For most people, bugs and rodents give them the heebie-jeebies. These creepy crawlies are considered pests that carry health risks for humans. While most are actually helpful to the environment and ecosystem, there are instances where they do pose problems.
And that’s where brave pest technicians step in to control infestations, remove pests, and ensure our overall health and safety. If you want to start your career as a pest control tech, we have all the information you need about starting salaries by specialization.
Or maybe you’re a seasoned veteran who owns your own pest control business, and you want to learn how to bump up your revenue. We have you covered, too. Below, we cover the average salary for a pest control technician, the factors influencing pay, and strategies to help you make more.
The pest control industry is quite large – bigger than most people think. Its value is projected to grow from $25 billion in 2022 to $42.5 billion by 2032.
More specifically, the U.S. market is also quite lucrative. In the states, the average total revenue for the pest control industry is around $17 billion. Clearly, pest control businesses and technicians are booming. But how does it affect the average pest control tech salary?
Across all states and experience levels, the average pest control technician income is $45,153 annually or $21.70 hourly. However, based on your experience, the pest control salary can range quite dramatically.
For an entry-level technician with zero to two years of experience, the average pest control salary is around $39,957 annually or $16.06 hourly. The mid-level pest technician salary hovers closer to $45,688 annually and $18.37 hourly. These individuals typically have between three and five years of experience.
For senior-level positions with over five years of experience and multiple certifications, the average pest control technician salary is closer to $57,419 annually or $23.08 hourly.
Ultimately, the average salary of a pest control technician will depend on various factors. The primary factor influencing the amount you can expect to make is your experience level. However, other factors, which we will cover later on, can boost your average income.
While the terms pest control technician and specialist are used interchangeably, there are specific distinctions between the two. A pest control specialist typically has more experience, certifications, and understanding of pest biology, behavior, and advanced treatment techniques.
Given that pest control specialists require more extensive training and certifications, they often secure a higher salary.
If you’re looking to up your game and increase your earning potential, here are some of the top pest control specialties you can pursue:
These specialists inspect, identify, prevent, and treat termite infestations in commercial and residential properties. To pursue a termite specialization, you’ll need several years of training and experience, specifically with termites. You’ll also need an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification. A termite technician’s salary can reach up to $60,000 annually.
As a wildlife specialist, you’ll inspect, capture, and remove wild animals from residential and commercial areas to avoid conflicts with humans. These specialists also work on preventative measures to reduce the recurrence of wildlife threatening humans. You’ll need several years of experience in wildlife management, especially trapping and removing wild animals.
Wildlife specialists also need state licensing to operate legally, as well as certifications like the Certified Wildlife Control Professional (CWCP). On average, a wildlife specialist can expect to earn up to $50,000 per year.
Similar to the other specialties above, a rodent technician focuses on inspecting, identifying, preventing, and treating mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents. You’ll need several years of experience alongside state licensing.
Certifications from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) may also be required. A pest exterminator’s salary reaches up to $50,000 per year.
These specialists focus on inspecting, treating, and preventing pest infestations in crops, fields, and livestock. It requires an in-depth understanding and experience of local biology and ecology. You will need to be licensed by the state to pursue their specialization.
Agricultural pest control technicians also require the Certified Crop Advisor (CRA) and Certified Pesticide Applicator certifications. You can expect to earn up to $70,000 annually in this role.
Specialists in this area use gaseous pesticides known as fumigants to eliminate pests in residential and commercial properties. They work to eliminate termites, bed bugs, beetles, and other hazardous insects. For this specialization, you’ll need several years of experience working with these types of pests, as well as applying pesticides.
Since you’ll be working with chemicals, you’ll need to be licensed by the state. Fumigation specialists also need a Certified Applicator or Technician certification. You can expect to make up to $60,000 annually working with this specialty.
We mentioned earlier that experience is the most important factor that influences the salary of a pest control technician. However, there are several others that can affect how much you make.
Here are the top factors influencing pest control technician salaries:
Of course, the more experience you have, the more you could make as a pest control technician. Experience doesn’t just mean the number of years you have been working. It also includes experience with different types of pests, prevention technicians, specializations, and treatment methods.
Here’s how experience can improve your earning potential:
Typically, pest control technicians only need a high school diploma or GED to get started. However, getting an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in entomology, biology, or environmental science can help you earn more. A formal education can also be a stepping stone into transitioning into a supervisory or managerial role that makes more money.
With an Associate’s degree, you could be making 20% to 30% more than an entry-level position, and with a Bachelor’s degree, this goes up to 40% to 60%. Managerial positions with a Bachelor’s degree make up to $80,000 a year.
The area you operate in impacts your earning potential more than you might think. The cost of living, competition, regional pest problems, and gaps in services can all contribute to how much you can make as a pest technician.
On average, technicians in metropolitan areas make about 10% to 30% more than professionals in rural areas. Similarly, areas with a higher cost of living can net you 20% to 50% more. Finally, the availability of specialty services can increase your earning potential. If you are in an area with little to no competition, you’ll likely have a greater market share, contributing to higher revenue.
Finally, showcasing specialized pest control licenses and certifications can set you apart from the competition and boost your average salary. Here are some of the most useful ones:
Of course, we’d all love to make more money.
Luckily, as a pest control technician, there are several strategies you can use to increase your salary:
Becoming a pest control specialist is a great opportunity to make a difference in the environment and the health and safety of individuals. There are numerous specialty services you can offer, as well as certifications you can get that can showcase your expertise and net you a higher salary.
Do you still have questions about how you can earn more as a pest control technician? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
If you’re a business owner, offer packages and promotions for seasonal services. This could include a percentage off for inspection and treatment services. If you’re an individual pest control technician, consider getting specialized certifications that can help you stay busy all year.
This might include expanding your skill set to include mosquito treatment and prevention during the summer. During off-peak seasons, you can also offer prevention services to help you stay busy.
When you join a professional pest control association like the NPMA, you gain access to educational and certification resources, as well as networking opportunities. You can also enhance your credibility, helping you earn more.
If you have experience or a certification in any of the following treatment methods, you can potentially earn a higher salary:
If you’re an experienced technician looking to start your own company, here are the steps to start your own pest control business:
For a more in-depth guide, check out our full-length article on starting a pest control business.
Marketing your business is necessary to attract new clientele. Here are some of the top pest control business marketing strategies you can employ:
Recent pest control industry trends include the following:
The most common pest control tools and equipment include the following: