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Pest Control Technician in Texas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Texas employs 9,470 pest control technicians, with a statewide median of $37,660 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Texas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pest control technicians Earn in Texas (May 2025)

Texas median pay: $37,660 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $29,550
Experienced (75th percentile): $45,110
Top earners (90th percentile): $59,630
Employed in Texas: 9,470
U.S. median (for comparison): $43,610 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pest control technicians in major Texas markets:

Dallas–Fort Worth: $38,330 (2,870 employed)
San Antonio: $37,410 (730 employed)
El Paso: $30,330 (130 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Texas

Prices in Texas run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,660 median stretches to roughly $38,785 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Texas (2024–2034)

Texas is projected to grow pest control technicians employment +18.1%, faster than the +5.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,320 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Texas License and Certification Requirements

Registered Technician / Certified Applicator (Structural Pest Control) — regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Structural Pest Control.

Work under a TDLR-licensed pest control company and complete the required hours to qualify as a Registered Technician. A Registered Technician can apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a Certified Applicator.
After 2 years of supervised experience (or completing an approved pest control education program), pass the TDLR Core exam plus a category exam (e.g., General Pest, Wood Destroying Insects / Termites, Lawn and Ornamental) to become a Certified Applicator.
Apply for TDLR Certified Applicator license; pass a background check. License renews biennially with CE hours. The Certified Applicator license allows you to work independently or run your own licensed company.

Official requirements: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Structural Pest Control →

Training in Texas

Texas is one of the largest pest control markets in the US, driven by year-round pest pressure (termites, fire ants, mosquitoes, roaches). National companies (Rollins/Orkin, Terminix, Rentokil/Ehrlich) all have large Texas operations and regularly hire entry-level technicians. Termite work pays a premium.

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 Texas?

The median wage for pest control technicians in Texas is $37,660 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,550, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $59,630. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pest Control Technician in Texas?

Registered Technician / Certified Applicator (Structural Pest Control), overseen by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Structural Pest Control. Work under a TDLR-licensed pest control company and complete the required hours to qualify as a Registered Technician. A Registered Technician can apply pesticides under the direct supervision of a Certified Applicator.

Is being a Pest Control Technician a good career in Texas?

Licensed pest control requires physical site assessment, chemical application judgment, and local knowledge that cannot be done remotely.

Which Texas metros pay pest control technicians the most?

Among Texas metro areas, Dallas–Fort Worth leads at $38,330, followed by San Antonio ($37,410), El Paso ($30,330). 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 Texas?

Texas projects pest control technicians employment to change +18.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,320 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), Texas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 37-2021. Licensing summary compiled from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Structural Pest Control (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 Texas wages · Texas 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.