Will AI replace pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation?AI replacement risk 41% and how the work is changing

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

Median annual pay

$46,340

25th–75th pct. $39,160–$51,240

Top pay (est.)

$79,800

Top 10% $61,420

Pay in 5 years

$53,900est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$62,700est.

$53,900–$72,700

Outlook score

51/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

41%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+3.9%

3,300 openings / yr

Will AI replace Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation? AI replacement risk

41%

Moderate

Ranked #392 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 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

Key skills

Active Listening

3.0

Operation and Control

2.9

Monitoring

2.9

Speaking

2.9

Time Management

2.9

Judgment and Decision Making

2.9

Operations Monitoring

2.9

Reading Comprehension

2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.1

Chemistry

4.7

Sales and Marketing

4.4

Education and Training

4.3

Computers and Electronics

4.1

Administration and Management

3.9

Biology

3.8

Production and Processing

3.3

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesGetting InformationScheduling Work and ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ComprehensionMultilimb CoordinationFar VisionTrunk StrengthOral Expression

Training before entry

3–6 months

53%

Up to 1 month

31%

1–3 months

13%

None / short demo

1–2 years

Related work experience

None

43%

3–6 months

26%

2–4 years

13%

1–3 months

13%

6–12 months

1–2 years

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

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

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
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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	Pest Control Workers Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.	$45,250	60/100	20%

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.