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Blasting 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

$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 ...

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 ...

IMIA, LLC

Blaster

San Diego, CA

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

... blasting any surface to the correct degree of surface preparation. Perform repairs to hoses, lines, and isolated equipment. Must be capable of working in dark spaces with other blasters in close ...

Austinpowder

Blaster

Suisun City, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Lead Staffing

Blaster

National City, CA · On-site

$21 - $31/hr

This role involves the use of specialized blasting equipment and advanced coating systems to protect ship structures from corrosion in accordance with NAVSEA Standard Items and shipyard ...

LEAD Staffing

Blaster

National City, CA

$21 - $31/hr

This role involves the use of specialized blasting equipment and advanced coating systems to protect ship structures from corrosion in accordance with NAVSEA Standard Items and shipyard ...

Trade Team

Be Seen First

Blaster

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

No Clearance Openings for 1st and 2nd Shift Qualification Standards One to two years experience on abrasive blasting activities or SSPC C-7 Certification accredited. Must be knowledgeable in surface ...

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How much do blasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for blasting in California is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a blasting job?

Blasting jobs involve the controlled use of explosives or other methods to break rock, earth, or other materials for construction, mining, or demolition purposes. Workers in this field, often called blasters or blasting technicians, are responsible for planning, setting up, and safely executing blasts according to strict safety regulations. They work closely with engineers and site managers to ensure that blasts are effective and minimize environmental impact. Blasting jobs require specialized training and certification to handle explosives safely and legally.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a blaster?

To excel as a Blaster, you require knowledge of explosives handling, safety protocols, blasting techniques, and typically need relevant certifications or licensing, such as those from MSHA or OSHA. Familiarity with blasting machines, initiation systems, and specialized software for blast design and planning is important. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of blasting operations in mining, construction, or demolition environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in blasting, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in blasting often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict safety protocols, managing environmental impacts like dust and vibration, and coordinating closely with other site teams to minimize disruptions. Effective communication and thorough planning are essential, as is ongoing training to stay updated on regulations and best practices. Many employers provide safety workshops and utilize advanced equipment to help workers overcome these challenges and maintain a safe, efficient worksite.

What is the difference between Blasting vs Drilling?

AspectBlastingDrilling
Required CredentialsBlasting certifications, safety trainingDrilling licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentExplosive handling sites, mines, quarriesConstruction sites, mining, exploration
Industry UsageMining, quarrying, constructionMining, construction, oil & gas

Blasting and drilling are closely related in the mining and construction industries. Blasting involves the controlled use of explosives to break rock, while drilling involves creating holes for explosives or other purposes. Both roles require safety certifications and are performed in similar environments, often overlapping in mining and quarrying operations. Understanding the differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within these industries.

Do blasting make good money?

Blasting jobs can offer competitive wages, especially for experienced workers with certifications and specialized skills. Salaries vary by industry, location, and level of experience, with some positions paying above average due to the hazardous nature of the work and the need for safety training.

How much do blasting workers make?

Blasting workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work in hazardous environments or outdoors.

How to get into blasting jobs?

To get into blasting jobs, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete specialized training or certification in explosive handling and safety. Experience in construction, mining, or related industries can be beneficial, and employers often require adherence to strict safety regulations and the use of personal protective equipment. Some positions may also require a valid driver's license and physical fitness for outdoor work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Blasting jobs in California?

The most popular types of Blasting jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Blasting jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Blasting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Blasting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Blasting job openings:

Blasting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Blasting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,876 per year, or $18.7 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 17 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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