To become a pest control technician you usually need a high school diploma, then on-the-job training with a pest control company. In the US most states require a licence, which normally means completing training and passing an exam. In the UK you can apply directly as a trainee and build qualifications such as the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management.
It's one of the quickest trades to get into, and it's busy all year. Rats, wasps, bed bugs and termites don't keep office hours, so neither do the people who deal with them. You'll be on the road, in lofts and basements, and talking to worried customers most days.
I've built this guide from two official sources read as of October 2026: the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for pest control workers, and the National Careers Service profile for pest control technicians. It's a careers guide, not advice on using pesticides.
Pest control jobs and pay at a glance
| Measure | US figure (BLS) |
|---|---|
| Jobs in 2025 | 108,700 |
| Median annual wage (May 2025) | $45,250 |
| Projected growth, 2025 to 2035 | 6%, faster than average |
| Openings each year | About 13,700 |
| Main employer | Exterminating and pest control services, with 88% of jobs |
Those figures are as of October 2026. BLS projects jobs rising from 108,700 to 114,700 over the decade, and the 13,700 yearly openings are high for a trade this size, mostly because people move on or retire.
The US route, step by step
- Finish high school. BLS says pest control workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some states make it a licence condition.
- Get hired as a trainee. Training happens on the job. Employers may also consider experienced candidates for some roles.
- Get your state licence. Most states require pest control workers to be licensed. The rules vary, but you'll usually complete training and pass an exam, and states may add extra requirements for applicators.
- Move up. BLS says applicators with several years of experience may become supervisors, and some workers start their own pest management business.
Because licensing is a state matter, the first thing to do is check with your state regulatory agency. That's the advice BLS gives too.
The UK route
There's no single licence for the trade in the UK, so the National Careers Service focuses on getting hired and trained. You can:
- apply to companies directly as a trainee pest control technician. Some GCSEs, such as English and maths, are useful but not essential
- use related experience in health and safety, customer service, the building trade or handling chemicals
- take industry courses with the National Pest Technicians Association or the British Pest Control Association, which lead on to further qualifications
- start with the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management, a course from the Royal Society for Public Health for people new to the industry
Companies will train you fully on the job if you've got the right qualities, and a driving licence may be needed for some roles.
What you'll do
The National Careers Service lists the core tasks. As a technician, you'll:
- survey sites to find the cause and scale of a problem
- set traps and control devices, or use chemicals to clear an area
- remove dead animals and send samples for analysis where needed
- advise customers on how to stop the problem coming back
Your working environment may be at height, dirty and cramped. In the US, BLS notes that you'll work indoors and outdoors in all weather, evenings and weekends are common, and some workers put in more than 40 hours a week.
Skills that make a difference
- knowledge of the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- patience and the ability to stay calm when a customer is stressed
- organising your own time and route across several jobs a day
- basic computer skills on a hand-held device for reports
The customer side matters more than people expect. Someone who's just found mice in their kitchen wants reassurance as much as traps.
Questions to ask before you take a trainee job
Pest control companies vary a lot in how well they train new starters, so it's worth asking a few things at interview. They'll tell you a lot about whether you'll be supported or left to learn on your own.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
- Who will I shadow in my first weeks, and for how long?
- Will you pay for my licence exam or my first industry course?
- Do I get a company vehicle, and what are the on-call arrangements?
- What protective equipment do you provide for chemical work?
A firm that's happy to answer those questions clearly is usually a firm that takes safety and training seriously. If the answers are vague, keep looking: there are plenty of employers hiring.
Related trades
If you like outdoor work but would rather deal with plants than pests, my guide on how to become a landscaper covers that route. If you're drawn to checking properties for problems, read how to become a home inspector next.
My verdict
Pest control is a fast way into a skilled trade with steady demand. In the US, find a company that'll train you and check your state's licence rules on day one. In the UK, apply as a trainee and pick up the RSPH Level 2 Award early. Either way, a clean driving record and a calm manner will get you a long way.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence to be a pest control technician?
In the US, most states require one. BLS says you'll usually complete training and pass an exam, and states may add requirements for applicators.
How much do pest control technicians make?
BLS lists a median annual wage of $45,250 for pest control workers in May 2025, as of October 2026.
Can you become a pest control technician with no experience?
Yes. The National Careers Service says you can apply to companies directly as a trainee, and they'll offer full training on the job.
Do pest control technicians work weekends?
Often. BLS says evenings and weekends are common, and some pest control workers put in more than 40 hours a week.
What qualification do you need in the UK?
None is required to start, but the Royal Society for Public Health runs the Level 2 Award in Pest Management for people entering the industry.
