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Exterminator, Pest Control Operator
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
In general, structural pesticide applicators determine how and where to control pests on clients’ property. They:
Since they use toxic materials and chemicals, structural pesticide applicators must take safety precautions. These include:
Structural pesticide applicators most often have assigned routes. On that route, they are responsible for sales work, informing customers about conditions that attract pests, and conducting periodic inspections to detect signs of possible reinfestation.
Insects, rodents, and birds are most active in spring and summer, so structural pesticide applicators are busiest during those seasons. However, indoor applications occur throughout the year for pests such as bedbugs and cockroaches.
Regular weekday work is typical. But because public buildings need to be closed before pesticide can be applied, evening and weekend shifts are the norm for public facilities.
Indoors, structural pesticide applicators work in a variety of settings. Outdoors, they encounter all kinds of weather. They may have to crawl into dirty or dusty places or climb roofs and trees to check infestation sources and administer treatments. They may have to lift heavy items. Safety precautions are a standard part of the job when handling toxic materials.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in operating mechanical and electric sprayers; and in preparing and spraying chemical mixtures on infested areas
Interest in comparing information to determine type of treatment required; and in cleaning out areas using rakes, shovels, brooms and mops
Interest in speaking with customers to provide cost estimates and to advise on how to prevent pest infestation
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Structural pesticide applicators need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 52 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 16, 2021 and Nov 30, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Install animal control barriers to keep animals off property | 44 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Inspect buildings and outside areas to detect signs of infestation | 44 |
| Tasks: Determine type of treatment required | 44 |
| Tasks: Place and set traps to capture and remove animals | 44 |
| Tasks: Advise clients on how to prevent pest infestation | 44 |
| Tasks: Clean out areas that harbour pests | 44 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 43 |
| Attention to detail | 41 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 38 |
| Health benefits: Dental plan | 31 |
Structural pesticide applicators require training to apply most structural pesticides. However, on-the-job training occurs as well.
Employers most often prefer to hire applicants who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma with courses in biology. A valid driver’s licence is often required. Sales experience is an asset.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
This occupation has federal and provincial regulations. For details about the federal requirements, visit the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) website.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Pesticide applicators use pesticides (chemicals) as part of their paid employment to control pests such as weeds, diseases, or destructive insects or animals.
Pesticide dispensers sell and store pesticides as part of their paid employment.
Under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act [pdf] and Pesticide (Ministerial) Regulation [pdf], to apply a commercial-class pesticide such as insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide, you must be one of the following:
To sell pesticides, you must be a certified dispenser. There are 2 types of dispensers in Alberta:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Pesticide Applicator and Dispenser.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most structural pesticide applicators work for privately owned and operated pest control firms. There are also opportunities with municipal government departments. These operators most often oversee recreation facilities and other municipal buildings.
With experience, structural pesticide applicators can move up into supervisory, management, or trainer positions. Self-employment also is an option. However, this is a highly competitive field.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7444: Pest controllers and fumigators occupational group, 76.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7444: Pest controllers and fumigators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for structural pesticide applicators vary depending on location and the applicator’s qualifications. Those working with private-sector companies may be paid commissions for the new business they attract.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $23.08 | $19.47 | $18.95 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $26.29 | $24.19 | $23.08 |
| Top | $23.08 | $37.89 | $30.80 | $29.22 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $45,977 |
|---|---|
| Business, Building and Other Support Services | $46,896 |
| Public Administration | $27,488 |
Government of Alberta, Environment and Protected Areas website: www.alberta.ca/environment-and-protected-areas.aspx
Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA) website: www.pestworldcanada.net
National Pest Management Association (NPMA) website: npmapestworld.org
Pest Management Association of Alberta (PMAA) website: www.pmaapestworld.com
Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) website: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/branches-agencies/pest-management-regulatory-agency.html
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
