Have you always felt comfortable with, and maybe even fascinated by, bugs and rodents? If so, you are a rare individual, and may just be a perfect fit for a career in pest control!
Before we jump into some of the details about a career as a pest control technician, let’s get some of the standard questions out of the way:
- Education: Most pest control workers begin with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Licensing: A pest control license is required in every state. Many pest control companies support new hires through the certification process, and on the job training is standard across the industry.
- Salary: The national average base salary for a pest control technician in 2024 is approximately $43,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Job Outlook: The pest control industry is expected to see job growth of about 7% through 2032, which is above average compared to other similar fields. More details available on the BLS occupational outlook page.
- Training & Safety: Most pest control workers receive on the job training that covers pesticide safety, proper use of personal protective equipment, and the safe handling of chemicals. Many pest control companies emphasize ongoing education to ensure all pest control professionals meet evolving safety and compliance standards.
A role as a pest control professional offers stable work and opportunities for advancement, especially for those willing to earn additional certifications and stay current on best practices.
Pest Control Technician Certifications
As mentioned above, each State requires technicians to be certified, but requirements vary by State. In order to be qualified to provide pest control services, you will need to keep your certification active.
Depending on the State, you can receive your certification at a variety of locations, such as:
- Community colleges and universities
- Technical schools
- Dedicated pest control training centers
- Association conferences
These programs will provide an in-depth and comprehensive overview of all aspects of the trade, including:
- Various applicator methods for pest control
- Best practice in fumigation
- How to safely use pesticides
- Termite control
- Rodent control
- And more
You can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $400 for the certification exams. On average, these programs will take 3 months to complete.
In addition to the initial certification, technicians are required to attend continuing education classes to learn new and emerging techniques in the trade and keep apprised of evolving regulations.
Pest Control Technician Job Duties
The primary role of technicians is to, you guessed it, control pests. This includes, but of course is not limited to, rats, roaches, termites, bedbugs, aTechnicians play a crucial role in the pest control industry, responsible for helping businesses and homeowners manage and prevent pest issues. Their work involves controlling pests like rats, roaches, termites, bedbugs, ants, and spiders, along with many other common pests.
Typical duties for pest control professionals include:
- Conduct inspections of buildings and crawl spaces for signs of infestation and safety hazards
- Develop and execute pest management plans tailored to the property and type of pests found
- Apply pesticides safely, following both company protocols and state laws for pesticide use and pesticide application
- Calculate treatment area dimensions and analyze the costs of pest control services
- Use baits, traps, and other methods to control pests and rodents
- Install barriers to prevent pests from re-entering treated areas
- Record findings, follow step by step guides, and report on activities—sometimes under direct supervision, especially for new employees
- Maintain protective gear and use personal protective equipment to minimize health risks for both technicians and customers
- Operate trucks and equipment, requiring a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
- Monitor and report on any physical stamina or skills needed to handle tough work environments
Working in this field often requires complete general training, as well as ongoing hands on training to stay up-to-date with licensing requirements, safety protocols, and the latest pest management techniques. Most states mandate specific educational requirements and a pest control license before technicians can provide pest control services independently.
Protecting Public Health and Safety
Pests that infest buildings can pose serious health risks and threaten public health. Pest control technicians are tasked with protecting the safety of building occupants, often needing to dive deeper into study specialties like rodent control or termite management. Knowing the work environment and being able to identify potential safety hazards are critical parts of the job.
A Day In The Life Of A Technician
Depending on the company you work for, this will look very different. There are a few variables that will determine your process:
- What State you operate in
- Whether you service residential or commercial
- Pest control business software your company uses
The state you are doing business in has an impact on the common types of pests you will be dealing with, the regulations you have to follow, and the chemicals you will be using. As an example, if you are a technician in California, you are going to need to fill out much more extensive paperwork for termite-related services.
Many pest control companies now provide their teams with mobile apps for schedule management and task tracking. This technology not only increases efficiency but allows techs to focus more on customer service and compliance, improving the overall work environment.
Scheduling And Routing
Software has provided pest control companies with hugely streamlined processes, especially when it comes to technician processes. In the past, technicians started their day by reviewing their route for the day, which was handed to them on a piece of paper.
If changes to that route had to be made, the office would need to contact the technician and changes would happen manually. Gratefully, this is a thing of the past for many companies who have adopted a software with routing & scheduling features like Briostack.
For companies using Briostack, technicians’ days start out by opening their tech app and navigating to their schedule. If changes are made due to cancellations or other unforeseen circumstances, the tech’s schedule and route is automatically adjusted accordingly.
Completing Jobs
This is another area where software has made a huge impact. Historically, techs would have a clipboard that they would lug around with them to each job. They would have to bill customers individually on paper invoices, track and report on chemical usage manually on paper, and make note of any follow-up tasks to give the office staff.
Similar to routing, software has made this a thing of the past as well. Billing, closing out jobs, rescheduling, chemical usage, task management, and more can all be done directly from mobile apps like Briostack.
In addition to drastically improving the process to complete and close out jobs, this also frees up the techs to be far more customer-centric than ever before. Given how expensive it is to acquire new customers, this change is extremely beneficial.
The Job Of A Pest Control Technician Is Very Rewarding
Expert technicians point out that although the task of pest control technician can sometimes be challenging, the job can be rewarding. There is a constant demand for people who need pest control and solving such unique problems has a noteworthy impact on the quality of life of the residents.
The majority don’t realize the actual potential of this job. The soaring demand for skillful pest control technicians will always be there and it is the constant calls for them that are keeping the industry alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pest Control A Stressful Job?
Pest control can be a stressful industry to work in for a couple of reasons. The work is highly seasonal, which can make work-life balance difficult to achieve. During the busy season, schedules can be highly demanding. Depending on the area you live in, the slow season can be much less financially rewarding.
How Do I Become A Better Pest Control Technician?
One benefit to working in this industry is the amount of continued education available to you. The NPMA and State associations provide conferences throughout the year that are fantastic resources if you are searching to improve your knowledge and performance as a tech.
In addition to this, there are many free online resources to continue learning in between some of the major events.
How Much Does A Pest Control Technicians Make?
Annual salaries for pest control technicians in 2024 average around $43,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Factors like location, experience, licensing, and additional certifications can influence pay, with some experienced techs earning more over time. The job growth outlook looks good as well.
How Long Is Pest Control Training?
On average, pest control technician programs take 3 months to complete.
Are Pest Control Techs The Same As Exterminators?
While both professions are called in to deal with unwanted pests, the biggest difference between these two occupations is the method of execution. Exterminators are highly focused on using chemicals to immediately deal with the symptoms occupants are experiencing.
Pest control technicians use a variety of methods to not only deal with the issues manifesting in a building, but also dig deeper into the root cause of the problem.
Is It Worth Getting Into Pest Control?
The industry is continuing to boom and techs specifically are projected to grow >9% in the next 10 years. Pest control workers were determined as essential during the pandemic, which has enabled the industry to continue to grow at a strong rate.
In addition to this, the help you provide in protecting the health and wellness of your customers makes this a very satisfying industry to work in.
KEEP READING: How to Start a Pest Control Business
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