SOC 37-3012
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ46/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ25,200
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$45K
$35K โ $59K
Projected Growth
๐+3.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค27/100
Low exposure
๐ก Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation face a risk score of 46/100 โ 2 points above the national average of 44. With only 27/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $45K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like remote monitoring reducing on-site maintenance staff are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 25,200 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in hands-on troubleshooting of building systems and judgment calls on repair vs. replacement decisions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Remote monitoring reducing on-site maintenance staff
Robotic cleaning and facility maintenance systems
IoT-based predictive maintenance scheduling
AI-driven building management and energy optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Hands-on troubleshooting of building systems
Judgment calls on repair vs. replacement decisions
Physical work in diverse and unstructured environments
Tenant and occupant relationship management
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Data base user interface and query software
Web page creation and editing software
Geographic information system
Operating system software
Inventory management software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
Biology
Production and Processing
English Language
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 67% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 28 | $93K | 61% |
| Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers | 36 | $50K | 80% |