Pest control workers inspect properties, identify infestations, and apply treatments to protect homes and businesses from unwanted pests. The work is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma.
Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.
Pest control workers inspect buildings, structures, and surrounding areas to identify pest problems and assess damage. They operate equipment and apply pesticides or other treatments to eliminate infestations. The work involves getting information from customers, making decisions about treatment approaches, and communicating findings to supervisors and clients. You'll spend time both in the field and in vehicles traveling between job sites, staying alert to safety protocols and regulations.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Pest Control Workers earn a median of $45,250 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 13,400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most pest control workers start with a high school diploma or equivalent and learn on the job. You'll need to understand chemistry and biology to work safely with pest control products, and you must follow local laws and regulations governing pesticide use. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and some positions require certification or licensing depending on your location. Starting in this field means building practical skills while working under experienced supervisors.
Most people enter pest control through direct hire and on-the-job training, so timing and location matter. Use Pathly can map the pest control worker path that fits you to map out your local options and next steps, and keep your school counselor in the loop as you explore.
Many pest control workers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to hands-on work with equipment and systems. You notice details, solve problems methodically, and communicate clearly with customers and team members about what you find and what needs to happen next.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.
Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).