Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation to increase by 3.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 25,700 to 26,700 jobs. Its estimate of 3,300 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($46,340), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
25,700
Projected employment (2034)
26,700
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
3,300
Pay & Preparation
$46,340
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3/5) • Time Management (3/5) • Operation and Control (2.88/5) • Social Perceptiveness (2.88/5) • Critical Thinking (2.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (2.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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