← Back to all jobs

Pest Control Technician

Facility Services

You'll crawl into attics, basements, and crawl spaces to fight an enemy that outnumbers humanity a million to one. Roaches, rats, termites, bed bugs — you're the only thing standing between a homeowner and a full-blown meltdown. The work is physical, sometimes disgusting, and occasionally genuinely scary (ever shined a flashlight into a wasp nest?). But the pay is decent, the demand is constant, and nobody ever says 'we don't need pest control anymore.'

Salary Range

Low

$30k

Median

$40k

High

$60k

10-Year Growth

10%

US Workers

90K

Education

High school diploma + state pest control license + on-the-job training

Environment

mixed

Tools & Technical Skills

  • ▸Pesticide application & safety (EPA regulations)
  • ▸Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies
  • ▸Termite inspection & treatment systems
  • ▸Rodent exclusion techniques
  • ▸Fumigation procedures & equipment
  • ▸Bed bug heat treatment systems
  • ▸Route management & service documentation software

People & Mindset Skills

  • ▸Customer service
  • ▸Attention to detail
  • ▸Physical stamina
  • ▸Problem-solving
  • ▸Communication
  • ▸Self-motivation
  • ▸Composure around pests

What you'll actually do

  • 01Inspect homes and businesses for signs of infestation
  • 02Crawl into spaces that would make a horror movie director uncomfortable
  • 03Apply chemical treatments while wearing gear that makes you look like a ghostbuster
  • 04Set traps and bait stations in strategic locations
  • 05Educate homeowners on prevention — knowing full well they'll leave food out anyway
  • 06Document findings and treatments for each property
  • 07Maintain a calm voice when a customer shows you a phone full of bug photos at close range