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Explosive Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

LPX Group

Foreman, Blasting

Louisville, KY · On-site

All Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive regulations & requirements * Understand and ... Comply with all Louisville Paving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), pre-blasting requirements ...

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Explosive Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$9

$20

$32

How much do explosive operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive operator in Kentucky is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.99 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.
What are popular job titles related to Explosive Operator jobs in Kentucky? For Explosive Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Operator jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Explosive Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
Explosive Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosive Operator job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,629 per year, or $20 per hour.
Foreman, Blasting

Foreman, Blasting

LPX Group

Louisville, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Purpose

This role is responsible for providing strategic planning, documentation, and direct in-field supervision of a crew working on blasting and rock removal phases of projects. The Foreman is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under their direction and control. The Foreman is the front-line safety officer for the site/project and is responsible for all safety aspects of the people and projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • In addition to the other responsibilities listed within this document, the Blasting Foreman is responsible for the following responsibilities:
    • Maintain a valid and active blasting license in the state for which work is to be performed (to be reimbursed by LPX Group). Kentucky and Indiana are required.
    • Ensure compliance with all federal & state regulations pertinent to blasting and management of explosive materials. This includes, but is not limited to:
      • Compliance with KRS statues in Kentucky
      • All Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive regulations & requirements
    • Understand and comply with any project-specific blasting requirements which may be more stringent than those dictated by Federal/State regulations.
    • Coordinate with primary project foreman or superintendent on blasting schedule, location, and safety concerns.
    • Comply with all Louisville Paving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), pre-blasting requirements, and blasting procedures.
  • Provide leadership and is responsible for safety, scheduling, workforce planning, coordinating, supervising, and assisting with cost control.
  • Ensure the consistent and fair application of all company policies and procedures.
  • Supervise functional construction effort to ensure projects are constructed in accordance with design, budget, and schedule.
  • Assist project team in scheduling, developing, and implementing project work plans and procedures, working documents, and standards to ensure project goals are achieved.
  • Responsible for providing on-site supervision of project.
  • Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of team members in construction projects.
  • Perform labor duties as required.
  • Identify, verify, and report any scheduling conflicts, needs, or deficiencies with other crews and subcontractors to the appropriate persons.
  • Inspect work site to determine sequencing and survey for potential hazards or safety concerns.
  • Understand and communicate safety policies and procedures to ensure compliance in all areas of safety, while identifying the needs for crew safety training.
  • Assess competency and capability of employees on the project and evaluate the capabilities of the crew members.
  • Recognize and address issue(s)/problem(s) that may arise among crew members and provide effective resolutions.
  • Provide input along with superintendent to address equipment, material, and crew size needs.

Education and Experience

  • 3+ years of experience supervising construction projects.
  • 7+ years of hands-on construction experience. Familiarity with generally accepted construction specifications, means, and methods is required.
  • Strong knowledge and experience interpreting drawings/project specifications and scheduling/planning construction work.
  • Experience and familiarity with industry standard equipment and materials required.
  • Licensed Blaster in State of Kentucky required (Indiana preferred).
  • Knowledge and understanding of prevailing wage rules, when applicable.

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Experience working in a team environment.


An Equal Opportunity Employer

At LPX Group and our family of brands (Louisville Paving and Construction, Pace Contracting, Material Transfer, Bluegrass Testingand Bluegrass Blasting), we take pride in being an Equal Opportunity Employer and, as such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment, development and promotion opportunities are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.