# 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.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/pest-control-workers
- SOC code: 37-2021.00
- Career family: Building and grounds
- Median annual pay: $45,250 (10th percentile $34,680, 90th percentile $61,890)
- Projected growth: Faster than average, +5.5%
- Openings a year: 13,700
- Typical entry education: High school diploma
- Bright outlook: yes
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code RCI)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 98 |
| Investigative (I) | 32 |
| Artistic (A) | 0 |
| Social (S) | 11 |
| Enterprising (E) | 20 |
| Conventional (C) | 53 |

## What you'd do

- Getting Information (importance 83/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 82/100)
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (importance 80/100)
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (importance 79/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 76/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 75/100)
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (importance 72/100)
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization (importance 72/100)
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (importance 70/100)
- Performing General Physical Activities (importance 69/100)

## Skills

Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Speaking, Writing, Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Service Orientation, Active Learning

## Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Law and Government, Public Safety and Security, English Language, Sales and Marketing, Education and Training, Transportation

## Also called

Bed Bug Exterminator, Commercial Pest Control Representative, Commercial Pest Control Technician (Commercial Pest Control Tech), Commercial Technician (Commercial Tech), Extermination Inspector, Exterminator, Fumigator, Hand Spray Operator, Insecticide Sprayer, Mosquito Control Technician (Mosquito Control Tech)

## Related careers

- [Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/pesticide-handlers-sprayers-and-applicators-vegetation): $46,340 median pay
- [Hazardous Materials Removal Workers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/hazardous-materials-removal-workers): $49,450 median pay
- [Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/septic-tank-servicers-and-sewer-pipe-cleaners): $49,880 median pay
- [Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/landscaping-and-groundskeeping-workers): $39,150 median pay
- [Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/water-and-wastewater-treatment-plant-and-system-operators): $60,020 median pay
- [First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/first-line-supervisors-of-landscaping-lawn-service-and-groundskeeping-workers): $58,430 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.