The Booming Industry Of Pest Control: How Much Do Exterminators Make?

There are tons of oddly satisfying jobs out there, like being an exterminator. Imagine eradicating pests and getting paid to do it. But how much do exterminators make? And how does one qualify for this job? Read on to find out more!

Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That sounds pretty inspirational, doesn’t it? Especially for people whose job includes doing unusual things and working as an exterminator is one of those jobs that are unusual. It is also very oddly satisfying, just because pest control technicians get to have a little fun exterminating some bugs and rodents that always lounge around people’s homes. Now, it’s time to tell them who’s the boss.

Why You Should Consider Becoming A Pest Control Technician – How Much Do Exterminators Make?

Now that we’ve established that is very interesting to become an exterminator, let’s take a look at some important information. Below are some that will get you hyped up in considering being part of this industry:

  • Salary: in 2020, the average base salary is $38,000, and that’s not too bad!
  • Job outlook: exterminator jobs or pest control positions are expected to grow by 9%, from 2019 to 2029, based on a projection by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It looks like the world is expecting a little bit of growth in the pest population as well!
How Much Do Exterminators Make?
Pest control jobs. Source: macrovector_official

WATCH VIDEO: A Day in the Life of a Pest Control Technician // Working as a Professional

Exterminator

How To Become A Pest Control Technician

Before we get too excited about the prospects of exterminating pests, maybe we should first discuss some important details and answer an important question, “how much do exterminators make?” in the process.

  • Educational requirements: you only need a high school diploma or an equivalent.
  • Pre-exterminator requirements: all states, unfortunately, require a license or a pest control certificate.

So, now that we know that each of the 50 states in the USA requires pest exterminators to have a certification. Yeah, money is good. Yeah, you don’t need to spend so much time in college to study to become a pest control technician. But, in the bigger scheme of things, this is one small catch – in exchange for more pests to catch (more puns, yeah).

Getting this certification is easy peasy, though. It depends on the state where you reside on how you can get your hands on this certificate. Below is a list of places where certificates can be given by the authorized people:

  • The colleges and/or universities in your area
  • Vocational schools
  • Centers dedicated to pest extermination
  • Programs and conferences related to pest control

Getting certified isn’t that cheap, actually. Expect to shell out $100 to $400. There will also be an examination. Imagine being trained and rated for exterminating bugs and rodents. It sounds exciting, albeit a little bit weird, right? Lastly, expect devoting around 3 months to be able to complete this process.

One more thing: after the certification, a certified exterminator is expected to keep on taking some extra classes to upgrade one’s exterminating skills and abilities. There are also some regulations that pest control technicians should keep tabs on. The regulations change from time to time.

Looking for more  “dirty work”, this job is for you.

how much does a pest control technician make?
Planning the extermination in strategic positions in the area. Source: Shutterstock

I’m Certified And All. What’s Next?

So, now we know the answer to, “how much does a pest control technician make?” We know it’s not all fun and games. But all these are small prices to pay to get paid for getting a bit of revenge on these pests that have been pestering our entire lives. Now, let’s go into details about the industry and how one can find their niche in this booming – pest-booming (forgive the pun) industry.

Okay, I just spent 3 months and a few hundred dollars to get myself certified and properly trained as an exterminator. What’s next after that? It’s time to know some pest control technician job descriptions, of course. We are almost there!

Below are some duties that an exterminator is expected to perform:

  • Examination of an area – building, room, etc. – for any signs of pests
  • Identifying the kind of solution, like the treatment, this area needs to exterminate the pests
  • Measuring the space and how much of it needs the treatment
  • Calculating the costs
  • Planning the extermination in strategic positions in the area, like putting some baits and traps for rodents
  • Using pesticides that are harmful only for the pests we need to get rid of
  • Ensure that the pests will be completely exterminated and no further exterminations in the same area will be needed, in the foreseeable future.

Don’t know where to start, find your dream jobs in the best sites for job searching.

The Perks Of Being An Exterminator
Becoming and working as a pest control technician. Source: baothainguyen

The Perks Of Being An Exterminator

Becoming and working as a pest control technician may sound quite interesting. Besides that, it is also a rewarding job. Don’t get me wrong, it can be occasionally stressful, like most jobs. To be honest, it’s definitely worth it to do all the certifications, classes, and prerequisites to become a fully certified pest control technician. Like Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” And if that staircase has bugs and pests living in it, then exterminate them. 

Looking for more interesting jobs, visit our Job overview section. Everything is free and informative at JobandEdu.

Read More:

How Much Do Vets Make An Hour: Is It Financially Worthwhile To Pursue This Career?

What Is A Millwright? Not Industrial Machinery Mechanic As You May Think

How To Jumpstart Your Detective Career

Leonard

Leonard hails from the Philippines and works as a freelancer, author, poet, and visual artist. He discovered his passion for writing and painting at an early age, leading him to pursue a degree in Mass Communications. He worked at a few places after college before landing what he thought was a "life-changing" writing career. He was also the lead singer and songwriter for a band. His career as an English teacher, poet, and visual artist took him to Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2018. You can see more of his work on Instagram at @anumalei.