Pest Control Technician in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
North Dakota employs 120 pest control technicians, with a statewide median of $48,020 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pest control technicians Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $48,020 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,600
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,020
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $62,580
- Employed in North Dakota
- 120
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pest control technicians in major North Dakota markets:
- Fargo
- $46,710 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,020 median stretches to roughly $53,955 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow pest control technicians employment +15.3%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Commercial Pesticide Applicator license — regulated by the North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide Program.
- No experience required — study the core plus your category (e.g., structural pest control).
- Pass the North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture certification exams.
- Obtain the commercial applicator license and work under a licensed business; renew on the state's cycle.
Official requirements: North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide Program →
Training in North Dakota
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 North Dakota?
The median wage for pest control technicians in North Dakota is $48,020 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,600, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $62,580. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pest Control Technician in North Dakota?
Commercial Pesticide Applicator license, overseen by the North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide 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 North Dakota?
Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.
Which North Dakota metros pay pest control technicians the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $46,710. 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects pest control technicians employment to change +15.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 37-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture — Pesticide 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.