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Explosive Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Austin Powder

Emulsion Operator

Labelle, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Emulsion Operator Overview The Emulsion Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive ... Must meet all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an atf explosive processor * 1+ years ...

Austin Powder Company

Emulsion Operator

Labelle, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Emulsion Operator Overview The Emulsion Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive ... Must meet all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an atf explosive processor * 1+ years ...

Dyno Nobel

CDL Equipment Operator

Marquette, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Job Brief Operating, driving and loading trucks and specialty equipment to prepare and deliver ANFO ... Who We Are Dyno Nobel is a global leader in commercial explosives, manufacturing and blasting ...

Austin Powder

Booster Operator

Kenton, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

BOOSTER OPERATOR The Booster Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Austin Powder

Booster Operator

Mcarthur, OH · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

BOOSTER OPERATOR The Booster Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Austin Powder Red Diamond

Emulsion Operator

Mcarthur, OH · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

EMULSION OPERATOR The Emulsion Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Austin Powder

Booster Operator

Mcarthur, OH

$14 - $18.75/hr

BOOSTER OPERATOR The Booster Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Austin Powder Red Diamond

Booster Operator

Mcarthur, OH · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

BOOSTER OPERATOR The Booster Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Austin Powder

Booster Operator

Mcarthur, OH · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

BOOSTER OPERATOR The Booster Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... explosive products; inspect manufactured products for accuracy; recognize hazards within the ...

Austin Powder

Emulsion Operator

Mcarthur, OH

$14 - $18.75/hr

EMULSION OPERATOR The Emulsion Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Austin Powder Red Diamond

Booster Operator

OH · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

BOOSTER OPERATOR The Booster Operator will be responsible for the safe, productive manufacturing ... Meet requirements of all state and federal explosive laws and qualify as an ATF explosive processor

Dyno Nobel

CDL Equipment Operator

Ishpeming, MI · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Equipment Operator Dyno Nobel is a global leader in commercial explosives, manufacturing and blasting technology, delivering innovative solutions to the mining, quarry, construction, and seismic ...

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Explosive Operator information

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How much do explosive operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 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.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Explosive operators typically earn between $3,000 and $5,000 per month, often without requiring a college degree but needing specialized training and certifications. Other high-paying jobs without a degree include commercial truck drivers, sales representatives, and skilled trades like electricians or HVAC technicians, which rely on technical skills and apprenticeships. These roles often involve physically demanding work and on-the-job training but can provide a monthly income of around $3,000 or more.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Explosives Operator

Explosives Operator

US Department of the Army

Boerne, TX

$27.20/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

United States Army rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 468 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Domestic Defense Industrial & Major Range and Test Facilities Base to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: Perform duties involving the renovation, demilitarization, modification, and normal maintenance of a variety of ammunition and explosives; destruction of munitions and components; and assembly of ammunition and explosives.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
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 a(n) Explosives Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. Must possess the ability to perform common complex ammunition and explosive operation and maintenance; operate common refusing or fusing of any explosives, cartridges, rockets, mortars, grenades and other types of high explosive ammunition to prevent accidents or explosions, which could result in serious injury, or loss of life to oneself or co-workers.- Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT Work involves lifting, carrying, and handling moderately heavy objects weighing 25 to 50 pounds for approximately 20%-50% of job cycle, and lifting heavier items weighing in excess of 50 pounds for a small portion of the time, normally less than 2%. While working on production lines where relative light (less than 10 pounds) components are handled, the incumbent must frequently stand for extended periods, and work with a rhythmic set pace, reaching, bending, and manipulating parts. Careful attention is required in eye-hand coordinating, and in setting and attaching detonating and/or initiating devices to explosives.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS Work is occasionally performed outside while moving between buildings, on ramps, and work is such that occasional assignments expose incumbent to dirt and grease and inclement weather conditions. Required to wear protective clothing such as safety shoes and goes for some operations. Since ammunition and explosives which are being renovated, modified, demilitarized or destroyed are almost always in an unserviceable condition, the incumbent is exposed to accident and explosions, which could cause serious injury, dismemberment, and/or loss of life to himself and/or his co-workers. Also subject to hazards of working with industrial and production type equipment, power conveyors, powered hand tools, which could cause mashed fingers, cuts, abrasions, and other accidents. Occasionally is subject to health hazards from dust or fumes from paint or lacquers. Also exposed to hazardous noise level. Wears hearing protective devices during noise hazardous operations. Receives routine periodic hearing evaluation at installation medical facility.
Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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