Pest Control Workers
Pest control workers apply chemical treatments, set traps, and use toxic gases to eliminate or remove pests and vermin from buildings and outdoor areas. They work for pest control companies, property management firms, or as independent contractors, visiting residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities to inspect for infestations and execute treatment plans.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pest control workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves traveling to client locations, inspecting properties for signs of pest activity, and applying appropriate control methods—spraying chemicals, placing traps, or releasing gases in sealed spaces. Workers document treatments, explain procedures to clients, maintain equipment, and follow safety protocols. Some days focus on routine preventive treatments; others involve responding to active infestations requiring immediate action.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work with clear, tangible results and established procedures. You're comfortable following detailed protocols, working independently at different job sites, and solving problems methodically—traits that align well with pest control's realistic focus on direct action and conventional, rule-based approaches.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Pest Control Worker · Veterans Health Administration · Sheridan, Wyoming · $28.53–$33.29
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $47,390 | $51,300 | $59,420 | 1,430 |
| South Dakota | $47,090 | $49,920 | $62,460 | 190 |
| Nevada | $39,300 | $49,240 | $60,530 | 790 |
| Connecticut | $47,160 | $49,010 | $50,110 | 880 |
| New Jersey | $46,550 | $48,780 | $58,560 | 2,270 |
| Colorado | $46,280 | $48,650 | $60,430 | 970 |
| Hawaii | $44,220 | $48,570 | $58,090 | 740 |
| New York | $45,840 | $48,530 | $59,970 | 4,220 |
| Maine | $47,490 | $48,340 | $56,590 | 320 |
| North Dakota | $46,680 | $48,020 | $61,020 | 120 |
| New Hampshire | $45,570 | $48,000 | $51,150 | 260 |
| Maryland | $42,860 | $47,360 | $56,470 | 1,670 |
All 50 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified IPM Technician (CIT) — Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pest control workers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 37-2021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.