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Pest control is a reliable, in-demand field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, pay can grow quickly with the right role and skills.
This guide covers average pest control technician salaries by state, the factors that affect pay, top-paying roles in the industry, and practical steps to grow your career.
Note: The terms “pest control technician” and “exterminator” are used interchangeably, though some people see “exterminator” as a more traditional term and “technician” as the modern version that reflects today’s broader pest management practices.
Wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 (pest control workers, SOC 37-2021). BLS wage data covers employees, not self-employed owners.
Quick answer: How much do pest control technicians make in 2026?
Pest control technicians earn about $45,250 per year at the national median, or roughly $21.75 per hour The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $34,680, and the top 10% earn more than $61,890. Pay varies based on experience, certifications, route size, commissions, and location. Earnings can also increase with recurring service contracts, upsells, and specialized treatments.
Key takeaways:
Here’s a quick snapshot of pest control pay in 2026:
Average annual pay: Pest control technicians earn a median of $45,250 per year ($21.75 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,680, and the top 10% earn over $61,890.
Top earners break $70K: Senior techs, inspectors, and sales-focused roles earn significantly more.
Location matters: Urban and high-cost states pay more due to demand and regulation.
Experience drives raises: Pay increases steadily after the first 2–3 years in the field.
Specialization pays off: Termite, wildlife, and commercial pest control pay higher rates.
Table of contents
- Average pest control salary: Hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages
- Pest control pay by state
- Pest control technician and exterminator salary by experience level
- Highest-paying pest control jobs
- What influences exterminator and pest control technician wages?
- How to increase your pest control salary
- Starting your own pest control business
Average pest control salary: Hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages
Pest control technicians typically earn between $34,680 and $61,890, or $16.67–$29.75 per hour. Here’s how pest control technician pay breaks down by hour, week, month, and year using national BLS data:
| Pay period | 10th percentile | Median | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly wage | $16.67 | $21.75 | $29.75 |
| Weekly wage | $667 | $870 | $1,190 |
| Monthly wage | $2,890 | $3,771 | $5,158 |
| Annual wage | $34,680 | $45,250 | $61,890 |
Pest control pay by state
Where you live plays a major role in where you fall within that range. States with higher housing density, stricter regulations, or year-round pest activity typically pay more.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the median pest control tech salaries and hourly rates by state:
| State | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $18.47 | $38,410 |
| Alaska | $22.55 | $46,900 |
| Arizona | $21.36 | $44,430 |
| Arkansas | $18.13 | $37,710 |
| California | $22.69 | $47,190 |
| Colorado | $23.39 | $48,650 |
| Connecticut | $23.56 | $49,010 |
| Delaware | $21.78 | $45,300 |
| Florida | $21.31 | $44,320 |
| Georgia | $18.20 | $37,860 |
| Hawaii | $23.35 | $48,570 |
| Idaho | $19.34 | $40,220 |
| Illinois | $22.33 | $46,450 |
| Indiana | $18.56 | $38,600 |
| Iowa | $21.78 | $45,290 |
| Kansas | $18.60 | $38,690 |
| Kentucky | $20.34 | $42,310 |
| Louisiana | $21.43 | $44,570 |
| Maine | $23.24 | $48,340 |
| Maryland | $22.77 | $47,360 |
| Massachusetts | $21.90 | $45,560 |
| Michigan | $21.38 | $44,470 |
| Minnesota | $20.02 | $41,640 |
| Mississippi | $17.89 | $37,200 |
| Missouri | $20.53 | $42,690 |
| Montana | $20.06 | $41,730 |
| Nebraska | $18.73 | $38,960 |
| Nevada | $23.67 | $49,240 |
| New Hampshire | $23.08 | $48,000 |
| New Jersey | $23.45 | $48,780 |
| New Mexico | $17.82 | $37,070 |
| New York | $23.33 | $48,530 |
| North Carolina | $21.51 | $44,740 |
| North Dakota | $23.09 | $48,020 |
| Ohio | $19.28 | $40,110 |
| Oklahoma | $18.77 | $39,050 |
| Oregon | $22.39 | $46,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $21.98 | $45,720 |
| Rhode Island | $21.65 | $45,030 |
| South Carolina | $20.73 | $43,130 |
| South Dakota | $24.00 | $49,920 |
| Tennessee | $19.08 | $39,690 |
| Texas | $18.11 | $37,660 |
| Utah | $21.51 | $44,740 |
| Vermont | $22.27 | $46,320 |
| Virginia | $22.09 | $45,950 |
| Washington | $24.66 | $51,300 |
| West Virginia | $18.03 | $37,510 |
| Wisconsin | $21.81 | $45,350 |
| Wyoming | $21.40 | $44,500 |
What states have the highest pest control income?
Pest control techs make the most in Washington, South Dakota, Nevada, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The typical tech in these states earns between $48,780 and $51,300 a year. In Nevada, the top 10% of techs earn more than $81,420.
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $44,340 | $51,300 | $61,190 |
| South Dakota | $39,460 | $49,920 | $68,950 |
| Nevada | $36,680 | $49,240 | $81,420 |
| Connecticut | $39,470 | $49,010 | $58,590 |
| New Jersey | $39,830 | $48,780 | $59,680 |
What states have the lowest pest control income?
Pest control techs make the least in New Mexico, Mississippi, West Virginia, Texas, and Arkansas. The typical tech in these states earns between $37,070 and $37,710 a year. A lower median doesn’t cap what you can earn, though. In New Mexico, the top 10% of techs make more than $70,410, which is more than the top 10% make in Washington ($61,190), the highest-paying state.
| State | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $28,600 | $37,070 | $70,410 |
| Mississippi | $28,700 | $37,200 | $53,890 |
| West Virginia | $26,080 | $37,510 | $50,780 |
| Texas | $29,550 | $37,660 | $59,630 |
| Arkansas | $30,900 | $37,710 | $55,970 |
Pest control technician and exterminator salary by experience level
Experience remains the biggest driver of pay growth in pest control. As technicians gain certifications and manage larger or more complex accounts, compensation rises accordingly.
BLS doesn’t report pest control pay by years of experience. The table below uses national wage percentiles as a rough guide to how pay grows:
| Experience level | Annual salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th percentile) | $34,680 | $16.67 |
| Intermediate (median) | $45,250 | $21.75 |
| Senior (90th percentile) | $61,890 | $29.75 |
Highest-paying pest control jobs
Pest control pay depends on the role you hold and the work you take on. Here are the nine highest-paying pest control technician roles, ordered by the low end of each pay range, from highest to lowest.
| Role | Typical annual range |
|---|---|
| Pest controller | $54,500–$64,000 |
| Commercial pest control technician | $40,000–$49,000 |
| Pest control service representative | $39,000–$51,000 |
| Termite inspector | $38,500–$47,500 |
| Pest control worker | $37,500–$50,000 |
| Pest control specialist | $36,500–$51,500 |
| Termite technician | $36,000–$44,500 |
| Pest control applicator | $35,500–$49,000 |
| Pest control operator | $34,500–$47,500 |
What influences exterminator and pest control technician wages?
Several factors influence how much a pest control technician earns, including location, experience level, and the types of services offered. Technicians working in regulated markets or handling complex infestations typically earn higher wages.
- Certifications: State licenses and specialized certifications can raise your earnings.
- Role: Supervisors and sales staff earn more than general techs and exterminators.
- Market demand: Dense urban and high-infestation areas can offer more commercial accounts with bigger service contracts.
- Unionization: In rare markets with organized labor, wage floors and benefits tend to be higher.
- Seasonality: The work often peaks in spring and summer, and slows in winter (unless you have diversified or commercial routes).
How to increase your pest control salary
According to the BLS, pest control employment is projected to grow about 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. Luckily, you don’t have to wait a decade to start making serious money. Here are a few steps you can take to increase your earnings.
- Get advanced or specialty certifications, like becoming EPA certified or a Certified IPM Technician.
- Pursue supervisory, sales, or training roles for a steady bump in pay.
- Seek out large commercial accounts—more complexity means higher pay.
- Move to higher-demand or higher cost-of-living states (but check the overall job market first).
- Consider starting your own business, where you set rates, choose accounts, and keep more profits.
Starting your own pest control business
Launching your own pest control business is a great way to unlock higher earning potential. You could purchase a franchise license from a national corporation like Orkin or TruGreen, which comes with the benefits of national advertising and a familiar name. Or you could start your own company. Many consumers prefer small, family-owned businesses, and you may find it easier to get loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Whichever route you take, how you run your business is just as important as your skills and experience. With Housecall Pro’s pest control software, you can spend more time in the field and less time chasing invoices and worrying about product levels.
Housecall Pro’s software is compatible with both independent owner-operator pest control businesses and franchises. It can help you:
- Schedule and dispatch jobs from your phone or laptop
- Immediately communicate schedule changes and additions to your route drivers
- Create custom quotes in minutes using a branded template
- Easily convert quotes to invoices for consistency
- Track performance metrics to manage profitability
- Order more easily
- Balance your books (Housecall Pro integrates with popular accounting software)
- Better manage customer relationships for repeat business, referrals, and positive online reviews
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Pest Control Salary FAQ
How long is pest control training?
Pest control training usually takes three to six months, depending on your state’s requirements and whether you’re completing classroom instruction, hands-on training, or both. Some states also require passing a licensing exam before you can start working independently.
What is the difference in pay between a pest control technician and an exterminator?
In most cases, the terms “technician” and “exterminator” are used interchangeably, so pay differences are minimal. However, technicians with specialized training (such as termite control or fumigation) may earn slightly more than general exterminators thanks to the added skillset.
Do commercial pest control specialists earn more than residential technicians?
Yes, commercial pest control work is larger and more complex, and brings in higher earnings than residential-only routes.
Can pest control workers earn commission or performance bonuses?
Many pest control companies offer commission or bonuses for upselling services, bringing in new clients, or maintaining high customer satisfaction. This can significantly increase overall compensation, especially for technicians who excel in sales and customer service.
How does union membership affect pay in the pest control industry?
Unionized pest control workers may receive higher base wages, better overtime rates, and stronger benefits packages than non-union employees. They also tend to have more job security and structured pay increases through collective bargaining agreements.
How do seasonal fluctuations affect pest control earnings?
Pest control demand typically rises in spring and summer, which can mean more hours and overtime pay. During winter, work may slow down in colder regions, leading to reduced hours. Some companies balance this with year-round contracts or diversified services
Is pest control a good career?
Pest control pays below the national median for all occupations but offers steady demand. Pest control workers earned a median of $45,250 in May 2025, compared with $50,980 for all occupations, and the top 10% earned more than $61,890. BLS projects employment to grow faster than average from 2025 to 2035.
