Pest Control License Cost Rankings

All states ranked by total initial licensing cost for pest controls. Find the cheapest and most expensive states to get licensed.

Pest control licensing costs are moderate and regulated at both the state and federal level due to the chemicals and restricted-use pesticides involved. Every state requires pest control operators to be licensed, and the process typically involves both an exam and proof of insurance. Budget for these initial fees plus annual renewal and continuing education.

Cheapest State

Mississippi

$205 total

Most Expensive

Hawaii

$400 total

National Average

$264

50 states require license

State-by-State Pest Control License Costs

Rank	State	Application	License	Exam	Total Cost
1	Mississippi	$45	$100	$60	$205
2	Arkansas	$50	$100	$65	$215
3	West Virginia	$50	$100	$65	$215
4	Alabama	$50	$105	$65	$220
5	Kansas	$50	$105	$65	$220
6	Kentucky	$50	$105	$65	$220
7	Oklahoma	$50	$105	$65	$220
8	Iowa	$50	$105	$70	$225
9	Missouri	$50	$105	$70	$225
10	Indiana	$50	$110	$70	$230
11	Louisiana	$50	$110	$70	$230
12	Nebraska	$50	$110	$70	$230
13	South Dakota	$50	$110	$70	$230
14	Tennessee	$50	$110	$70	$230
15	Idaho	$55	$110	$70	$235
16	New Mexico	$55	$110	$70	$235
17	Ohio	$55	$110	$70	$235
18	South Carolina	$55	$110	$70	$235
19	Georgia	$55	$115	$70	$240
20	Michigan	$55	$115	$70	$240
21	North Dakota	$55	$115	$70	$240
22	Wisconsin	$55	$115	$70	$240
23	Wyoming	$55	$115	$70	$240
24	Montana	$55	$115	$75	$245
25	North Carolina	$55	$115	$75	$245
26	Texas	$55	$115	$75	$245
27	Arizona	$55	$120	$75	$250
28	Utah	$55	$120	$75	$250
29	Florida	$60	$125	$80	$265
30	Minnesota	$60	$125	$80	$265
31	Pennsylvania	$60	$125	$80	$265
32	Maine	$60	$130	$80	$270
33	Delaware	$65	$130	$85	$280
34	Illinois	$65	$130	$85	$280
35	Nevada	$65	$130	$85	$280
36	Vermont	$65	$130	$85	$280
37	Virginia	$65	$130	$85	$280
38	Rhode Island	$65	$135	$85	$285
39	Colorado	$65	$140	$90	$295
40	New Hampshire	$65	$140	$90	$295
41	Oregon	$65	$140	$90	$295
42	Maryland	$70	$145	$90	$305
43	Washington	$70	$145	$90	$305
44	Connecticut	$70	$150	$95	$315
45	Alaska	$75	$155	$100	$330
46	New Jersey	$75	$155	$100	$330
47	Massachusetts	$80	$165	$105	$350
48	New York	$80	$170	$110	$360
49	California	$85	$175	$110	$370
50	Hawaii	$90	$190	$120	$400

What Affects Pest Control License Costs?

Pest control licensing is unique in that it falls under agricultural or environmental agencies in most states rather than contractor licensing boards. Different pest control categories (general pest, termite, fumigation, wildlife) often require separate certifications. States with significant termite activity, like those in the Southeast, tend to have the most detailed licensing structures.

Key Takeaways

The cheapest state is Mississippi at $205, while the most expensive is Hawaii at $400.
The national average is $264 and the median cost is $245.
These costs are initial licensing fees only — budget separately for surety bonds, insurance, and continuing education.

Costs shown are estimated initial licensing costs only. Actual fees may vary. Renewal fees, insurance, and bond costs are not included. Data last verified January 2026.