Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Trades
Pest Control Worker Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pest control worker in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pest Control Worker in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 5
A Pest Control Operator applies, for a fee for any substance or mixture of substances or chemicals intended for defoliating or desiccating plants, or for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria, weeds or other forms of plant or animal life declared a pest by the Commissioner of Agriculture.
- 6
Satisfy education and experience and examination requirements.
- 7
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:.
- 8
A degree or its equivalent with a major or minor in a discipline reasonably related to the category of pest OR at least two years of full time verifiable work experience under a licensee in the category of license applying for in compliance with the rule except the categories of Agricultural-- Ground Equipment and Horticulture-- Lawn and Turf OR a combination of experience, education or 24 continuing education units.
- 9
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 10
Category of license, (2 hours) covers specifics of the category of license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Must meet requirements of the licensing every two years and recertification for general or restricted use pesticides every three years.
- PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Tennessee Pest Control Association, Professional Lawn Care Association of America, Tennessee Vegetation Management Association, West Tennessee Pest Control Association, Tennessee Plant Food Educational Association, and Tennessee Agricultural Production Association (TAPA).
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Agriculture • Tennessee Pest Control Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$43,870 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Pest Control Worker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Agriculture~Tennessee Pest Control Board and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $43,870, Pest Control Workers in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $44,730. Tennessee ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$43,870Hourly estimate
$21.092% below national median
Difference: -$860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPest Control Worker Salary Ranking
#27 of 50 statesfor Pest Control Worker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Colorado | $50,450 |
| #2 | Washington | $50,190 |
| #3 | Maine | $49,940 |
| #4 | North Dakota | $48,840 |
| #5 | New Hampshire | $48,750 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pest Control Worker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $43,870 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $38,250 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $44,180 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $37,530 | Varies by state board | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $43,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1 month |
| Alabama | $40,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $37,620 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $37,240 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $38,570 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Agriculture • Tennessee Pest Control Board
"P O Box 40627, Melrose Station", Na, 000TN-7204
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $85,580 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $47,460 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $49,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $59,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pest Control Worker in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Pest Control Workers in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Pest Control Workers.
What education do you need to become a Pest Control Worker in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Pest Control Worker licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Pest Control Worker salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Pest Control Workers in Tennessee is $43,870. Salaries range from $29,460 (10th percentile) to $65,050 (90th percentile).
How does the Pest Control Worker salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Pest Control Workers in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $44,730, with a state median of $43,870.
How many Pest Control Workers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 2,930 Pest Control Workers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pest Control Worker license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Pest Control Workers in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Agriculture / Tennessee Pest Control Board. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Pest Control Worker license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.