How to become pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetationeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation

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 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)

Career path and how to earn more as pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation

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	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.