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Custom Applicator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Custom Applicator - Farming Requisition ID: 31906 Location: Wayland, MI, USA, 49348 Workplace Type: On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ...

Custom Applicator - Agriculture Requisition ID: 31645 Location: Wayland, MI, USA, 49348 Workplace Type: On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ...

Spray Driver and Custom Applicator Requisition ID: 33362 Location: Linwood, MI, USA, 48634 Workplace Type: On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of ...

Upon annual performance evaluations, this position could lead to a Professional Custom Applicator. Duties and Responsibilities: * Provides quality application of crop protection, fertilizer products ...

CDL Spray Driver and Custom Applicator

Owendale, MI · On-site

$1.1K - $1.5K/wk

CDL Spray Driver and Custom Applicator Requisition ID: 32329 Location: Owendale, MI, USA, 48754 Workplace Type: On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider ...

Painter

Cascade, MI · On-site

$700 - $1.0K/wk

Custom mobile app to book appointments and communicate with others * Marketing support to assist in ... Paints using brush, roller, spray gun or other applicator. Prepares wall and hangs paper or other ...

Painter

Lake Orion, MI · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Custom mobile app to book appointments and communicate with others * Marketing support to assist in ... Paints using brush, roller, spray gun or other applicator. Prepares wall and hangs paper or other ...

Custom Applicator information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do custom applicator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for custom applicator in Michigan is $17.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a custom applicator?

A Custom Applicator is responsible for applying fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural products to fields according to customer specifications and environmental regulations. They operate and maintain specialized equipment, ensuring precise and efficient application. This role requires knowledge of safety procedures, equipment calibration, and chemical handling. Custom Applicators often work seasonally with long hours during peak planting and growing seasons.

What does a custom applicator do?

A typical day as a Custom Applicator involves loading and operating specialized application equipment to deliver fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides to customer fields according to prescribed rates. You’ll spend significant time outdoors, monitor weather and application conditions, and maintain thorough records of applications for compliance. Additionally, you may work closely with agronomists, sales staff, and clients to ensure proper application and address any field-specific needs. While peak seasons can require extended hours, the role offers variety and the satisfaction of directly supporting agricultural production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the custom applicator position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Custom Applicator, you need a solid understanding of crop science, chemical application techniques, and safety standards, often supported by a commercial pesticide applicator license or certification. Familiarity with precision agriculture technology, GPS-guided equipment, and application record-keeping systems is vital. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively manage schedules and interact with clients and team members. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate application of products to support customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

How much do custom applicators make?

Custom applicators typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced applicators with specialized skills or licenses can earn higher wages, and some may receive benefits or overtime pay based on their work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Custom Applicator jobs in Michigan?

For Custom Applicator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Custom Applicator jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Custom Applicator jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Custom Applicator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,684 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Duties include but are not limited to the following:
  • Prepare equipment and crop protection for application, ensuring that all equipment is clean and in good working order and that crop protection is mixed according to product labels.
  • Apply crop protection to crops and fields using specialized application equipment.
  • Use GPS and other technology to ensure precise application
  • Follow all safety procedures to minimize the risk of accidents or exposure to crop protection products.
  • Monitor the application process to ensure that fertilizers and crop protection are being applied at the correct rate and that the equipment is functioning properly. Adjust application rates or equipment settings as needed to achieve the desired results.
  • Maintain detailed records of all applications
    • types and quantities of materials
    • the dates and times of application
    • any observations or notes about the conditions or results of the application.
    • note environmental conditions, field conditions, wind, etc.
  • Maintain equipment in good working order, performing routine maintenance and repairs as needed. Coordinate with mechanics or other professionals to perform more complex repairs or upgrades.
  • Follow all safety procedures, including wearing protective equipment and ensuring that fertilizer and crop protection is stored and handled safely. Participate in safety training or other programs to improve knowledge of safe handling practices.
  • Communicates with customers and supervisor/agronomy consultant to discuss application plans and to ensure that they are satisfied with the results of applications.
  • Assist in other Elevator Operations as needed during down time or off season.

Minimum Requirements
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • CDL license preferred, but not required
  • 2 to 3 years experience preferred, or related field or ability to learn
  • Willingness to work weekdays as long as required and weekends as required
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification

Skills and abilities
  • Strong mechanical and technical skills preferred
  • Knowledge of agricultural crop protection and equipment
  • Communication skills
  • Problem Solving skill
    • Able to adapt quickly in many different situations (customer requests, weather, etc)

Physical Demands
Physically able to perform all requirements including but not limited to:
  • Ability to walk stairs and climb up/down and in and around equipment and facility
  • Standing and walking for several hours for an extended period of time
  • General cleaning and housekeeping
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to:
  • Occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles
  • Noise level is moderate

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.