Job Outlook: Overview of the Mold-Related Services Industry

What is Mold?

We're confident that you've seen mold growing on old fruit or bread at some point in your life. Mold is a broad name for several fungi that grow in damp, dark locations.

• They have names like Aspergillus and Fusarium.
• Not all molds are harmful in all situations.
• For instance, penicillium is grown and harvested in labs to create the antibiotic penicillin, which has been saving lives since the 1940s.

That said, mold spores in a domestic setting can cause illness and severe respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis — and that's why it's so important to remove mold where it’s found.

Where Is the Mold Services Industry in the United States?

Mold likes to grow in dark, warm, and moist conditions. It often crops up after windstorm weather catastrophes like hurricanes, so it makes sense that the states with the biggest mold problems include southern states like Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. Southern California is especially known for severe mold problems, thanks to its continual warm temperatures and ocean humidity.

Interestingly, there's been an upswing in mold issues in Nevada, as well! We assume the mold spores on lumber or wood structural building components are the cause because the Nevada desert isn't an optimum habitat for mold.

Mold inspection and mold remediation services can be profitable endeavors once you're certified. You'll need to spend some capital on advertising and building relationships with the right people in your area.

With that being said, it’s difficult to quantify what a mold business is worth in 2021 because much of your success will depend on how you run your business and how well you network with key contacts.

Your key contacts will likely include:

• Insurance agents and claims adjusters who refer you to property owners after a loss
• Real estate agents and home inspectors
• Local Chambers of Commerce

The goal is to network with professionals who have business partnerships with homeowners and commercial real estate investors.

How Much do Mold/ Hazardous Materials Removal Techs Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level mold removal techs and entry-level inspectors who work with an established remediation company start at about $17.00/ hour or $34,000 yearly.

Note, however, that this low number doesn't truly reflect real-world wages because so many contractors who earn this certification make a lot more money. And, of course, additional experience and certification can lead to better wages over time.

• Education requirements are minimal. You only need a high school diploma or equivalent education to sign up for class.

And, mold services certification is an excellent addition to your resume if you'd like to be your own boss someday!

Moving Forward with Mold-Related Services Professional Certification

You don't need any special education or experience to get certified in the mold-related services industry. The team of instructors at Contractor Training Center can answer your questions about mold services certification today. Visit our Mold Services Professional Certification page to get started!

Related Reading & Resources:

Realtimelab.com: Mold Statistics and Facts — 2021