Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters
SOC Code: 47-5032Also known as:
Aircraft Ordnance Technician, Ammunition and Explosives Handler, Blast Driller, Blast Hole Driller, Blast Setter
Median Annual Salary
$59,110
-0.9% growth (2024-2034)
500
Openings/Year
6K
Current Jobs
What Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters Do
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.
💰 Salary
$59,110
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.9%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
500
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,800
Projected Employment (2034)
5,800
Related Careers
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
$58,710 •
+3.6% growth
Rotary drill operators, oil and gas
$65,010 •
+0.2% growth
Earth drillers, except oil and gas
$59,600 •
+2.9% growth
Continuous mining machine operators
$63,380 •
+0.6% growth
Helpers--extraction workers
$48,400 •
-1.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.
- Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.
- Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.
- Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
- Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.
- Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.
- Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.
- Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.
- Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.
- Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters make?
The median annual salary for explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters is $59,110.
What education do explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters need?
Most explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters a good career choice?
Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters is projected to see -0.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters?
Top colleges for aspiring explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters?
Explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters may also be known as: Aircraft Ordnance Technician, Ammunition and Explosives Handler, Blast Driller, Blast Hole Driller, Blast Setter, Blast Technician, Blaster, Blasting Clay Miner, Blasting Coal Miner, Blasting Contract Man, Blasting Contract Miner, Blasting Entry Specialist, Blasting Entryman, Blasting Gang Miner, Blasting Miner, Bomb Technician, Charge Entry Specialist, Charge Specialist, Charger, Coal Shooter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.