Median pay
$45,200
Median annual pay for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Building and Grounds
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.
10-year growth
3.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
4,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
29,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+1,100
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
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Speaking
- 4Reading Comprehension
- 5Active Learning
- 6Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- 1Customer and Personal Service
- 2Biology
- 3Production and Processing
- 4English Language
- 5Administration and Management
- 6Public Safety and Security
Abilities
- 1Near Vision
- 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
- 3Control Precision
- 4Deductive Reasoning
- 5Oral Comprehension
- 6Problem Sensitivity
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Social
- 5Enterprising
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Cautiousness
- 2Dependability
- 3Attention to Detail
- 4Integrity
- 5Stress Tolerance
- 6Perseverance
Work activities
- 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- 2Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- 3Getting Information
- 4Performing General Physical Activities
- 5Handling and Moving Objects
- 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Work context
- 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- 2In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 4Frequency of Decision Making
- 5Exposed to Contaminants
- 6Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
Representative tasks
- Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
- Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
- Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
- Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
- Start motors and engage machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment.
- Connect hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities.
- Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or hand tools.
Software and tools
Facebook · hot technologyGoogle Android · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyCustomer database softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsMaterials inventory softwareRate calculation softwareUnit conversion software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.