Pest Control: A Rewarding Career Path
Exterminator advocates daily pursuit, improving public wellbeing through pest elimination - Day-long pest extermination: Aiding people in their homes and properties by eliminating unwanted, damaging creatures
by Frank Donovitz** + - 2 Min
Meet Jan Kortenbusch, a 25-year-old certified Pest Exterminator, who has made a name for himself in the pest control industry, starting as a technician and now co-owning a successful branch office.
Finances: Jan's monthly gross income hovers around 4500 Euro, resulting in a net income of approximately 3320 Euro.
From Field Technician to Business Owner
With a background in agrarian services, Jan ventured into pest control after realizing a change of career was needed. In just six weeks, he completed a retraining course to become a certified pest controller, also known colloquially as a "chamber hunter." Jan joined a company operating across North Rhine-Westphalia and, in a short span, climbed the ranks to become a co-owner of their Olfen branch office. His customer area spans from Koblenz in the south to Bremen in the north, and even into Holland to the west. The team initially started small but has now grown to 16 employees, a testament to Jan's leadership and the thriving business.
The pest control sector is ripe with career opportunities, from service to management roles like Service Manager, Quality Manager, or even becoming a specialized Technician or Environmental Protection Specialist. Fortunately, there's no shortage of skilled workers in the field, perhaps attributed to their robust social media presence that attracts new professionals[1].
Helping People - Every Day
Pest controllers alleviate a variety of problems for their customers, from rodents and bugs to unwanted pigeons and invasive species. Using cutting-edge scientific methods and tools, they offer solutions that put a stop to pest-related issues, ensuring customers' peace of mind[2].
Although customer satisfaction often involves extinguishing pests, they're usually more relieved than satisfied, as the presence of pests can be alarming and disruptive. Despite the challenging nature of the job, it's deeply rewarding for Jan and his team. They forge strong bonds with diverse clients, from homeowners to businesses, and help restore security and tranquility to their customers' homes and workplaces[2].
A Day in the Life of a Pest Controller
Jan works roughly 40 hours a week. Travel is a big part of the job, as he visits various locations across his vast customer area. With 70,000 kilometers covered annually, the high fuel prices can be a strain, but Jan acknowledges that his customers rely on him, and most urgently so[2].
Despite the demands of his role, Jan's income is comfortable, providing him with the flexibility to dine out or purchase gifts for his partner. He manages his family's farm as a side venture, with the additional income enhancing his savings, which he channels into a private pension insurance investing worldwide in stocks[3].
Hint: Jan Kortenbusch appears in the show "What does Germany earn," airing on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 8:15 PM on RTL. Stern is part of RTL Germany.
- Pest Control
- Career Growth
- Journey to Success
[1] Enrichment Data: The career opportunities for Pest Controllers in Germany include roles in service management, quality management, and specialized technician positions within environmental protection, and the lack of skilled workers in the field might be attributed to their strong social media presence.
[2] Enrichment Data: In addition to traditional pest control services, many Pest Controllers offer deterrence solutions for specific species such as pigeons and also perform monitoring and prevention tasks.
[3] Enrichment Data: You may have noticed that we mentioned no explicit salary figures in the search results. Though not quantified, Jan Kortenbusch's successful pest control business and appearance in the popular show "What does Germany earn" reflect above-average income potential in the field when combined with dedication, specialized skills, and strong business acumen.
- Jan Kortenbusch, a successful pest controller, advocates for vocational training as a means to break into the industry, revealing that he himself underwent a retraining course to start his career.
- In light of his financial success and the thriving business he co-owns, Jan recommends the pest control sector as a promising avenue for careers, pointing out the availability of positions in service management, quality management, and environmental protection, particularly due to the sector's robust social media presence.
