Last Updated: April 25, 2026
Quick Answer: Orkin, Terminix, and TruGreen are the largest home services employers in the United States. Pest control technicians earn $16–$22/hr; lawn care specialists earn $14–$20/hr; cleaning team members earn $13–$18/hr; and restoration technicians earn $17–$25/hr. Most positions provide a company vehicle, paid training, and state licensing support. No prior experience is required for most entry-level roles.
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The home services industry encompasses pest control, lawn care and landscaping, residential and commercial cleaning, property restoration, moving services, and facility maintenance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, building and grounds maintenance occupations employ over 6 million workers nationwide, with projected growth of 6% through the coming decade.
Home services is an ideal sector for workers who prefer being on the road rather than behind a desk. Most positions are route-based – you drive a company vehicle to customer locations throughout the day with minimal direct supervision. Major employers like Orkin, Terminix, and TruGreen provide the vehicle, fuel, tools, and product inventory at no cost to the employee.
Entry barriers are low: most home services companies hire with no prior experience and provide full paid training, including support for required state licensing (pest control, lawn chemical application). Career advancement moves from technician to senior technician to branch manager, with many companies offering uncapped commission structures that reward high performers with earnings well above base pay.
Home Services Companies
Compare Home Services Employers
| Employer | Service Type | Entry Pay | Company Vehicle | Licensing Support | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orkin | Pest Control | $16–$22/hr + commission | Yes | Full state licensing paid | Mon–Sat routes |
| Terminix | Pest/Termite | $16–$22/hr + commission | Yes | Full licensing paid | Mon–Sat routes |
| TruGreen | Lawn Care | $14–$20/hr + commission | Yes | Applicator license paid | Seasonal + year-round |
| Servpro | Restoration | $15–$22/hr | Fleet vehicles | IICRC cert paid | On-call for emergencies |
| BrightView | Landscaping | $15–$22/hr | Fleet trucks | Pesticide applicator paid | Mon–Fri, seasonal OT |
| Cintas | Facility Services | $17–$25/hr | Route vehicle | N/A | Mon–Fri routes |
| ABM Industries | Facility Mgmt | $14–$22/hr | Some roles | Trade certs supported | Various shifts |
| Merry Maids | Cleaning | $13–$17/hr | Team vehicle | N/A | Mon–Fri daytime |
What to Expect from Home Services Applications
Licensing requirements: Pest control technicians must obtain a state-issued pest control license, which typically requires completing a training program and passing a state exam. Major employers like Orkin and Terminix provide full paid training and cover exam fees. Lawn care chemical applicators need a state pesticide applicator license. Restoration technicians benefit from IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). Cleaning and moving positions generally require no special licensing.
Company vehicle and route-based work: Most pest control, lawn care, and facility services positions provide a company vehicle for daily routes. This eliminates commuting costs and vehicle wear. Routes are assigned based on geographic territory, and you typically start your day by driving directly to your first service call. Route-based work means you manage your own schedule between appointments with minimal direct supervision throughout the day.
Physical demands: Home services work is physically active. Pest control technicians carry spray equipment (up to 50 pounds) and work in crawl spaces, attics, and basements. Lawn care involves operating mowers, trimmers, and chemical application equipment in outdoor heat. Cleaning roles require sustained physical activity including bending, lifting, and standing for full shifts. Restoration work can involve demolition, heavy lifting, and working in water-damaged or fire-damaged structures. Candidates should be comfortable with sustained physical activity.
Commission and bonus structures: Pest control and lawn care companies typically offer base pay plus commission on service upsells and new customer sign-ups. Top-performing pest control technicians at Orkin and Terminix regularly earn $50,000 to $65,000 per year including commission. TruGreen lawn specialists earn seasonal bonuses based on customer retention. Route sales roles at Cintas combine salary with commission on uniform and supply contracts. This performance-based pay rewards hard work and customer service skills.
Career advancement: Home services offers a well-defined management track. Pest control technicians advance to senior technician, branch service manager, and branch manager. Lawn care specialists move to crew leader, branch supervisor, and area manager. Cleaning franchise workers advance from team member to team leader to office manager. Branch managers at Orkin, Terminix, and TruGreen typically earn $60,000 to $90,000 per year. Some franchise models also allow experienced employees to purchase their own franchise territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do home services companies hire with no experience?
Yes, the majority of home services companies hire entry-level workers with no prior experience. Orkin, Terminix, TruGreen, Servpro, Merry Maids, and Stanley Steemer all provide complete paid training programs for new hires. Pest control companies handle all state licensing requirements and costs. The primary requirements are a valid driver license, ability to pass a background check, and willingness to learn. Prior customer service experience is helpful but not mandatory.
Do pest control technicians need a license?
Yes, pest control technicians must obtain a state-issued pest control license to apply pesticides commercially. However, employers handle this process entirely. Companies like Orkin and Terminix provide a structured training program, study materials, and cover the exam fees. New technicians typically work under a licensed supervisor during training and obtain their own license within 30 to 90 days of hire. The specific requirements vary by state.
Is a company vehicle included with home services jobs?
Most pest control, lawn care, and facility services employers provide a company vehicle at no cost to the employee. Orkin, Terminix, TruGreen, Cintas, and BrightView all supply branded service vehicles with fuel paid by the company. Cleaning franchise employees typically ride in team vehicles provided by the franchise. This is a significant financial benefit that eliminates the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance for work-related driving.
How much do pest control technicians earn?
Pest control technicians earn $16 to $22 per hour in base pay at major companies, with total compensation of $40,000 to $65,000 per year when including commission and bonuses. Commission is earned on service upsells, new customer sign-ups, and contract renewals. Top-performing technicians at Orkin and Terminix consistently earn at the upper end of that range. Senior technicians and route managers earn $55,000 to $75,000. Branch managers earn $60,000 to $90,000 per year.
What schedule do home services workers have?
Most route-based home services positions work Monday through Friday with some Saturday availability. Pest control and lawn care routes typically start between 7:00 and 8:00 AM and end between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Cleaning companies like Merry Maids and Cleaning Authority work exclusively daytime weekday hours with no evening or weekend requirements. Restoration companies like Servpro and Belfor include on-call rotations for emergency response to fires, floods, and storms, which can include nights and weekends.
Are home services jobs seasonal or year-round?
Pest control and facility services positions are year-round with consistent demand. Lawn care and landscaping have seasonal patterns, with peak demand from spring through fall in most regions and reduced winter schedules in northern states. Companies like TruGreen maintain core year-round staff and supplement with seasonal hires. Cleaning services operate year-round. Restoration work is event-driven and unpredictable but consistent enough for year-round employment at major companies like Servpro and Belfor.
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