Pest Control Technician in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Tennessee employs 3,340 pest control technicians, with a statewide median of $39,690 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pest control technicians Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $39,690 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,570
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,480
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $56,270
- Employed in Tennessee
- 3,340
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $43,610 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pest control technicians in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $44,350 (1,050 employed)
- Knoxville
- $41,710 (460 employed)
- Clarksville
- $40,150 (130 employed)
- Memphis
- $39,860 (650 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $38,410 (280 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,690 median stretches to roughly $43,188 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow pest control technicians employment +13.9%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 420 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
Pesticide Applicator License (Structural Pest Control) — regulated by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Programs.
- Work under a licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator for the required supervised experience (at least 3 months for most categories), learning pest identification, pesticide application techniques, and Tennessee-specific pests (subterranean termites, brown recluse spiders, and fire ants are prominent in TN).
- Pass the Tennessee Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator exam for your category (Category 7 — Structural Pest Control is most common). Study the TN Pesticide Laws and Regulations and the relevant pesticide use standards.
- Apply to the TN Department of Agriculture for your Commercial Pesticide Applicator license. Renew every two years with continuing education.
Official requirements: Tennessee Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Programs →
Training in Tennessee
Tennessee's humid subtropical climate makes pest control a year-round business — termites (subterranean and Formosan), fire ants, cockroaches, and wildlife exclusion are active year-round concerns. Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga all have active markets. Orkin, Terminix, Western Pest, and regional operators hire statewide.
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 Tennessee?
The median wage for pest control technicians in Tennessee is $39,690 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,570, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $56,270. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pest Control Technician in Tennessee?
Pesticide Applicator License (Structural Pest Control), overseen by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Programs. Work under a licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator for the required supervised experience (at least 3 months for most categories), learning pest identification, pesticide application techniques, and Tennessee-specific pests (subterranean termites, brown recluse spiders, and fire ants are prominent in TN).
Is being a Pest Control Technician a good career in Tennessee?
Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.
Which Tennessee metros pay pest control technicians the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $44,350, followed by Knoxville ($41,710), Clarksville ($40,150). 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects pest control technicians employment to change +13.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 420 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 37-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture — Pesticide Programs (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.