How to become pest control workerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become pest control workers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

Related work experience

3–6 months

13%

6–12 months

Up to 1 month

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as pest control workers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Keep buildings in clean and orderly condition.	$36,840	50/100	20%
2	Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Landscape or maintain grounds of property using hand or power tools or equipment.	$39,150	59/100	16%
3	Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners Perform any combination of light cleaning duties to maintain private households or commercial establishments, such as hotels and hospitals, in a clean and orderly manner.	$35,510	48/100	22%
4	First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers Directly supervise and coordinate work activities of cleaning personnel in hotels, hospitals, offices, and other establishments.	$49,100	56/100	36%
5	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in landscaping or groundskeeping activities.	$58,430	70/100	16%
6	Tree Trimmers and Pruners Using sophisticated climbing and rigging techniques, cut away dead or excess branches from trees or shrubs to maintain right-of-way for roads, sidewalks, or utilities, or to improve appearance, health, and value of tree.	$50,960	70/100	8%

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.