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Explosives Handler information

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$23

How much do explosives handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosives handler in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosives handler?

Explosives Handlers are professionals trained to safely manage, transport, store, and use explosives in various industries such as construction, mining, demolition, and military operations. Their responsibilities include preparing explosive materials, setting charges, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and disposing of unused explosives properly. They must have a thorough understanding of safety regulations and possess specialized certifications or licenses depending on their location and industry. Explosives Handlers work closely with engineers, safety officers, and law enforcement to prevent accidents and ensure operations run smoothly.

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

To thrive as an Explosives Handler, you need knowledge of explosive materials, strict attention to safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma with specialized training or certification in explosives handling. Familiarity with handling equipment, safety monitoring devices, and compliance with federal or military regulations such as ATF or OSHA standards is essential. Strong attention to detail, composure under pressure, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this high-risk environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for preventing accidents, ensuring safety, and maintaining legal compliance when working with hazardous materials.

What safety protocols must an explosives handler follow when working with hazardous materials on a daily basis?

Explosives Handlers must adhere to strict safety protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting regular equipment inspections, and following detailed handling and storage procedures for explosive materials. Daily responsibilities often begin with safety briefings and risk assessments to identify potential hazards. Handlers also work closely with safety officers and team members to ensure compliance with federal and organizational regulations, such as those set by the ATF and OSHA. Maintaining a disciplined approach to documentation and reporting is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a secure work environment.

What is the difference between Explosives Handler vs Blaster?

AspectExplosives HandlerBlaster
CertificationsExplosives Handler Certification, OSHA trainingExplosives Handler Certification, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, demolitionMining, quarrying, construction
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, militaryMining, quarrying, construction
Job FocusHandling and transporting explosivesPlanning and executing blasting operations

Both Explosives Handlers and Blasters require similar certifications and work in related environments such as construction and mining. While Explosives Handlers focus on safely handling and transporting explosives, Blasters are responsible for planning and executing blasting operations. The roles often overlap, but Blasters typically have additional responsibilities related to blast design and safety procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Explosives Handler jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Explosives Handler jobs in California are:

Explosives Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosives Handler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Canine Handler - Explosive Detection

Allied Universal

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$31.64/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Allied Universal rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 2,586 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 118 rated security

Job description

Overview
Company Overview:
Advance your career in security with Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, the global leader in security and threat mitigation. Following the acquisition of MSA Security® in 2021, we became the world's largest non-governmental canine detection company. Specializing in canine explosives and firearm detection, we offer exciting career opportunities for those passionate about canine security. Join our innovative team committed to excellence in the security industry and make a meaningful impact. Explore key roles such as canine officers, handlers, trainers, veterinary technicians, and kennel managers.
Job Description
Ready to make a difference as a canine handler.
Previous canine experience is not required, paid training provided.
Hourly Pay Rate: $31.64
Canine Stipend/ training and care provided.
Required for this position minimum of two years one of these qualifications' military, law enforcement or corrections.
Must have a private vehicle to transport K9 partner, they cannot be transported via public transportation.
Must be able to accommodate housing for K9 partner; K9 partner resides with you.
Our canine group, under Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, is hiring an Explosive Detection Canine (K9) Handler. The Explosive Detection K9 Handler partners with a trained Explosive Detection Canine (EDC), or "K9", to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Partner with a trained Explosive Detection K9 to conduct searches in/at assigned client sites, including corporate buildings, loading docks, delivery vehicles, open areas and/or other situations as needed
  • Assist and liaise effectively with the client's security manager, law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and local partners or their representatives in the execution of the security protocols as agreed to and described in the specific post orders for each post
  • Properly train the Explosive Detection K9, in accordance with Company policy, each day and ensuring their safety and well-being
  • Adhere to all regulatory or other protocols, including the use of any required technology

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Licensing requirements are subject to state and/or local laws and regulations and may be required prior to employment
  • Must possess a minimum of two (2) years in one or more of the following:
    • Service in any military branch (including Guard and Reserve)
    • Law enforcement role, with a completed accredited Law Enforcement Academy (Municipal/State/Federal)
    • Municipal or federal correctional officer, including attending a full-time accredited LE/Corrections Academy (must have enforcement responsibilities)
  • Possess adequate living environment to allow for the proper exercise and training of the K9
  • Access to reliable transportation sufficient to allow the safe transportation of the K9 to and from work
  • Willingness and ability to be available for incident/emergency response duty, standby duty, and client demonstrations, which includes various days and hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Service in Military Occupational Specialty related to law enforcement, security (such as Military Police, Elite Military Forces, combat arms) or any support role in a Combat Zone
  • Prior civilian or military K9 handler experience
  • Completion of a full military handler course
  • Bachelor's degree in law enforcement or criminal justice related studies
  • A minimum of 8 or more years of service in any military branch

BENEFITS:
  • Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off offered at an accrual rate of 1 hour per 25 hours worked on a weekly basis
  • Eight paid holidays (subject to eligibility)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee discounts through our perks program to your favorite restaurants, entertainment venues, and much more!

Closing
Allied Universal® is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or relationship/association with a protected veteran, or any other basis or characteristic protected by law. For more information: www.aus.com
If you have difficulty using the online system and require an alternate method to apply or require an accommodation, please contact our local Human Resources department. To find an office near you, please visit: www.aus.com/offices.
Requisition ID
2026-1592254

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About Allied Universal

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Allied Universal® is a leading security and facility services company. We provide proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow our clients to focus on their core business. Our excellence starts with our local leadership and local presence. Operating in more than 90 countries, our global workforce of approximately 800,000 people. Employees help to deliver our promise globally and locally: keeping people safe so our customers and communities can thrive. As we build the world's best services company, we continue to expand our footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. In North America, we operate our business under the existing Allied Universal brand, and our international business operates under the G4S brand.

Industry

Investigation and physical security services, chemical manufacturing and real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Ana, CA, US

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