Pest Control Technician in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Kansas employs 760 pest control technicians, with a statewide median of $38,690 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pest control technicians Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $38,690 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $27,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $47,410
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $60,000
- Employed in Kansas
- 760
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pest control technicians in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $43,500 (580 employed)
- Manhattan
- $38,070 (40 employed)
- Wichita
- $37,810 (150 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $38,690 median stretches to roughly $42,941 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow pest control technicians employment +5.6%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification — regulated by the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide & Fertilizer Program.
- No experience required — study the core plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
- Pass the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture certification exams.
- Obtain the commercial applicator certification and work under a licensed business; renew on the state's cycle.
Official requirements: Kansas Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide & Fertilizer Program →
Training in Kansas
Quick to enter and steady. 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 Kansas?
The median wage for pest control technicians in Kansas is $38,690 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $27,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $60,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pest Control Technician in Kansas?
Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification, overseen by the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide & Fertilizer Program. No experience required — study the core plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
Is being a Pest Control Technician a good career in Kansas?
Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.
Which Kansas metros pay pest control technicians the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $43,500, followed by Manhattan ($38,070), Wichita ($37,810). 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 Kansas?
Kansas projects pest control technicians employment to change +5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 37-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Kansas Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide & Fertilizer Program (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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.