Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Pesticide Handlers:
49.6%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
High
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
Most data sources align, with only minor variation. This is a well-supported result.
AI Resilience Report forPesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
$46,340 median salary•3,300 annual openings•SOC Code: 37-3012.00
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 6 sources.
This career is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because AI is genuinely changing parts of the job, like route planning, record keeping, and weed mapping, but it cannot replace the licensed human who mixes chemicals, makes judgment calls near water or wildlife, and takes legal responsibility for every application. Tools like smart spray systems and AI-assisted drones are becoming more common, and workers who learn to use them will have a real advantage over those who don't.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
This career is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because AI is genuinely changing parts of the job, like route planning, record keeping, and weed mapping, but it cannot replace the licensed human who mixes chemicals, makes judgment calls near water or wildlife, and takes legal responsibility for every application. Tools like smart spray systems and AI-assisted drones are becoming more common, and workers who learn to use them will have a real advantage over those who don't.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Pesticide Handlers
Updated quarterly
How can Pesticide Handlers prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Pesticide Handlers
These articles highlight the evolving role of AI in the field of pesticide handling and application. For example, drone technology is increasingly used for spraying, which may reduce the demand for human sprayers. However, the risk of job loss is minimal, as hands-on tasks remain vital. The insights suggest that while AI will change some aspects of the job, many roles will still require human expertise, especially in diagnostics. This indicates a need for resilience and adaptability in your career, embracing technology while honing traditional skills.
Will AI Replace Pesticide Handler, Sprayer, and Applicator ...
jobzonerisk.com • 9/20/2026
AI adoption in vegetation management directly reduces the need for human handlers and sprayers. Drone spraying platforms perform the application work ...
Will AI Replace Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators ...
canaireplacemyjob.com • 9/20/2026
Aug 20, 2026 — Explore the 30% modeled AI task exposure for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation, not a prediction of certain job loss. ...
Pesticide Handlers: AI Job Risk & Exposure
aijobriskcheck.com • 9/20/2026
Jul 30, 2026 — Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators face minimal AI exposure. Most hands-on tasks remain safe, though diagnostic work may see some ...
More Career Info
Career: Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
They protect plants by safely applying chemicals to control pests and diseases, ensuring crops and landscapes stay healthy.
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Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$46,340
Jobs (2025)
25,700
Growth (2025-35)
+3.9%
Annual Openings
3,300
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Plant grass with seed spreaders, and operate straw blowers to cover seeded areas with mixtures of asphalt and straw.
2
Connect hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities.
3
Lift, push, and swing nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.
4
Clean or service machinery to ensure operating efficiency, using water, gasoline, lubricants, or hand tools.
5
Cover areas to specified depths with pesticides, applying knowledge of weather conditions, droplet sizes, elevation-to-distance ratios, and obstructions.
6
Mix pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for application to trees, shrubs, lawns, or botanical crops.
7
Fill sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
