How much does a pest controller earn?
Pest controllers identify, prevent and control pests in homes, businesses, agriculture and public spaces: they assess infestations, choose methods and products, document measures and advise clients on hygiene and prevention. The dual apprenticeship usually lasts three years; career changers with required certificates are also common. Gross pay depends on region, company size, specialisation (e.g. wood protection, food hygiene), on-call duty and experience. As a guide, qualified pest controllers in Germany in 2026 often earn about €3,100–€3,700 gross per month; during training around €950–€1,250 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Orientation figures as of 2026. The apprenticeship column covers the dual pest controller apprenticeship or comparable onboarding with required certificates; qualified means practising professionals. Actual pay depends on employer, region, specialisation, on-call duty, allowances and experience and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
A pest controller often works on site at the customer’s premises: infestations are assessed, measures planned and carried out, results documented and follow-up visits arranged. Everyday work includes PPE, biocide and process rules, coordination with property managers, hospitality or agriculture, and occasional on-call duty for acute problems.
- Analyse infestations of insects, rodents or other pests on site and draw up action plans.
- Apply control and prevention methods correctly; follow biocide, hygiene and occupational safety rules.
- Advise clients on causes, prevention and hygiene; document measures and follow-up checks.
- Install, inspect and evaluate traps, bait stations and monitoring systems.
- Organise travel between sites; handle materials, PPE and hazardous substances safely.
- On-call duty, weekend jobs and work in basements, attics or food businesses are typical.
