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Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$80,370
Median Annual Salary
▼ -7.7% vs 2024
$75,140
Mean Salary
$80,370
Median Salary
$38.64
Hourly Rate
220 people work as Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $34,320$34,32025th25% earn less than $34,320$34,320MedianHalf earn more than $80,370$80,37075th75% earn less than $102,170$102,17090thTop 10% earn more than $125,930$125,930

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California earn a median salary of $80,370 per year ($6,697/month). This is 25.2% above the national average of $64,207. California ranks #6 out of 32 states for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters pay. Approximately 220 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries decreased by 7.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

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.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.88
Monitoring
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.62
Judgment and Decision Making
3.62
Operations Monitoring
3.5

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.13
Law and Government
3.96
Mathematics
3.71
Engineering and Technology
3.33
Administration and Management
3.17
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (62.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California

Salaries for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $125,930 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,320 and $102,170.

Median $80,370
P10: $34,320 P25: $34,320 P75: $102,170 P90: $125,930
10th
$34,320
25th
$34,320
Median
$80,370
75th
$102,170
90th
$125,930
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $34,320 $16.50 $2,860
25th Percentile $34,320 $16.50 $2,860
Median (50th) $80,370 $38.64 $6,697
75th Percentile $102,170 $49.12 $8,514
90th Percentile (Experienced) $125,930 $60.54 $10,494

Note: The mean (average) salary of $75,140 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#6
California ranks #6 of 32 states
$64,207
National avg. for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
+25.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Data in California

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Salary by State

Compare Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters make in California?
The median annual salary for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California is $80,370 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $75,140.
What is the salary range for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California?
Salaries for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California range from $34,320 at the 10th percentile to $125,930 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,320 and $102,170.
What is the starting salary for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California?
Entry-level Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters positions in California typically start around $34,320 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,320 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 220 people are employed as Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in California is approximately $38.64 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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