Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures.
Common Job Titles
- Blast Hole Driller
- Blaster
- Explosive Technician
- Powderman
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate blast site conditions and structural characteristics in demolition and excavation environments, following regulatory safety standards.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform explosive placement and detonation procedures using blasting machines and detonators, adhering to strict safety protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate drilling equipment and blast hole preparation tools including rotary drills and pneumatic equipment, in field environments.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess compliance with explosives handling and storage regulations through systematic inspection and documentation procedures.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate site clearance and evacuation protocols communicating with site personnel and using warning systems to ensure safety zones.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate safety-first principles with operational efficiency goals when making time-sensitive decisions under hazardous conditions.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate ordnance handling safety standards and regulatory compliance when training team members and coordinating with site supervisors.Proficient
- KnowledgePlan multi-stage blasting operations and resource allocation coordinating personnel, equipment, and scheduling to meet project timelines.Proficient
- KnowledgeCalculate explosive charges and blast patterns based on material properties and desired displacement outcomes, using mathematical and physics principles.Developing
- Hands-onExecute electrical circuit testing and detonation system setup using galvanometers, ohmmeters, and remote firing devices to verify blast readiness.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze post-blast results and seismic data to optimize future blast designs and minimize unintended structural impact.Developing
- Hands-onHandle explosive materials and ordnance inventory following specialized storage, transport, and accounting procedures under regulatory oversight.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
5,680
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,160. 25th percentile: U.S. $49,860. 50th percentile: U.S. $59,110. 75th percentile: U.S. $80,050. 90th percentile: U.S. $104,210. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $45,160 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $104,210 |
| Workers on average earn | $66,840 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Public Safety and Security4.1/5
- Law and Government4.0/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Engineering and Technology3.3/5
- Transportation3.2/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator
- Datavis DBS Designer
- DetNet ViewShot
- Global positioning system GPS software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable combination wrenches
- Air rotary drills
- Alternating current AC generators
- Ammonium nitrate fuel oil ANFO loaders
- Avalaunchers
- Backhoe-equipped tractors
- Balance scales
- Blast hole tubing