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Building and Grounds

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Pest Control Workers
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Median pay

$44,730
Median annual pay for Pest Control Workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

13,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

102,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Pest Control Workers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+5,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Chemistry
  5. 5Biology
  6. 6Law and Government

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Speech Clarity
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • Record work activities performed.
  • Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
  • Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
  • Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
  • Clean work site after completion of job.
  • Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
  • Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
  • Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.

Software and tools

Intuit QuickBooks · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyDatabase softwareEmail softwareMarathon Data Systems PestPacReport writing softwareSupply inventory softwareWork scheduling softwareYouTube

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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