Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care career

Pesticide Applicator

Also called: Lawn Care Applicator · Spray Technician · Vegetation Management Technician · Licensed Applicator

What pesticide applicators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a pesticide applicator do?

Pesticide handlers, sprayers and applicators mix and apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers to control weeds, insects and disease on lawns, landscapes, crops and rights-of-way. The median pay is $46,340 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–3 months + license exam, and employment is projected to grow +3.9% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $46,340
    $22.28/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +3.9%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    3,300
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–3 months + license exam
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    25,700
    Employment, 2025

What pesticide applicators do

Pesticide applicators protect plants and property from weeds, insects and disease. They identify problems, select and mix products, calibrate sprayers and spreaders, apply treatments safely, keep records and explain treatments to customers. They work for lawn care companies, golf courses, farms, utilities and road departments.

Most applicators have a high school diploma and train on the job. A state pesticide applicator license is required to apply many products for hire, and earning it involves passing exams on safety, laws and application methods.

Typical duties

  • Identify weeds, insects and diseases
  • Select and mix products
  • Calibrate spray and spreader equipment
  • Apply treatments safely
  • Keep application records
  • Explain treatments to customers
  • Clean and maintain equipment

Work environment and schedule

Applicators work outdoors in neighborhoods, fields, golf courses and along roads, wearing protective equipment.

Schedule: Most work full-time during the growing season, with early starts and weather-dependent days.

A day in the life

  1. Check the weather and wind forecast.
  2. Load and mix products following labels.
  3. Treat lawns on a residential route.
  4. Spot-treat weeds and post lawn flags.

See a full day in the life of a pesticide applicator →

Pesticide Applicator salary

Half of pesticide applicators earned more than $46,340 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,570 for the lowest 10% to $61,420 for the top 10%.

Full pesticide applicator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a pesticide applicator

  1. Get hired as a technician
  2. Train on the job
  3. Study for the exam
  4. Earn your license
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Applicators train on the job and earn a state applicator license.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a pesticide applicator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Pest identification
  • Label reading
  • Calibration
  • Mixing and loading
  • Application techniques

People skills

  • Responsibility
  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Independence

All pesticide applicator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Outdoor work with independence
  • License adds value
  • Steady seasonal demand
  • Path to supervisor roles

Cons

  • Chemical exposure risks
  • Weather delays
  • Seasonal work in cold areas
  • Heat in PPE

Certifications and licenses

  • State commercial applicator license: Required to apply many pesticides for hire.
  • Category certifications: Such as turf, right-of-way or agricultural.
  • Continuing education credits: Required to renew licenses.
  • NALP Lawn Care Technician: Industry credential.

Career path

  1. Lawn Care Technician: Learn applications.
  2. Licensed Applicator: Treat independently.
  3. Lead Technician or Specialist: Handle complex accounts.
  4. Branch Manager: Lead operations.

Learn the job before day one

Our Pesticide Applicator training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as read a pesticide label and calibrate a backpack sprayer, safety and how to land your first job.

View Pesticide Applicator trainingIs this career right for me?

Landscaper

Plant, mow, trim and care for lawns, gardens and outdoor spaces.

  • $39,150
  • 1–4 weeks

Pest Control Technician

Inspect for and control insects, rodents and other pests in homes and businesses.

  • $45,250
  • 1–3 months

Landscaping Supervisor

Lead landscaping and grounds crews to deliver great outdoor spaces.

  • $58,430
  • Under 5 years of experience

Compare: Pesticide Applicator vs. Landscaper · Pesticide Applicator vs. Pest Control Technician · Pesticide Applicator vs. Agricultural Technician · Pesticide Applicator vs. Landscaping Supervisor

Pesticide Applicator FAQ

Do applicators need a license?

Yes, to apply many products for hire.

Is the work safe?

With proper PPE and label compliance, risks are managed.

Is it seasonal?

Often, in colder climates.

How much does a pesticide applicator make?

The median annual wage for pesticide applicators was $46,340 ($22.28 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,570 and the highest 10% earned more than $61,420.

How long does it take to become a pesticide applicator?

Most people need about 1–3 months + license exam of training. A high school diploma is typical. Applicators train on the job and earn a state applicator license.

Do you need a degree to be a pesticide applicator?

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 pesticide applicator questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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