Also called: Port Fumigation Technician, Commodity Fumigator
Seals imported cargo like fruit, logs and grain under tarps and fills it with gas to kill hidden insects.
At the port, the fumigator crew drapes huge tarps over pallets of grapes or stacks of logs, seals the edges with sand snakes, and releases a fumigant gas. They wear respirators and gas monitors, post warning signs, and later air out the cargo and test that it is safe. USDA inspectors check the paperwork.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school plus a state pesticide applicator license in the fumigation category.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Growing about average. Tied to imports of fresh fruit and timber.
Low risk for 10 years. Gas sensors are getting smarter, but tarping cargo and handling fumigants stays manual.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to fumigation companies as a technician trainee; they prepare you for the state exam First: State pesticide applicator license (fumigation) and TWIC
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Health.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.