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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 37-3012 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Mix or apply pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, soil incorporation or chemical application on trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops. Usually requires specific training and State or Federal certification. Exclude "Commercial Pilots" (53-2012) who operate aviation equipment to dust or spray crops.
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops. Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas. Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas. Identify lawn or plant diseases to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions. 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.
License: This applicant should contact the State Department of Agriculture & Industries, or visit the Board’s website, for application procedures and Board approved forms. The Board’s website holds the current year’s examination schedule. Examination Fee: $75.00 Professional Service Permit Annual Renewal Fee: $175.00 (plus $100.00 per category of work performed) Private Applicator Permit Fee: $25.00 Private Applicator Application Fee: $20.00
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $13.27   Entry $27,588.00
Mean $17.55   Mean $36,500.00
Experience $19.69 Experience $40,957.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
52056070.74
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Occupational Videos
37-3012.00 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation