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Blaster Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Austin Powder

Blaster

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Job Summary A Blaster conducts field tests to determine the type and quantity of explosives needed for the job. With attention to detail, a Blaster reads and interprets drill patterns, instructions ...

Austinpowder

Blaster

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Job Summary A Blaster conducts field tests to determine the type and quantity of explosives needed for the job. With attention to detail, a Blaster reads and interprets drill patterns, instructions ...

Austinpowder

Blaster

Suisun City, CA

$18 - $24/hr

Job Summary A Blaster conducts field tests to determine the type and quantity of explosives needed for the job. With attention to detail, a Blaster reads and interprets drill patterns, instructions ...

IMIA, LLC

Blaster

San Diego, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Blast Foreman SUMMARY Daily responsibilities consist of installing blast protection prior to surface preparation of tanks, blasting any surface to the correct degree of surface preparation. Perform ...

Lead Staffing

Blaster

National City, CA · On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Blaster Job Title: Blaster Location: San Diego, CA Pay Range: $21.00 - $31.00 per hour (DOE) Position Summary: The Marine Painter / Blaster is responsible for the surface preparation and application ...

LEAD Staffing

Blaster

National City, CA

$21 - $31/hr

Blaster Job Title: Blaster Location: San Diego, CA Pay Range: $21.00 - $31.00 per hour (DOE) Position Summary: The Marine Painter / Blaster is responsible for the surface preparation and application ...

Austin Powder

Blaster

Suisun City, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Job Summary A Blaster conducts field tests to determine the type and quantity of explosives needed for the job. With attention to detail, a Blaster reads and interprets drill patterns, instructions ...

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)

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

Blast Crew / General Laborer

Mojave, CA

$19/hr

... Blaster in Charge when dispatched to a customer site. Other duties will include: * Proactively manage risks and safety issues and practice Take 5! process * Operate auxiliary equipment in support of ...

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How much do blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for blaster in California is $20.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a blaster?

Blasters are skilled professionals who handle the use of explosives in industries such as mining, construction, and demolition. They are responsible for planning, setting up, and safely detonating explosive charges to break rock, demolish structures, or clear land. Blasters must follow strict safety protocols, calculate the amount of explosives needed, and ensure compliance with local regulations. Their work is critical for projects that require controlled explosions to achieve specific outcomes.

What does a blaster do?

A blaster, also known as an explosives worker, uses explosives and detonators to demolish structures or remove earth in a quarry, mine, or similar site. As a blaster, your responsibilities include assessing the needs of the demolition project to determine how much needs to be removed or destroyed. You then drill holes in rock or structural supports, pack the holes with the required explosives, and oversee the detonation. Blasters also need to monitor the safety of everyone on site during the blasting procedure by ensuring that the area is vacant and employees within the demolition area have received a proper warning.

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

To thrive as a Blaster, you need a solid understanding of explosives handling, safety protocols, and site preparation, typically supported by completion of relevant training courses and certification (such as a blasting license). Familiarity with blasting machines, detonators, and specialized safety equipment is crucial for daily operations. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are outstanding soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient project completion in high-risk environments.

What are some common safety challenges faced by blasters, and how are they addressed on the job?

Blasters often encounter safety challenges such as handling explosives, managing blast site security, and ensuring proper communication with the team. To address these, strict adherence to safety protocols, regular safety training, and use of personal protective equipment are enforced. Blasters also work closely with site supervisors, engineers, and safety officers to plan and execute blasts safely, minimizing risks to personnel and property. Ongoing risk assessments and compliance with regulatory guidelines are essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Blaster vs Demolition Worker?

AspectBlasterDemolition Worker
CertificationsExplosive licenses, safety trainingSafety training, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, quarryingBuilding demolition, site clearing
Industry UsageMining, construction, quarryingConstruction, renovation, deconstruction

While both Blasters and Demolition Workers handle explosives, Blasters specialize in safely setting and detonating explosives in mining and construction projects, requiring specific licenses. Demolition Workers focus on tearing down structures using various methods, including controlled explosions, but do not typically handle the explosive setup themselves. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

How much does a licensed blaster make?

A licensed blaster typically earns between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the blasting projects. Salaries can also vary based on the industry sector, such as construction or mining, and whether the worker is employed full-time or subcontracted. Certification and safety training are essential for higher-paying roles in this field.
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Blaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blaster job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,065 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Blaster

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

Austin Powder
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 1 - 5K employees

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 101 rated chemical manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Paid breaks

Good training

Learn more about Austin Powderexternal

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.
Job Summary
A Blaster conducts field tests to determine the type and quantity of explosives needed for the job. With attention to detail, a Blaster reads and interprets drill patterns, instructions, and diagrams. This position is responsible to effectively communicate with personnel on the job site in order to complete job duties safely and successfully. The Blaster is responsible for arranging and detonating shots, as well as maintaining all required documentation.
The Blaster is responsible for ensuring the team complies with our customers' policies/procedures. With the appropriate personnel, the Blaster will coordinate the handling of client issues, blast area incidents, and/or public concerns. Safety is a number one priority. A Blaster must be highly knowledgeable of explosives in order to ensure the work is done safely and mitigating risks.Key Responsibilities and Duties
  • Under direction or in position of Blaster in Charge, reviews drill patterns and diagrams, determines product and shot layout necessary to meet customer needs.
  • Communicates blast details with all personnel on job site.
  • Performs duties necessary to prepare and detonate a shot safely and successfully.
  • Conducts pre/post Shot Safety Audits and documentation per Austin's policy on all shot service events.
  • Ensures the shot crew complies with customers' policies/procedures,
  • Coordinates the handling of all customer issues, blast area incidents, and/or public concerns related to the event with appropriate APC personnel.
  • Communicates regularly with the sales representative and/or Location Manager regarding customer accounts.
  • Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by assuring compliance at the location, at customer sites, and during transit as required by regulation and company policy.
  • Complies with APC inventory management procedures.
  • Completes and maintains necessary paperwork or software programs as required by company policies and procedures, Department of Transportation, or other federal or state agencies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 21+ years old as required by ATF.
  • Current blaster's license as required by state.
  • Experience of all initiation systems, laser profiling, and seismographs

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Must meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive possessor.
• Ability to clearly communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to audibly hear and respond to the work environment of an active mining site.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
  • Outdoor climate and terrain.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, oils and other mining elements.
  • Position requires the ability to walk, stand, stoop, kneel and hand/finger dexterity to operate controls/tools.
  • Loads and unloads 40-60 pound product bags or boxes from company trucks. Unloading may require repeatedly carrying product/boxes.

Location
Travel is required to customer location within LLC's geographic area.
Pay Range
Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran s.

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