Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

SOC Code: 37-3012

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetations mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 90.0/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Active Listening, Time Management, Critical Thinking.

AI-Proof Score: 90.0Very High
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Median Salary

$45,200

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Job Growth

3.8%

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Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

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Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

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Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Time Management
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Coordination
  • Complex Problem Solving

Common 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.

Why AI-Proof?

  • Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
  • Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
  • Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
  • Social and regulatory barriers to full automation
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation — AI-Proof Careers