BLS predicts a rise in employment in the field of 10% between 2020 and 2030.
