Education Requirements to Become an Exterminator
Individuals who want to become an Exterminator will need to have a high school diploma, seek a license, complete on the job training and have acceptable driving records in order to enter this profession.
A high school diploma may be substituted by passing a GED course and exam.
A clean driving record is required for positions that need to travel from one location to another.
Many Exterminators begin their careers in an entry level position such as a Technician where they gain on the job experience.
During this time, individuals will also receive technical training on equipment and pesticide use and its safety.
They may also learn specialties such as: fumigation, termite control or rodent control.
This specialized training can take up to three months to complete.
Individuals who want to become an Exterminator will also need to be licensed in order to work in this profession.
Requirements to become licensed differ by state, but as a whole, individuals must complete training and pass a licensure exam.
Some states have additional requirements such as completing an apprenticeship, having a highs school diploma or its equivalent or passing a background check.
For specific information on licensing requirements, contact your local state department.
Exterminator Job Description
Exterminators are experienced in working on a variety of properties including businesses and private homes to eradicate and eliminate a variety of pests from the premises.
Some common types of pests removed from homes or businesses include the following list:
- Termites
- Cockroaches
- Bedbugs
- Rats
- Ants
In addition to these common pests, Exterminators may also remove and eradicate a variety of other creatures that are specific to a certain region.
An Exterminator will begin their job by driving to a client’s building and provide an inspection to determine the damage and extent of infiltration.
Exterminators with clean driving records will be responsible for driving to and from business and client’s homes.
An inspection will help an Exterminator determine the extent of damage to both a building and the premises extending beyond.
After completing an inspection, Exterminators will determine the best treatment in order to eradicate pests.
In order to determine how much treatment is needed, Exterminators will need to determine the dimensions of the area needing treatment.
Using this information, they will provide an estimate of the cost to eliminate pests.
They will then use a variety of baits, traps, pest management plans or pesticides.
Exterminators will then set up pest preventers such as barriers to prevent any future infestations inside a home or business.
Exterminator Salary and Career Path
In 2012, the median wage for Pest Control Workers, which includes the Exterminator profession, was approximately $30,060 per year.
Exact wages will depend on level of experience with some Exterminators earning up to $47,770 per year.
The majority of Exterminators work full time with some hours covering evening and weekend hours to accommodate client schedules.
The job outlook for Pest Control Workers and Exterminators looks promising because it is expected to grow faster than average.
Job opportunities for these professions are expected to increase by 20 percent through the year 2022.
This increase reflects a demand from consumers to use professional pest control services reflecting their environmental and health concerns.
Individuals who are interested in a career as an Exterminator have plenty of reasons to enter this profession.
The biggest upside being the fact that this profession is expected to grow at a faster than average rate.
In addition, the education requirements are comparatively easy to complete making it a profession that one can enter in a short amount of time when compared to other professions.
