How much does a blaster make?

In the United States, experience and state licenses or certificates for a specialty can affect pay. The employer and industry, location, type of blasting, and long or changing work schedules can also make a difference.

Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures.

What's a typical day like?

They inspect the worksite, plan the blast, mark danger zones, and prepare charges in drilled holes. After warning everyone and setting off the blast, they inspect the rubble and write required records.

Finish high school or a GED, then train as a helper under an experienced blaster. Federal rules bar under-18s from many hazardous blasting settings; some states require age 21, supervised experience, a course, and an exam for a license.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

In U.S. construction tunnels, workers must wait at least 15 minutes after a blast for smoke and fumes to clear, and the blaster checks for unexploded charges before anyone returns.