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Agricultural Sprayer

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AVG. SALARY

$45,170

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EDUCATION

No standard requirement

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation Career Video

Insider Info

Using aircraft is a fast and efficient way of spreading pesticides that causes no damage to soils or crops. Speed can be important in this business because certain pests and infestations can spread through entire crops in days.

This method of aerial distribution is also used for seeding rice and wheat, fighting forest and grass fires and controlling mosquito populations.

In 1921, John A. Macready loaded a plane with lead arsenate and flew over trees in Ohio that were infected with moth larvae. He released the dust, helped save the trees, and began a long history of using aircraft to apply pesticides and fertilizers to crops.

Crop sprayers must be excellent pilots with great coordination and concentration. While they are flying over fields, in either airplanes or helicopters, they must also follow instrumentation to maintain accurate positioning.

They must be aware of wind speed, be able to start and stop sprays, and watch for obstacles such as high wires and buildings.

Plus, crop sprayers often don't have accessible runways. That makes landing and takeoff more difficult.

Crop sprayers are licensed pilots who have training in pesticide application. They can work for others or run their own crop-dusting business.

Crop sprayers can only fly when weather conditions are good and there is no wind. "That means you can have to wait out the rain for a few days, or you might work long hours to get a job done," says Donald Wander. He is a crop sprayer in Minnesota.

In busy seasons, crop sprayers may work long hours. But they may not work at all during the winter.

Flying doesn't take much physical strength. But it can be mentally stressful, especially during landing and takeoff. Pilots must be in good physical condition, have 20-20 eyesight with or without glasses and have good hearing.

Crop sprayers may be exposed to toxic chemicals. Special precautions may need to be taken.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Spray pesticides from the air

  • You have to be careful around toxic chemicals
  • Crop sprayers need great coordination and concentration
  • You have to be a licensed pilot

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support