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Explosives Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Explosives information

See California salary details

$21.7K

$24.8K

$27.1K

How much do explosives jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for explosives in California is $24,751.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,200.00 and $25,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an explosives job?

An explosives job involves handling, transporting, and using explosive materials for various applications such as construction, mining, demolition, or military operations. Professionals in this field must follow strict safety protocols and regulations to prevent accidents. Depending on the role, they may design explosive devices, conduct controlled detonations, or ensure compliance with legal requirements. Training and certification are often required to work safely with explosives.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in explosives?

Professionals in explosives roles are commonly tasked with safely transporting, storing, and handling explosive materials, as well as preparing and executing controlled detonations following strict protocols. Daily duties may include conducting site inspections, maintaining detailed records, and coordinating with engineers, safety personnel, and regulatory agencies. The role often requires careful teamwork to assess and mitigate risks, troubleshoot equipment, and ensure compliance with federal and local laws. These responsibilities help ensure all explosive operations are carried out safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines.

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

To thrive in an explosives role, you need strong knowledge of chemical properties, safety protocols, and physical handling, often backed by specialized training or certifications such as a federal explosives license or hazardous materials endorsement. Familiarity with detonation equipment, safety monitoring systems, and regulatory compliance platforms is essential. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are important soft skills for this position. These skills ensure safe handling, legal compliance, and the successful execution of explosive-related tasks in high-risk environments.

How much do explosives workers make?

Explosives workers, such as blasters or demolition experts, typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Certification and safety training are essential, and many work in construction, mining, or demolition environments with strict safety protocols.

How to become an explosives specialist?

To become an explosives specialist, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in explosive materials and safety protocols. Many roles require certification from agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and experience in handling hazardous materials, often gained through military or law enforcement training programs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Explosives jobs in California?

The most popular types of Explosives jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Explosives jobs?

Cities in California with the most Explosives job openings:

Infographic showing various Explosives job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $24,751 per year, or $11.9 per hour.

Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives

Burbank, CA • On-site

$124K/yr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Transportation Security Specialist - Explosives (TSS-E) serves as a subject matter expert with advanced knowledge on all issues involving threats to the traveling public from explosives and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) for the Federal Security Director (FSD) at designated airport(s).Qualifications:To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13) you must have:
  • Completed formal accredited IED/bomb disposal coursework resulting in a Graduation Certificate from at least one of the accredited bomb disposal schools. The accredited bomb disposal schools are the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) and the FBI's Hazardous Devices School (HDS)
AND
  • One year of specialized experience at the SV-H or GS-12 in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector as a Bomb Appraisal Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, Bomb Technician, or similar position. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience is defined as:
    • Performing bomb management duties such as establishing program guidelines, training and/or mentoring others, and making decisions regarding actions to take when faced with a critical incident.
    • Responding to alarms involving possible explosives, IED components, or actual IEDs. Assessing the interrelationship between initiators, power supplies, switches, and chemicals to determine if the devise is an improvised explosive, commercial explosive, or military explosive.
Quality Ranking Factor: Specialized experience acquired within the last five years immediately preceding application has been identified as a Quality Ranking Factor for this position. This means that applicants who have specialized experience within the last five years will receive additional credit for this experience as part of the candidate evaluation process.
Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.Education:Employment Type: OTHER