Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Pest control workers typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. State laws require pest control workers to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for pest control workers was $45,250 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,700 openings for pest control workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pest control workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pest control workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for pest control workers was $45,250 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,700 openings for pest control workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pest control workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pest control workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,700 openings for pest control workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pest control workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pest control workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Pest control workers remove insects, rodents, and other pests that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
Work Environment
Pest control workers often kneel, bend, and crawl in tight spaces to inspect sites. Because there are health risks associated with pesticide use, workers are trained in pesticide safety and typically wear protective gear, which may include gloves, goggles, and respirators. Most pest control workers are employed full time. Working evenings and weekends is common.
How to Become a Pest Control Worker
Pest control workers typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. State laws require pest control workers to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for pest control workers was $45,250 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 13,700 openings for pest control workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pest control workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pest control workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Pest control workers often kneel, bend, and crawl in tight spaces to inspect sites. Because there are health risks associated with pesticide use, workers are trained in pesticide safety and typically wear protective gear, which may include gloves, goggles, and respirators. Most pest control workers are employed full time. Working evenings and weekends is common.
How to Become a Pest Control Worker
Pest control workers typically need a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. State laws require pest control workers to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for pest control workers was $45,250 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 13,700 openings for pest control workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pest control workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pest control workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pest control workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pest control workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about pest control workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.