Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
SOC Code: 37-3012 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation, or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or crops. Usually requires specific training and state or federal certification.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $51,334 | $56,222 | $61,090 | $65,978 |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $49,629 | $55,037 | $60,424 | $65,832 |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $48,693 | $54,309 | $59,946 | $65,562 |
| Worcester, MA | $50,086 | $55,224 | $60,341 | $65,478 |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area | $48,152 | $53,914 | $59,654 | $65,416 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $49,733 | $54,891 | $60,050 | $65,208 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $38,854 | $47,507 | $56,181 | $64,834 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $49,795 | $54,683 | $59,592 | $64,480 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $43,888 | $50,669 | $57,470 | $64,251 |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area | $33,862 | $43,867 | $53,851 | $63,856 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | 3.2 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Time Management | 3.1 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.1 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 | |
| Coordination | 3.0 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.6 |
| Biology | 3.5 |
| Production and Processing | 3.5 |
| English Language | 3.5 |
| Administration and Management | 3.4 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.1 |
| Education and Training | 3.1 |
| Law and Government | 3.1 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 56.2% |
| Some college | 15.7% |
| Less than high school | 15.0% |
| Bachelor's degree | 12.8% |
Typical Tasks
- Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
- Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
- Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
- Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
- Start motors and engage machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment.
- Connect hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities.
- Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or hand tools.
- Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Facebook Google Android Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Customer database software Geographic information system GIS systems Materials inventory software Rate calculation software Unit conversion software
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