Not to be confused with pest control workers (a.k.a. the Roach Guys), pesticide scientists research and implement chemical methods of keeping our crops bug-free. Most pesticide researchers have a background in biology, chemistry, or sometimes biochemistry, and work for agricultural companies like Dow Chemical or Bayer (a German company whose share of the pesticide manufacturing biz nearly doubles that of Dow or the infamous Monsanto) (source).

 

"Don't worry about it. It's good money." (Source)

In case you haven't noticed, there's been a bit of conflict surrounding the subject of pesticides over the past several decades, and not without good reason. That stuff is poison after all. There are numerous articles and videos warning consumers about the dangers of pesticide treatments. It's a fact that pesticide manufacturers have employed some shady tactics to get their way, but it's also a fact that there's money to be made. Like, billions, actually.

Of course, if you possess the expertise but have, let's say, ethical qualms about putting harsh chemicals in food for a living, you could always try to join the other side. The EPA employs a small number of pesticide scientists who work to make our food supply safer. 

If you spend your time researching the dangers of pesticides, as opposed to just the benefits, you could stay in the right and fight the good fight...at a reduced salary, probably. But at least you'll feel better about it. Incidentally, the average pesticide scientist salary starts around $40,000 "per annum," as the Latins would say. (That means per year.)

The lifestyle of a pesticide scientist hovers from middle to upper-middle class, depending on background. Pesticide scientists with a focus in biology or the physical sciences (most likely chemistry) earn $25,000 to $30,000 more annually (source). 

Some pesticide research contributors also specialize in entomology. That's a fancy term for bug science. Ultimately, college is a good call here―you might even consider grad school or a PhD from a good agriculture/life sciences/chemistry program.

As far as the day-to-day, pesticide scientists may spend their time doing the white-labcoat, look-through-microscopes-and-rub-their-chins-while-holding-a-clipboard thing, as well as communicating with their bosses and coworkers to accomplish goals as a team. This means social skills and writing are necessary in addition to some serious science chops.

Pesticide scientists may end up finding themselves working in the lab for a private company, contributing to research for regulatory agencies or environmental organizations, or teaching and doing research at a prestigious university. 

As their careers progress, they tend to experience an upward trajectory in salary. The more experience you get, the more valuable your time, and ultimately, the more employable (and sought out) you become.

 

This thing is terrifying, how do we kill it? (Source)

It's tough to predict the future of this industry due to the sheer amount of controversy and confusion that surrounds it, but as long as we have the need for efficient pest-killers (that hopefully don't affect too many people's health severely), we'll have pesticide scientists. Between the development of newer and better pesticides, and the thorough study of the ones we already have, it's a pretty important job.

The ethical stuff doesn't have to keep you up at night; especially if you don't care about it...or, you know, if you develop safer pesticides to use.

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