Pest control workers
SOC Code: 37-2021
Pest control workers carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $44,730 and +4.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 102,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 29% AI exposure, Pest control workers sits 8 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 26% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Pest control workers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Pest control workers has ai exposure of 29%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Pest control workers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Pest control workers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Pest control workers (SOC 37-2021) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 102,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.9% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $44,730, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Pest control workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Record work activities performed.
- 2. Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
- 3. Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- 4. Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
- 5. Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- 6. Clean work site after completion of job.
- 7. Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
- 8. Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
- 9. Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
- 10. Set mechanical traps, or place poisonous paste or bait in sewers, burrows, or ditches.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Law and Government
- Sales and Marketing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Pest control workers?
Pest control workers has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Pest control workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Pest control workers is projected to grow by 4.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 102,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Pest control workers?
Key skills for Pest control workers include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Pest control workers earn?
The median annual wage for Pest control workers is $44,730, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Pest control workers?
The typical entry-level education for Pest control workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Pest control workers?
Pest control workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).