How much does a pest control worker make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical pest control worker in the United States makes $45,250 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They drive to homes or businesses, inspect rooms, walls, and yards for pest clues, then explain a plan to the customer. They may set traps or bait, use pesticides according to label directions, and record the job.
Did you know? U.S. pest control workers have one of the highest injury-and-illness rates of any job; crawling into tight spaces and using pesticides are risks.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $34,680 and $61,890How do you become one?
Most start after high school, often around age 18, as a technician and learn pesticide safety on the job. State rules vary; workers generally complete training and pass a licensing exam, and registered apprenticeships are another route.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience, state licenses, and specialized skills: experienced workers may handle more types of treatments or lead a team. The employer, location, and hours—including evening or weekend shifts—can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($51,300), lowest in Mississippi ($37,200).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $34,680 | $45,250 | $61,890 | about 103,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $51,300 | about 1,000 |
| Nevada | $49,240 | about 790 |
| Connecticut | $49,010 | about 880 |
| New Jersey | $48,780 | about 2,000 |
| Colorado | $48,650 | about 970 |
Official definition: Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/pest-control-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/37-2021.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-171/subpart-B/section-
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY