Pest Control Technician in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Arkansas employs 1,030 pest control technicians, with a statewide median of $37,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pest control technicians Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $37,710 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,900
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,790
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $55,970
- Employed in Arkansas
- 1,030
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pest control technicians in major Arkansas markets:
- Jonesboro
- $47,070 (30 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $40,150 (220 employed)
- Memphis
- $39,860 (650 employed)
- Texarkana
- $38,440 (50 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $38,410 (70 employed)
- Little Rock
- $37,310 (310 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,710 median stretches to roughly $43,395 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow pest control technicians employment +21.9%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 210 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
Commercial Pesticide Applicator / Pest Control license — regulated by the Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture — State Plant Board (pesticides).
- No experience required — study the core plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
- Pass the Arkansas certification exams.
- Obtain the applicator credential and work under a licensed business; renew on the state's cycle.
Official requirements: Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture — State Plant Board (pesticides) →
Training in Arkansas
Quick to enter and steady year-round (termites are common in Arkansas). Many techs start with a company that sponsors training, then move toward a business license.
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a quick licensed entry path and don't mind working outdoors and in varied building environments.
Think twice if: Pesticide exposure, crawl spaces, attics, and physically demanding customer sites sound unappealing.
Why it's resilient: Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.
First Steps
Look for pest control technician openings with established companies — most train on the job and sponsor you for the state license exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pest control technicians make in Arkansas?
The median wage for pest control technicians in Arkansas is $37,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,900, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $55,970. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pest Control Technician in Arkansas?
Commercial Pesticide Applicator / Pest Control license, overseen by the Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture — State Plant Board (pesticides). No experience required — study the core plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
Is being a Pest Control Technician a good career in Arkansas?
Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.
Which Arkansas metros pay pest control technicians the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Jonesboro leads at $47,070, followed by Fayetteville ($40,150), Memphis ($39,860). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Pest Control Technician a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects pest control technicians employment to change +21.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 210 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 37-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture — State Plant Board (pesticides) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.