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Explosive Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SWM International Inc

PRESS OPERATOR

Poolville, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Weigh and load explosive powders using certified scales and approved scoops/dippers. * Verify ... Mechanical aptitude for operating production equipment. * Ability to work safely with hazardous ...

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Explosive Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do explosive operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Explosive Operators?

Explosive Operators are skilled workers responsible for handling, preparing, and detonating explosives used in various industries, such as mining, construction, demolition, and military applications. They follow strict safety protocols to ensure the safe storage, transportation, and use of explosive materials. Their duties often include assembling charges, setting up blasting equipment, and monitoring blasts to minimize risks to people, property, and the environment. Extensive training and adherence to legal regulations are essential requirements for this job. Explosive Operators must also be detail-oriented and capable of working in high-pressure, potentially hazardous situations.

What is the difference between Explosive Operator vs Blasting Technician?

AspectExplosive OperatorBlasting Technician
Required CertificationsExplosive License, Safety TrainingExplosive License, Safety Training
Work EnvironmentConstruction, Mining, Demolition sitesMining, Quarrying, Construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageMining companies, construction firmsMining companies, quarry operators
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Explosive Operators and Blasting Technicians both handle explosives in construction and mining environments, requiring similar certifications and safety training. While Explosive Operators often oversee the entire blasting process, Blasting Technicians typically assist with setup and monitoring. Both roles are essential for safe and effective blasting operations within the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Explosive Operators and how are they addressed in the workplace?

Explosive Operators often face challenges related to maintaining strict safety protocols, managing stress in high-risk environments, and ensuring precise handling of materials. To address these challenges, workplaces provide thorough safety training, enforce rigorous procedural checklists, and encourage open communication within tightly coordinated teams. Regular drills, mental health support, and ongoing education are also common practices to help operators stay prepared and confident while minimizing risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Explosive Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Explosive Operator, you need a solid understanding of explosives handling, safety regulations, and hazardous materials protocols, often supported by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with detonation equipment, safety gear, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Keen attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the safe, precise, and efficient handling of explosives, minimizing risks to people and property.
More about Explosive Operator jobs
What states have the most Explosive Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Explosive Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Explosive Operator jobs are:
Explosive Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosive Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Rigger (Explosives Operator)

Rigger (Explosives Operator)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Mcalester, OK

$30.79/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: This position will make and install complex standing and running rigging used to support, secure, or operate equipment,
machinery, and other items having critically fit, tension, and operational requirements.Qualifications:Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of an Rigger (Explosives Operator) without more than normal supervision. Select and install appropriate rigging gear to support and move loads and make difficult load routing judgements by considering such factors as size, shape, and location of the object; and assemble or disassemble ammunition, explosives, ammunition components, or fused projectiles in a production-type environment - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Ammunition and Explosives
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Physical Effort
    Performs arduous work, which involves frequent lifting or carrying moderately heavy objects. Continually reaches, bends, stoops, pushes, and pulls while attaching rigging to objects to be moved and frequently uses entire body weight to push or pull suspended loads. Stands and walks for prolonged periods of time; may climb on platforms or other structures and may work in cramped and awkward positions. Must have good coordination and balance in working around machinery while in operation.
  • Working Conditions
    Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Uncomfortable conditions exist such as noise, dirt, grease, vibrations, poor ventilation and illumination, and unpleasant odors. Employee is subjected to hazards of moving machinery, swinging loads, breaking slings, and falling objects which results in exposure to possible cuts, bruises, scrapes, fractures, etc.; and is subject to explosive hazards while working on ammunition production equipment while explosive operations are in progress.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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