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Trainee Explosive Blaster Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Allentown, PA · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Bethel, PA · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Reading, PA · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Argyle, NY · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Pay: $25/hr and up, DOE, plus daily travel stipend ... We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Albany, NY · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Pay: $25/hr and up, DOE, plus daily travel stipend ... We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Pay: $25/hr and up, DOE, plus daily travel stipend ... We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Watertown, NY · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Pay: $25/hr and up, DOE, plus daily travel stipend ... We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

New Haven, VT · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Pay: $25/hr and up, DOE, plus daily travel stipend ... We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster ...

MDB Group

Blaster Trainee (Construction)

Winchester, VA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Will assist the Blaster with the coordination of daily drilling and ... Develops a solid understanding of proper explosives product use and various applications * Assists ...

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Trainee Explosive Blaster information

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$36

How much do trainee explosive blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee explosive blaster in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee explosive blaster?

Trainee explosive blasters are entry-level professionals who learn how to safely handle, prepare, and detonate explosives, typically in industries like mining, construction, or demolition. Under the supervision of experienced blasters, trainees are taught about safety protocols, regulations, and the technical aspects of blasting operations. Their responsibilities often include assisting with site preparation, placing charges, monitoring blast areas, and maintaining equipment. This role requires attention to detail, strict adherence to safety rules, and often involves both classroom and on-the-job training. Completing the trainee program is usually necessary to become a fully certified explosive blaster.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee explosive blaster?

To thrive as a Trainee Explosive Blaster, you need a solid understanding of safety protocols, basic mathematics, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often accompanied by specialized training or certifications in explosives handling. Familiarity with blasting equipment, detonators, and compliance systems such as MSHA or OSHA regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, effective, and compliant blasting operations in high-risk environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a trainee explosive blaster during the training period?

As a Trainee Explosive Blaster, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, managing the physical demands of outdoor and often remote work sites, and learning to handle high-pressure situations with careful attention to detail. The role requires strong communication skills to coordinate with experienced blasters, engineers, and site supervisors. Building proficiency in technical procedures and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards are key aspects of the training period, but support from experienced mentors and structured training programs help trainees overcome these initial hurdles.

What is the difference between Trainee Explosive Blaster vs Explosive Blaster?

AspectTrainee Explosive BlasterExplosive Blaster
CertificationsBasic safety and explosive handling trainingRequired Explosive Blaster license/certification
Work EnvironmentSupervised construction or mining sitesIndependent work on blasting sites
ExperienceEntry-level, under supervisionExperienced, responsible for blasting operations
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with setup and safety proceduresPlan, execute, and supervise blasting activities

The main difference between a Trainee Explosive Blaster and an Explosive Blaster is experience and certification level. Trainee Explosive Blasters are in training, working under supervision with basic certifications, while Explosive Blasters are fully qualified professionals responsible for planning and executing blasting operations independently.

How much do trainee explosive blasters make?

Trainee explosive blasters typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. As they gain certifications and skills, their pay can increase, and they may also receive benefits such as overtime pay and hazard allowances.

How to get into a trainee explosive blaster career?

To become a trainee explosive blaster, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete specialized training and certification in explosive handling and safety. Gaining experience in construction, mining, or demolition industries can also be beneficial, along with obtaining necessary state or federal licenses before working under supervision as a trainee.
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Trainee Explosive Blaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Explosive Blaster 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 $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Lancaster, PA • On-site

Maine Drilling & Blasting Inc
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Good training

Learn more about Maine Drilling & Blasting Incexternal

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Are you experienced in working with drills and explosives? Do you have previous military experience in explosive handling? If so, we would love to have you join us as a Blaster Trainee to gain some hands-on experience and learn how we do our blasting out in the field! This role will assist the Blaster with the coordination of daily drilling and blasting activity. This position is considered an “on the job” trainee or “apprentice” with respect to learning blasting and job site supervision, but it is required to have some experience working with explosives.

Come work with the best! At Maine Drilling & Blasting, we work with the unity of family and the determination of business owners. As a majority Employee Owned company we provide a unique and generous array of benefits including two retirement plans, an Employer-contributed Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and company matched 401(k). In addition to health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits, we also offer training and development opportunities. The sky is the limit, come rock your career! Our core values of Respect, Fairness, Honesty, and Responsibility provide a firm cultural foundation as we relate to customers and each other as we Make it Happen!

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION

We are looking for a candidate that is experienced with explosives handling to assist the Blaster with the coordination of daily drilling and blasting activity. This position is considered an “on the job” trainee or “apprentice” with respect to learning blasting and job site supervision, but it is required to have some experience working with explosives.

Responsibilities

  • Assists the Blaster in charge with coordinating daily drilling & blasting activities
  • Trains to be proficient in all areas of blasting techniques
  • Develops a solid understanding of proper explosives product use and various applications
  • Assists the Blaster with maintaining the daily blasting production schedule
  • Assists the Blaster with site security
  • Understands and follows company safety policies and procedures and performs work in a safe manner

  • Attends company meetings as required

  • Participates in daily heads-up meetings
  • Assists Blaster with setting up seismographs and works towards proficiency with use
  • Assists Blaster with drill pattern layout and setup and reviews this with the drill operator
  • Assists Blaster with monitoring the relationship between blast pattern and type of digging
  • Assists Blaster with accounting for explosives and drill supply usage and inventory
  • May transport explosives across state lines
  • May complete trip manifest, shot reports, cost sheets and related paperwork as required
  • All other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • High School Degree
  • MUST have at least two years' experience working with drills and explosives, or previous military experience in explosive handling
  • Demonstrates basic blasting problem solving skills
  • Able to travel out of town as needed
  • Ability to obtain blasting licenses
  • Must be able to pass ATF screenings

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to perform essential functions of the position
  • Ability to lift 50 - 100 lbs., 30 - 40% of the time
  • Work on uneven and loose surfaces in varying weather environments
  • Stooping and bending 30 – 40% of the time

Skeptical about advancement opportunities? Check out these videos:

  • Dante (CST) talks about what it’s like to work at MD&B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrSWPW4Qbgo
  • Dan (CEO) talks about career advancement opportunities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvloIft9KPY

    What Maine Drilling & Blasting employees say

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