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Exterminator, Pest Control Operator, Pest Control Worker, Pest Controller
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:
| Starting | $18.76 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $24.23 |
| Top | $27.50 |
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
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 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.
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 generally 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 re-infestation.
Insects, rodents, and birds are most active in spring and summer, so structural pesticide applicators are busiest during those seasons.
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. Occasionally, they may have to crawl into dirty or dusty places to check infestation sources and administer treatments. They may also have to lift heavy items. Safety precautions are a standard part of the job when handling toxic materials.
Structural pesticide applicators need:
They should enjoy:
Structural pesticide applicators are trained on the job.
Employers generally 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
This occupation has federal and provincial regulations. For details about the federal requirements, visit the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) website.
Pesticide applicators use pesticides (chemicals) to control pests, such as weeds, diseases or destructive insects or animals, as part of their paid employment.
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. The 2 types of dispensers in Alberta are:
Certification for applicators and dispensers require successful completion of an exam. A preparatory course is available through home study materials or classroom tutorials.
Individuals may become certified in one or more applicator classes. For detailed official information, read about the pesticide applicator and dispenser certification requirements on the Government of Alberta website.
Pesticide applicator and dispensers who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified pesticide applicators and dispensers in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the Government of Alberta website.
Alberta Environment and Parks
Government of Alberta
9th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 9920 108 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2G8
Canada
Call: 780-538-6460
Toll-free within Alberta: 310-3773, then 780-538-6460
Toll-free outside Alberta: 780-944-0313
Website: www.alberta.ca/environment-and-parks.aspx
Most structural pesticide applicators work for privately owned and operated pest control firms. There are also opportunities with municipal government departments that oversee recreational 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. This is, however, a highly competitive field.
Structural pesticide applicators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7444: Pest Controllers and Fumigators. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation 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.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $26.44 | $18.76 | $18.00 |
| Overall | $20.00 | $31.73 | $24.23 | $21.63 |
| Top | $22.00 | $33.00 | $27.50 | $25.00 |
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.
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.
| Public Administration | $55,905 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $46,135 |
Government of Alberta, Environment and Parks website: www.alberta.ca/environment-and-parks.aspx
Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA) website: 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
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.