Will AI replace pest control workers?AI replacement risk 20% and how the work is changing

United States Cleaning & Building Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$45,250
25th–75th pct. $37,440–$49,600
Top pay (est.)
$80,500
Top 10% $61,890
Pay in 5 years
$53,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$62,600est.
$53,800–$72,700
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
20%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.5%
14K openings / yr

Will AI replace Pest Control Workers? AI replacement risk

20%
Very low
Ranked #123 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Pest Control Workers

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.4
Service Orientation
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Persuasion
3.0
Time Management
3.0
Coordination
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.2
Chemistry
3.8
Mathematics
3.4
Sales and Marketing
3.2
Public Safety and Security
3.1
Biology
3.1
Law and Government
2.7
Administrative
2.5

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with People Outside the Organization

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionNear VisionExtent FlexibilityFlexibility of Closure

Training before entry

1–3 months
59%
Up to 1 month
34%
None / short demo
6%

Related work experience

3–6 months
13%
6–12 months
9%
Up to 1 month
9%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.