Going Pest: A Booming Career with Jan Kortenbusch
- Author: Frank Donovitz
- Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
Exterminator expressions: "Daily pursuits - ensuring safety and comfort for others" - Day-to-day pest extermination: "Spending the whole day tracking down unwanted critters - aiding society"
Personal: Jan Kortenbusch, 25, certified pest exterminator
Monthly Gross Income: 4500 EuroMonthly Net Income: 3320 Euro
As an agricultural service technician with a journeyman's certificate, I realized I wanted something different. My uncle, a pest controller, convinced me that his line of work was top-notch: "You're on the hunt all day, and you help people." Unfamiliar with the job, I gave it a shot.
Climbing the Pest Control Ladder
Thanks to a six-week retraining course, I became a certified pest controller, or "chamber hunter" in layman's terms. I started with a company active across North Rhine-Westphalia and recently became a co-owner of our branch office in Olfen, Münsterland. My service area extends from Koblenz to Bremen and even includes Holland's western territories. Our original team has expanded to 16 employees, a thriving, talented crew I never thought possible at the outset. Week after week, I experience new, exciting situations.
You can enter this profession through IHK training or retraining. Strong advancement opportunities await, such as serving as a service manager, quality manager, or earning a technical or environmental protection specialist certificate. The field is not brimming with job seekers, likely due to our robust social media presence. Our business is growing steadily.
Heroes in the Fight Against Unwanted Guests
We fight against rats, mice, martens (out of season), insect infestations, bedbugs, and more. We also offer pigeon deterrence, pest monitoring, and prevention, employing the latest scientific methods and equipment. Customers are ecstatic when we're gone but also grateful—it's exciting and fulfilling work! You'll find new adventures on the road and engage in diverse customer interactions, bringing security and trust back to infested areas.
My workweek totals 40 hours, occasionally extending or shortening depending on client needs. My income is more than satisfactory, enabling me to enjoy dining out or buying gifts for loved ones. I still operate the family farm where I reside as a side job, setting aside 500 euros monthly for private pension insurance invested worldwide in stocks.
High fuel prices are a burden as I drive 70,000 km annually. Yet, our clients depend on us, often urgently.
Hint: Jan Kortenbusch appears in the show "What does Germany earn," airing on RTL on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 8:15 PM. Stern is part of RTL Germany.
- Occupation: Pest Exterminator
- Career Path: Cash Check, Income Prospects
Insights:
- The income potential for pest controllers in Germany ranges from €35,000 to €60,000 annually, depending on the specific role and years of experience [1].
- Career advancement opportunities include specialization, leadership roles, industry diversification, entrepreneurship, and further education [1][4].
- The pest control field in Germany offers both financial stability and opportunities for professional growth for those who invest in ongoing education and specialization [1].
[1] Jobs in Germany: www.jobin.de/knowledge/pest-control-deutschland
[4] LinkedIn Job Posting: de.linkedin.com/jobs/national-sales-manager-for-facilities-management-solutions
In his pursuit of a career change, Jan Kortenbusch, a pest exterminator, utilized vocational training to transition into the field. His passion for this work stems not only from its scientific aspects but also from the positive impact it has on the community and workplace-wellness, as demonstrated by his dedication to health-and-wellness initiatives in terms of pest control.
