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Explosive Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Explosive Worker information

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How much do explosive worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive worker in the United States is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosive worker?

Explosive workers are professionals who handle, assemble, and detonate explosives for a variety of purposes, such as construction, demolition, mining, or manufacturing fireworks and ammunition. Their responsibilities include preparing explosive charges, following strict safety procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulations. These workers must be highly trained to minimize risks and often work closely with engineers and safety officials to carry out controlled explosions safely.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an explosive worker?

To thrive as an Explosive Worker, you need in-depth knowledge of handling, storing, and disposing of explosives, typically supported by specialized training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with safety protocols, detonating equipment, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work calmly under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure safety, prevent accidents, and maintain compliance with strict industry regulations.

What safety protocols do explosive workers typically follow during daily operations?

Explosive Workers adhere to strict safety protocols, including regular equipment checks, wearing specialized protective gear, and following detailed handling and storage procedures for explosive materials. They must participate in safety briefings before each shift and maintain clear communication with their team to ensure everyone is aware of the day's tasks and potential hazards. Adherence to federal and local regulations is critical, as is completing extensive safety training and certifications. These measures are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Explosive Worker vs Blaster?

AspectExplosive WorkerBlaster
CertificationsExplosive Worker Certification, OSHA safety trainingBlaster Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, demolitionMining, quarrying, construction
Job RoleHandling, preparing, and placing explosivesDesigning, supervising, and executing blasting operations

Explosive Workers typically handle the preparation and placement of explosives, focusing on safety and compliance. Blasters often oversee the entire blasting process, including planning and supervision. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, Blasters usually have additional responsibilities in planning and management.

How much do explosive workers make?

Explosive workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work in hazardous environments with strict safety protocols.
More about Explosive Worker jobs

What states have the most Explosive Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Explosive Worker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Explosive Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Explosive Worker jobs are:

Infographic showing various Explosive Worker job openings in the United States 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 $38,955 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Forensic Chemist (Explosive)

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

Indian Head, MD • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview
Are you a Forensic Chemist looking for an exciting opportunity? We are looking for a Forensic Chemist who specializes in explosives to join our team and provide mission-essential support for our nation's War Fighters.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.
Responsibilities
  • Perform chemical analysis of recovered materials to detect and identify compounds present to include: explosives, homemade explosive pre-cursors, solvents, acids, bases, drugs, and other hazardous materials.
  • Differentiate trace explosive signatures from contamination and background.
  • Provide information to assist in profiling and signature analysis.
  • Perform appropriate presumptive and confirmatory analyses utilizing the following: colorimetric tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and other instrumentation or techniques as available.
  • Evaluate samples to determine appropriate sample preparation techniques: solvent extraction/filtration, liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, solid phase micro-extraction, headspace extraction.
  • Understand, and strive to implement, data quality and reporting guidelines established within the professional forensic community, Properly utilize reference standards (when available) to support the highest degree of confidence available in reported results.
  • Perform instrument troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Develop and validate analytical techniques to accommodate emerging chemical analysis requirements.
  • Interact and collaborate with other group/team members and other forensic staff to ensure a high quality and accurate product.

AMS1
#TXP & AXC-GO
Qualifications
  • Current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Ten (10) years of experience working in an accredited laboratory with explosive compounds.
  • Degree from an accredited college or university in physical or life sciences with a minimum of 24 semester hours of chemistry coursework.
  • Proficient in use of excel/spreadsheets and other data bases.
  • Ability to explain technical subject matter to non-technical audience.
  • Completion of formalized training program and subsequent performance as certified examiner within drug chemistry, trace analysis, explosives chemistry or related discipline.
  • Experience working within a CEXC, WTI, C-IED Team, DTK Lab, JEFF, TEDAC facility, other NGIC, DIA or ATF Lab; interagency or state/local law enforcement environment is preferred but not required.

Pay Transparency Statement
AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $100,000.00/Yr. - USD $120,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.
EEO Statement
EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status