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Blast Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Valence

Abrasive Blaster -1st Shift

Lynwood, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Qualification for candidates who have experience as Abrasive Blast Technician , Aerospace Abrasive Blast Operator , or Sandblasting Operator . * Other Physical Requirements * Vision (Near, Distance)

Dyno Nobel

Blast Crew / General Laborer

Mojave, CA

$19/hr

What You'll Do As member of our Blast Crew, you will operate auxiliary equipment and assist equipment operators in the maintenance of site all equipment and the loading, mixing, unloading, and ...

Rio Tinto

Operator B Certified Blaster

Boron, CA · On-site

$42.13/hr

Operator B- Certified Blaster * Opportunity to develop your career and work for a global company * Contribute to the success of Rio Tinto by applying your technical and professional expertise * Join ...

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA

$19/hr

... blasting technology, delivering innovative solutions to the mining, quarry, construction, and ... What You'll Do As a Driller / Drill Operator, you will operate applicable drill equipment in a safe ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Carlsbad, CA

$21/hr

Media Operator | $21/hr | Carlsbad, CA The role involves media blasting 3D printed parts to remove ... Perform media blasting of MJF printed parts according to job sheets and specifications. * Remove ...

New

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$19/hr

... operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and drill truck. The pay for this role is $19+ an ... blasting technology, delivering innovative solutions to the mining, quarry, construction, and ...

VOLT

Machine & Production Operators

Vista, CA · On-site

$18/hr

Experience preparing and blasting parts, performing inspections, maintaining production standards, and following safety procedures. As a 1st, 2nd & 3rd shift Machine Operator you will: * Load and ...

Alcon3Pl

Production Operator - Anaheim CA 92806

Anaheim, CA

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

TEMP TO HIRE Production Operator Location: Anaheim, CA Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 3:30 pm ... Deburr • Grit Blasting • Heat Treat and Passivation • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Alcon3Pl

Sand blaster - Santa Fe Springs

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

Looking for a qualified Sand Blaster to add to our team in our Santa Fe Springs location. **No on ... include operating sandblasting machinery, setting up protective masking, inspecting surfaces ...

Fisher Industries

Equipment Operator

Calexico, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... in drilling, blasting, crushing, asphalt, and concrete production. Fisher is committed to ... The operator must be able to operate a Roller, CAT Water Trucks (no CDL required) and Skidsteers ...

Fisher Industries

Blade Operator

Calexico, CA · On-site

$25/hr

... in drilling, blasting, crushing, asphalt, and concrete production. Fisher is committed to ... Minimum of 2 years of blade operating experience * Valid Driver's License * Acceptable MVR in ...

Fisher Industries

Blade Operator

Calexico, CA

... in drilling, blasting, crushing, asphalt, and concrete production. Fisher is committed to ... Minimum of 2 years of blade operating experience * Valid Driver's License * Acceptable MVR in ...

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All JobsBlast Operator JobsBlast Operator Jobs in California

Blast Operator information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$56.2K

$86.8K

How much do blast operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for blast operator in California is $56,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $60,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a blast operator?

Blast Operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring equipment used in blasting operations, such as in mining, construction, or demolition. They handle explosives or abrasive materials to break rock, concrete, or other materials according to safety regulations. Their duties include preparing blast sites, loading blast holes, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and documenting blast activities. Blast Operators must have specialized training and often require certification to handle explosives. Attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety are essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a blast operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Blast Operator, you need a solid understanding of blasting techniques, safety regulations, and basic mechanical knowledge, often supported by relevant certifications such as a Blasting Certificate or MSHA training. Familiarity with blasting equipment, detonators, and computerized timing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise execution of blasting operations in mining or construction environments.

What are some typical challenges a blast operator faces on the job, and how can they be managed effectively?

Blast Operators often work in environments with strict safety protocols due to the risks associated with handling explosives and heavy machinery. Common challenges include maintaining focus during repetitive tasks, managing exposure to dust or noise, and ensuring precise execution to avoid accidents. Effective communication with team members and adherence to standard operating procedures are crucial for safety and efficiency. Regular training and use of personal protective equipment help mitigate these challenges, making it essential for candidates to remain vigilant and proactive on the job.

What is the difference between Blast Operator vs Drilling Operator?

AspectBlast OperatorDrilling Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, blasting licenseHigh school diploma, safety certifications, drilling license
Work EnvironmentMining sites, construction zones, quarry areasMining sites, construction zones, quarry areas
Industry UsageMining, quarrying, constructionMining, construction, quarrying
Job FocusHandling explosives, setting blast patternsOperating drilling equipment, preparing drill holes

Both Blast Operators and Drilling Operators work in similar environments within mining and construction industries. While Blast Operators focus on handling explosives and setting blast patterns, Drilling Operators operate drilling equipment to prepare for blasting. The roles often overlap, but each has specific responsibilities related to their specialized tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Blast Operator jobs in California?

For Blast Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Blast Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Blast Operator jobs in California are:

Blast Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blast Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,206 per year, or $27 per hour.

Abrasive Blaster -1st Shift

Valence Surface Technologies

Lynwood, CA

$18.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Valence Surface Technologies rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Status: Onsite, temp to hire 
Location: Lynwood, CA 90262
Pay Range: $18.50 – 20.00 p/h

1st Shift from 6:00am -2:30pm 

  • Essential Functions Statement(s)
    • Determine priority of jobs to begin preparing for processing
    • Select appropriate media according to specifications and customer requirements
    • Completes paperwork as required by company and processing guidelines
    • Ensure proper PPE is worn and safety guidelines are followed
    • Maintain a clean working area at all times by disposing of any unnecessary trash
    • Ensure all hazardous waste material is disposed of correctly 
    • Other duties as assigned
  • Competency Statement(s)
    • 1+ plus year of experience 
    • Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
    • Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
    • Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
    • Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company
      procedures.
    • Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
    • Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task.
    • Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.
    • Goal Oriented - Ability to focus on a goal and obtain a pre-determined result.
    • Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace.
    • Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal.
    • Persistence - Ability to complete tasks or continue in a course of action in spite of opposition or discouragement.
    • Safety Awareness - Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
    • Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
    • Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
    • Self Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of ones ability using his or her own drive or initiative.
    • Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations.
    • Responsible - Ability to be held accountable or answerable for one’s conduct.
    • Due to ITAR regulations, this position requires that the employee must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident).
    • Qualification for candidates who have experience as Abrasive Blast Technician, Aerospace Abrasive Blast Operator, or Sandblasting Operator.
  • Other Physical Requirements
    • Vision (Near, Distance)
    • Sense of Sound - Able to hear average audio range
    • Sense of Touch
    • Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - All Required

    WORK ENVIRONMENT
    Work is performed in shop conditions and can be in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit

    What Valence Surface Technologies employees say

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