Pest Control Technician in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Colorado employs 970 pest control technicians, with a statewide median of $48,650 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pest control technicians Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $48,650 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,610
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,430
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $71,230
- Employed in Colorado
- 970
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pest control technicians in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $50,110 (570 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $49,460 (50 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $48,640 (70 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $48,480 (100 employed)
- Greeley
- $46,280 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,650 median is worth closer to $47,187 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow pest control technicians employment +7.2%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 140 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Commercial Pesticide Applicator license — regulated by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
- No experience required — study the core material plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
- Pass the Colorado Department of Agriculture certification exams.
- Obtain the Commercial Applicator license (renews annually on Dec 31) and work under a licensed business.
Official requirements: Colorado Department of Agriculture →
Training in Colorado
Quick to enter and steady year-round. Many techs start with a company that sponsors training, then move toward a supervisor/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 Colorado?
The median wage for pest control technicians in Colorado is $48,650 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,610, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $71,230. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pest Control Technician in Colorado?
Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, overseen by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. No experience required — study the core material plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
Is being a Pest Control Technician a good career in Colorado?
Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.
Which Colorado metros pay pest control technicians the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $50,110, followed by Fort Collins ($49,460), Grand Junction ($48,640). 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 Colorado?
Colorado projects pest control technicians employment to change +7.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 140 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), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 37-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Department of Agriculture (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 Colorado wages · Colorado 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.