Career Paths in Professional Pest Control

There's no shortage of opportunity in the pest control industry, and plenty of different job titles  depending on your interests, skills, education, and experience level. From pest control technicians and customer service representatives to sales and management positions, and more — there really is a career path for everyone in the pest control industry!


Check out any of the pest control job titles below to get started. The links below will take you to broader job descriptions complete with job requirements, compatible skills, and average salary guidance.

Technician

If you are interested in a career in pest control and are just getting started, the role of a pest control technician, which also carries the job title of exterminator, is a perfect place to begin. Starting out as a technician, you’re able to learn how to solve your customers’ pest problems from both trainings and on-the-job learnings. You’ll train with other technicians and become familiar with the ins and outs of what it takes to successfully help customers solve their pest control issues. As a technician there's many different opportunities to work with either homeowners or businesses, such as restaurants, schools, hospitals, and more. No day is the same, and there is ample opportunity for growth and upward mobility in this field!

Customer Service & Sales

If you consider yourself a “people person,” then a position in sales or customer service could be an excellent fit for you! Strong communicators, problem solvers and solution providers with a helpful and friendly demeanor will excel in this line of work. As a customer service representative, you are often the first person at the company a customer calls regarding services. In fact, 73% of customers fall in love with a brand and remain loyal because of friendly customer service reps.*

*According to a survey commissioned by RightNow and conducted by Harris Interactive.

If you are pursuing a position in sales, rest assured that there's a fulfilling career path in this industry, as selling pest control services helps to improve and protect the lives of the public. A sales position requires frequent travel and offers variety in your day-to-day actions and the earning potential is yours to grow.  As protectors of public health, food and property, your role is essential to keeping American families and businesses healthy. Acting as the liaison between customers and the company makes you an integral part of the pest control operation.

Administrative

If traveling and being out in the field is not what you are looking for, then a career on the administrative side of the pest control industry could be the perfect match! There’s plenty of careers in pest control that can be done within an office setting or home office, including a role as an office supervisor or manager, or an accountant. If you are an organized and meticulous worker with the right credentials, one of these pest control job titles could be the right fit for you.

Management

A career path in pest control has plenty of opportunity for upward mobility. If you now have some experience under your belt and are considering moving into a management position, you’ll be happy to know there are many opportunities available! A branch or service manager, service supervisor, route manager – the list goes on.

If you have an entomology degree or an interest in science and problem solving – the role and job title of a regional entomologist could be the perfect fit for you. Entomologists play a key role in pest control, as they help identify pest problems and create unique solutions for clients. As a regional entomologist, you are the expert technicians will come to for help with identifying pests and for recommendations on specific cases.