First it would be the night before work calling my customers for the next day setting up my schedule. Then getting ready for the day in the morning, making sure I have my truck ready. My day consists of riding around my local area from house to house or business or church spraying the inside and outside of establisments to rid them of pests. Seeing wonderful people and talking to them.
CAREER
Pest Control Workers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$37,540
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+6.8% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Pest Control Workers Do
Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
Other Job Titles Pest Control Workers May Have
Exterminator, Pest Control Technician, Pest Technician, Residential Pest Control Technician
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Record work activities performed.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
- Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Pest Control Workers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (90%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Certification / License
Quality Control Technology/Technician
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I am licensed with the state of North Carolina which means you have to have been doing pest control for a minimum of 4 years. I can do structural pest control only in the state of NC. There are tons of extended education given by the state. I have to constantly go to classes about 6 to 10 a year to be up to date on law changes and chemical changes our state has. So there is always something new to learn in my field. Plus being the one of only 44 women who are licensed to do pest control.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Be outgoing, don't be scared of bugs, have a great personality and excellent driving skills. You MUST be a people person and be willing to learn all about insects.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
