Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation: What You Need to Know
Have you ever wondered who keeps the plants and vegetation around you healthy and pest-free? Meet the pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation, a crucial occupation in the agriculture and horticulture industry.
What is Pesticide Handling, Spraying, and Application?
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators are responsible for protecting crops, plants, trees, and other vegetation from pests and diseases. They use chemical or non-chemical treatments to prevent, control, or eliminate pests that pose a threat to the health and growth of vegetation.
Some examples of jobs in this field include:
- Pesticide applicator: Applies pesticides to crops and other vegetation
- Pest control technician: Inspects and implements pest control programs for businesses and residential properties
- Agricultural equipment operator: Works with machinery to apply fertilizers and pesticides to crops
- Grounds maintenance worker: Uses hand-held or mechanical equipment to maintain plants and landscapes
What Education or Training is Required?
To become a pesticide handler, sprayer, or applicator, vegetation, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, employers may prefer a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree in a related field such as horticulture or agronomy.
In addition to formal education, on-the-job training is necessary to learn how to handle and apply pesticides safely and effectively. Many states require certification or licensure for pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators. The certification process typically involves passing an exam and completing continuing education credits to maintain certification.
How to Progress Between the Levels and Get into the Field
As with many occupations, there is a natural progression from entry-level positions to more advanced roles with increased responsibilities and higher pay. Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators can advance to supervisory or managerial positions or pursue related careers in agricultural research, sales, or education.
If you’re new to the field, you can get started by gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions with landscaping companies, golf courses, or agricultural businesses. Attend job fairs and networking events to learn about opportunities in your area and connect with others in the industry.
In conclusion, pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation, play a critical role in maintaining the health and vitality of plants and vegetation. Through a combination of education, training, and hands-on experience, you can build a rewarding career in this important occupation. Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation are responsible for applying pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides to plants and crops to control pests and ensure healthy growth. This occupation falls under Level 04 of all workers in the US National Average salary data, with an average salary of $44,491.20 annually. For full-time employment, the average salary is slightly higher at $44,990.40 annually.
However, non-union workers in this occupation make an average of $41,516.80 annually, which is lower than the national average for all levels. This suggests that unionization may have a positive effect on the wages and benefits of pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation.
For time-based pay, the national average salary for all levels is $42,577.60 annually. This indicates that some workers in this occupation may be paid based on the amount of time spent working, rather than on a salary basis.
According to geographical data, pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation are best paid on average in Vermont, with an average salary of $55,470 annually. On the other hand, the lowest paid workers in this occupation work in Oklahoma, with an average salary of $28,800 annually.
Overall, pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation have a relatively low average salary compared to other occupations, but unionization may have a positive effect on their wages and benefits. It is also important to note that there are geographical differences in average salaries for this occupation.
Data Table:
| Occupation | Level | National Average Salary (Annual) | National Average Salary (Hourly) |
| — | — | — | — |
| Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation | All workers | $44,491.20 | $21.39 |
| Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation | Nonunion, All levels | $41,516.80 | $19.97 |
| Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation | Full-time, All levels | $44,990.40 | $21.63 |
| Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation | Full-time, Level 04 | $44,928.00 | $21.60 |
| Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators, vegetation | Time-based pay, All levels | $42,577.60 | $20.46 |
