How to hire an exterminator

How to hire an exterminator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step exterminator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an exterminator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new exterminator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the exterminator you need to hire. Certain exterminator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect exterminator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of exterminator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Exterminator	Description	Hourly rate
   Exterminator	Pest control workers remove unwanted creatures, such as roaches, rats, ants, bedbugs, and termites that infest buildings and surrounding areas.	$11-32
   Pest Control Technician	A pest control technician is responsible for dealing with pest problems and evaluating the correct processes and materials for eliminating them. Pest control technicians' duties include assessing the client's location to identify the source of the pest problem, responding to customers' inquiries and concerns, providing pest treatment options to the customers, spraying pesticides on the appropriate area, and adhering to safety procedures... Show more	$11-26

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Pest Control
   • Bed Bugs
   • Rats
   • Pest Management
   • Snakes
   • Pest Problems
   • Customer Service
   • IPM
   • Manual Solutions
   • Commercial Buildings
   • Customers Homes
   • EPA
   • Residential Homes
   • Termite

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Apply exterior chemicals to manage and treat for insect and rodent infestations.
   • Control roaches, ants, rodents, birds, snakes, termites, etc.
   • Remove wildlife including bats, birds, raccoon's, skunks, snakes, squirrels and other animals.
   • Utilize the appropriate IPM method for each client ensuring they have the proper treatments need to resolve issues.
   • Coordinate with supply personnel, maintenance contractors and customers/users to ensure satisfactory conduct of support.
   • Kill pests and vermin such as mice, termites, and roaches.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your exterminator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An exterminator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, exterminators' average salary in idaho is 43% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level exterminators earn 66% less than senior-level exterminators.
   • Certifications. An exterminator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an exterminator's salary.

   Average exterminator salary

   $40,124yearly

   $19.29 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level exterminator salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing an exterminator job description

   An exterminator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an exterminator job description:

   Exterminator job description example

   FT, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm, Hourly paid, HIring Bonus, Attendance Bonus, Company Truck, Uniforms, Drinks, Gift cards, Tokens of appreciation, and Paid Training. College Students are welcome.
   
   Are you passionate about hard work and committed to improving the lives of others? Do you thrive in a supportive environment and love working outside? Then you are a perfect fit for our team!
   As a Mosquito Control Specialist at Mosquito Authority, you will use proven mosquito-control products and techniques on both commercial and residential properties. Our Mosquito Control Specialists provide expert mosquito control in a friendly, respectful, and efficient manner. If you're dedicated to impeccable client service and enjoy physical work, this is a great opportunity for you.
   
   The best part? There's no experience needed! You will be provided with expert training when you join our team.
   
   Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
   Participate fully in training opportunities provided to enhance knowledge and to meet requirements for licensing. Work in a safe manner in accordance with state requirements, OSHA policies and procedures, and maintaining and utilizing required safety equipment when performing duties. Operate a backpack blower (up to 60 pounds) in heat and humidity, often through uneven terrain. Responds to basic customer inquiries and requests and notifies owner(s) of complaints or issues to ensure timely resolution. Complete job documentation accurately and in a timely manner. Maintain a clean company vehicle and operate vehicle safely and legally.
   
   Requirements:
   High School graduate / GED preferred Valid Driver's license Job requires standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling Extended hours and weekends opportunities possible during peak periods
   Perks:
   Paid training Competitive compensation Additional performance-based compensation opportunities Healthy approach to work/life balance available
   About Us:
   
   Our mission is simple: help protect families from mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. Each and every one of our team members is dedicated to providing the best services out there so our customers can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.
   
   Join our team today!
   
   By applying to this position, I understand that I am applying to work at a location that is owned and operated by an independent franchisee, not Mosquito Authority Corporate. I acknowledge that each independent Mosquito Authority franchisee hires and determines the terms and conditions of employment for its own employees. Any employment benefits, compensation and employment practices vary by location. Mosquito Authority Corporate is NOT the employer and/or joint employer for: (i) any of the job opportunities listed on this website; (ii) any of the independent franchisees; and, (iii) any of the employees of the independent franchisees.
   
   Compensation: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour
   
   WHO YOU ARE
   
   1. Enjoy working outdoors
   
   2. Self-starter and highly motivated
   
   3. Can work independently
   
   4. Enjoy engaging with clients
   
   WHO WE ARE
   
   1. Nationally recognized brands
   
   2. Competitive pay
   
   3. Safe working environment
   
   4. Team atmosphere
   
   Our mission is simple:
   
   Help protect families from mosquitoes, ticks and other pests and the diseases they carry .
   
   The best part? There's no experience needed! You will be provided with expert training when you join our team. Enter your zip code to see opportunities to join our team in your area.
   
   This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go directly to the franchisee, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this franchisee. All inquiries about employment at this franchisee should be made directly to the franchise location, and not to The Mosquito Authority Corporate.

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5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find exterminators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your exterminator job on Zippia to find and recruit exterminator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit exterminators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new exterminator

   Once you've decided on a perfect exterminator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new exterminator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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