Pesticide Applicator
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Safety & Environmental career
Pest Control Technician
Also called: Exterminator · Pest Management Technician · Termite Technician · Pest Control Applicator
What pest control technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a pest control technician do?
Pest control technicians inspect buildings for pests, apply treatments and traps, seal entry points and advise customers on preventing infestations, following pesticide laws and label directions. The median pay is $45,250 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 months, and employment is projected to grow +5.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$45,250$21.75/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+5.5%2025–35, faster than average
- Openings per year13,700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–3 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs108,700Employment, 2025
What pest control technicians do
Pest control technicians protect homes, restaurants, warehouses and hospitals from insects, rodents and wildlife. They inspect for signs of activity, identify pests, choose treatments, apply pesticides and baits safely, set traps, seal gaps and teach customers how to prevent problems. Termite and bed bug work are common specialties.
Most technicians are trained by employers and must earn a state pesticide applicator license or work under a licensed applicator. Integrated pest management, which favors prevention and targeted treatments, is the industry standard. The job offers independence, steady demand and routes for driving.
Typical duties
- Inspect properties for pests and conditions that attract them
- Identify insects, rodents and wildlife
- Apply pesticides and baits according to label directions
- Set and service traps and monitoring stations
- Seal entry points and recommend repairs
- Treat termites, bed bugs and other specialty pests
- Document services and educate customers
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in homes, businesses, crawl spaces, attics and outdoors. The job involves driving, crawling and handling pesticides with PPE.
Schedule: Most work full-time weekdays; restaurant and commercial accounts may need early morning, evening or weekend service.
A day in the life
- Load the truck, check products and review the route on the tablet.
- Service bait stations and inspect for cockroaches at a restaurant.
- Inspect a home for termites and measure for a treatment.
- Treat a bed bug infestation in an apartment with a partner.
See a full day in the life of a pest control technician →
Pest Control Technician salary
Half of pest control technicians earned more than $45,250 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $34,680 for the lowest 10% to $61,890 for the top 10%.
Full pest control technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a pest control technician
- Finish high school
- Get hired as a trainee
- Pass state exams
- Build specialties
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Employers provide training, and technicians must pass state exams for a pesticide applicator license or work under a licensed applicator.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a pest control technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Pest identification
- Integrated pest management
- Pesticide application
- Label reading
- Exclusion and sealing
People skills
- Customer service
- Independence
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
All pest control technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick entry with paid training
- Independent work on a route
- Steady year-round demand
- Problem-solving every day
Cons
- Crawl spaces, attics and unpleasant conditions
- Pesticide handling requires care
- Driving most of the day
- Some customers are stressed or upset
Certifications and licenses
- State commercial pesticide applicator license: Required to apply restricted pesticides or work independently in most states.
- Structural pest control category: State category for treating pests in buildings.
- QualityPro certification: NPMA program recognizing companies and technicians.
- Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE): Advanced credential from the Entomological Society of America.
Career path
- Pest Control Trainee: Learn pests, products and routes.
- Licensed Technician: Service routes independently.
- Specialist or Inspector: Focus on termites, bed bugs or commercial accounts.
- Branch Manager or Business Owner: Lead a branch or run a company.
Learn the job before day one
Our Pest Control Technician training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as inspect a restaurant for cockroaches and read and follow a pesticide label, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Pest Control Technician vs. Pesticide Applicator · Pest Control Technician vs. Health Inspector · Pest Control Technician vs. Landscaper · Pest Control Technician vs. Building Maintenance Tech
Pest Control Technician FAQ
Do pest control technicians need a license?
Usually a state applicator license or supervision by a licensed applicator.
How long does training take?
Many companies train new technicians in one to three months.
Is pest control dangerous?
Risks are managed through training, PPE and following label directions.
How much does a pest control technician make?
The median annual wage for pest control technicians was $45,250 ($21.75 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $61,890.
How long does it take to become a pest control technician?
Most people need about 1–3 months of training. A high school diploma is typical. Employers provide training, and technicians must pass state exams for a pesticide applicator license or work under a licensed applicator.
Do you need a degree to be a pest control technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More pest control technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 37-2021 (Pest control workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Pest control workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.