Miscellaneous Technicians and Trades Workers

How to become a Pest Control Technician

Also called: Pest Controller, Pest Management Technician

Implements and applies pest management techniques to manage and control animal and invertebrate pests inside and outside domestic, commercial and industrial premises.

Main tasks

Inspects commercial, industrial and residential premises and surrounds to assess pest activity, identify the pests and the extent of any infestation and damage
Develops pest management plans considering pests' biology and behavior, as well as the potential impact on health, safety and infrastructure
Evaluates the need for pest management, and implements suitable treatment plans and methods
Works with clients to provide recommendations for building maintenance and hygiene activities to prevent pests
Applies non-chemical solutions and pesticides to manage and minimise the risk of pest infestations, health risks and diseases
Operates and maintains electric, pneumatic and mechanical equipment such as cameras, drones and other technology to monitor and report on pest infestations
Uses traps, baits and other pest control devices to capture and remove pests
Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of pest management activities
May read, interpret and prepare plans, and select materials to devise and install pest management systems
May conduct timber pest inspections and advise on and manage appropriate treatment

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Pest Management. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Pest Management (AHC41724); Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management (AHC30324); Diploma of Pest Management (AHC51324); Certificate III in Urban Pest Management (CPP30119); Certificate IV in Urban Pest Management (CPP41619)
Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

About 17,100 people work in this job group now, and about 17,800 are projected by 2035. (+4.2%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Pest Control Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Pest Management; Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management; Certificate IV in Pest Management.

Is a Pest Control Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 17,100 to about 17,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Pest Control Technician?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Pest Management; Certificate III in Rural and Environmental Pest Management; Certificate IV in Pest Management.

Will AI change the work of a Pest Control Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04