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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Pest Control Workers

Median Salary
43,470
Job Outlook
+2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

80%

Self-employed

14%

State and local government

4%

Private not for profit

1%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of pest control workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,100 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,600

10%

$43,470

Median

$49,220

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    90%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Sales and Marketing

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.