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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$60,520
Median Annual Salary
▼ -26.8% vs 2024
$71,080
Mean Salary
$60,520
Median Salary
$29.10
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois

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

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

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $52,420$52,42025th25% earn less than $57,620$57,620MedianHalf earn more than $60,520$60,52075th75% earn less than $84,760$84,76090thTop 10% earn more than $93,180$93,180

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois earn a median salary of $60,520 per year ($5,043/month). This is 5.7% below the national average of $64,207. Illinois ranks #16 out of 32 states for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters pay. Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries decreased by 26.8% 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 Illinois

Salaries for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois range from $52,420 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $93,180 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $57,620 and $84,760.

Median $60,520
P10: $52,420 P25: $57,620 P75: $84,760 P90: $93,180
10th
$52,420
25th
$57,620
Median
$60,520
75th
$84,760
90th
$93,180
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,420 $25.20 $4,368
25th Percentile $57,620 $27.70 $4,801
Median (50th) $60,520 $29.10 $5,043
75th Percentile $84,760 $40.75 $7,063
90th Percentile (Experienced) $93,180 $44.80 $7,765

Note: The mean (average) salary of $71,080 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#16
Illinois ranks #16 of 32 states
$64,207
National avg. for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
-5.7%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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

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 Illinois?
The median annual salary for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois is $60,520 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $71,080.
What is the salary range for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois?
Salaries for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois range from $52,420 at the 10th percentile to $93,180 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $57,620 and $84,760.
What is the starting salary for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois?
Entry-level Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters positions in Illinois typically start around $52,420 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $57,620 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Illinois is approximately $29.10 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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