Shigoto Zukan
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How to become explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasterseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$61,390
25th–75th pct. $49,630–$80,370
Top pay (est.)
$129,200
Top 10% $99,360
Pay in 5 years
$71,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$82,500est.
$71,000–$95,800
Outlook score
46/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
23%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+0.0%
400 openings / yr

How to become explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Key skills

Monitoring
3.6
Reading Comprehension
3.6
Critical Thinking
3.5
Coordination
3.5
Active Listening
3.4
Instructing
3.4
Complex Problem Solving
3.2
Operations Monitoring
3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security
4.7
Mathematics
4.0
Mechanical
4.0
Law and Government
4.0
Engineering and Technology
3.9
Customer and Personal Service
3.9
Production and Processing
3.7
Administration and Management
3.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkIdentifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Important abilities

Near VisionManual DexterityReaction TimeInformation OrderingOral ComprehensionProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

High school diploma
62%
Post-secondary certificate
21%
Some college
8%
Associate's degree
4%
Less than high school
4%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
42%
2–4 years
21%
1–3 months
12%
None / short demo
8%
1–2 years
8%
6–12 months
8%

Related work experience

2–4 years
46%
1–2 years
25%
None
12%
6–12 months
8%
4–6 years
4%
3–6 months
4%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.