Sprayers & Applicators
Description OES Code: 79036
Spray herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides on trees, shrubs, and lawns using hoses and truck-mounted tank. Fill sprayer tank with water and chemicals according to prescribed formula. May use portable spray equipment.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.23
25th Percentile $9.02
50th Percentile $11.56
75th Percentile $15.21

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Many of the substances used to treat plants are poisonous, and some can cause skin damage.

Advancement
Since this job requires a relatively high level of knowledge and training, it can lead to a supervisory position, such as crew leader. With some training in business management, and good communication skills, an experienced sprayer/applicator can successfully start his/her own business.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Sprayers/applicators may find employment in the following industries: Field Crops, Except Cash Grains; Vegetables and Melons; Fruits and Tree Nuts; Horticultural Specialties; General Farms, Primarily Crop; Landscape and Horticultural Services; Forestry Services; Misc. Nondurable; Executive and Legislative Combined.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Many of the skills used by sprayers/applicators can be learned on-the-job, but most states require certification for workers who apply pesticides. Applicants must take a test on safe handling and disposal of the potentially dangerous chemicals used.

Skills & Other Requirements
The following are among the skills used by sprayers/applicators: Apply Hazardous Materials Information; Apply Irrigation Techniques; Apply Plant Disease Control Techniques; Identify Crop Characteristics; Operate Tractors; Recognize Crops/Food Products; Use Characteristics Of Pesticides, Etc.

References
Oregon Labor Market Information System Occupational Information Center

Related Occupations: Gardeners, Greenhouse & Nursery Workers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)