Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Also called: Pesticide Applicators
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.
Also called: Applicator, Applicator Sprayer, Certified Pesticide Applicator, Chemical Applicator, Crop Applicator, Custom Applicator
Median pay
$46,340
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,570 – $61,420
People employed
27,050
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 5.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 6.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 7.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 8.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Long hours on your feet
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (44 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation salary in every state →
What pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation do
- 01Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
- 02Record information about pesticide applications, such as the type used and amount applied.
- 03Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
- 04Start motors and engage machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment.
- 05Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
- 06Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Sales and Marketing
- Biology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
- Pest Control Workers89% · −2%
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners79% · +8%
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers78% · +7%
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators78% · +30%
- Light Truck Drivers75% · −3%
Change into pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Pest Control Workers89% · $45,250
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse79% · $35,660
- Forest and Conservation Workers78% · $43,680
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals76% · $36,670
- Animal Breeders75% · $51,130
Majors that lead here
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping
- Plant Nursery Operations and Management
- Turf and Turfgrass Management
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.