Cash Check: A Day in the Life of a Pest Controller - Helping While Making a Living
- Personal: Jan Kortenbusch, a 25-year-old certified Pest Controller and co-owner of a branch office in Olfen, Münsterland
- Monthly gross income: 4500 EuroMonthly net income: 3320 Euro
Day-to-Day Pest Exterminator: 'It's a full day chase - and aiding people' - Day-to-Day Pest Extermination: "Spending long hours in the field, aiding folks in getting rid of unwanted critters"
From Career Changer to Business Leader
After transforming into a certified pest controller, Jan Kortenbusch took a leap and landed a job with a company active across North Rhine-Westphalia. To his surprise, he found success and became a co-owner of the Olfen branch, overseeing a team of 16 employees.
From Helping to Leading
As a Pest Controller, Jan helps combat various pest issues—rats, mice, martens, insects, bed bugs, and even pigeon management. The job isn't just about exterminating pests, but also providing pest monitoring and prevention services. Through the latest scientific methods and equipment, Jan ensures a healthier, more secure living and working environment.
In Need and Beyond
Customers may initially be bothered by Jan's presence at first, but soon find comfort in the security and trust he brings by resolving their pest problems. The job doesn't just happen within penthouse apartments; it takes Jan to the heart of consumer homes and businesses, offering a unique perspective into people's lives and habits.
Work-Life Balance
Jan's workweek is 40 hours, with flexibility in hours. He's able to save 500 Euros monthly for retirement through a private pension plan and maintain his family's farm as a side hustle. The rising fuel prices are a concern, given the 70,000 kilometers he travels yearly, but his customers depend on him, even in emergencies.
Jan's story will be featured on "What does Germany earn," airing on RTL on May 15, 2025, at 8:15 PM.
- Pest Controller
- Career Advancement
- Income Opportunities
Enrichment Data:
The career path for a Pest Controller in Germany follows from entry-level technician roles to management, specialized, and sales positions. Initial roles involve hands-on pest control tasks and rapidly building technical knowledge. With experience, pest controllers can lead teams and engage in sales or customer management, then progress to managerial roles or niche areas like regulatory affairs or scientific research. Opportunities for advancement increase income potential significantly.
[1] Ecolab Careers: https://www.ecolab.com/en-us/careers[2] Pest Control Manager: https://verisure.be/nl/careers/jobs/pest-control-technician-jobs[3] Global Regulatory Manager: https://www.ecolab.com/en-us/careers/jobs/275342-jp-en-global-regulatory-manager-croatia-hr[5] Service Specialist: https://verisure.be/nl/careers/jobs/service-specialist-jobs
- Jan Kortenbusch, the co-owner of a pest control branch office, follows community policies and advocates for workplace wellness, emphasizing health-and-wellness, through vocational training and up-to-date scientific methods in his work.
- As a pest controller, Jan Kortenbusch seeks career advancement opportunities, exploring potential roles like pest control management, scientific research, or regulatory affairs, which can provide income opportunities and contribute to vocational training in the field of science and health-and-wellness in the workplace.
