National Salary Overview
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Median Salary
$64,920
Average (Mean)
$67,221
Employed Nationwide
4,110
VS
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Median Salary
$65,595
Average (Mean)
$66,002
Employed Nationwide
61,070
Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns $675 more (1.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$64,920
$65,595
Average (Mean) Salary
$67,221
$66,002
Total Employment
4,110
61,070
States with Higher Pay
15
19
Salary by State: Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters pays more in 15 states; Structural Iron and Steel Workers pays more in 19.
| State | Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,250 | $57,940 | +$6,310 | ||
| Arkansas | $49,650 | $48,740 | +$910 | ||
| California | $77,010 | $76,760 | +$250 | ||
| Colorado | $65,440 | $61,200 | +$4,240 | ||
| Florida | $79,730 | $49,690 | +$30,040 | ||
| Georgia | $47,490 | $56,390 | $-8,900 | ||
| Hawaii | $73,570 | $94,490 | $-20,920 | ||
| Illinois | $86,400 | $98,170 | $-11,770 | ||
| Indiana | $59,720 | $65,560 | $-5,840 | ||
| Iowa | $58,260 | $72,470 | $-14,210 | ||
| Kansas | $41,480 | $47,110 | $-5,630 | ||
| Kentucky | $51,520 | $62,680 | $-11,160 | ||
| Louisiana | $42,020 | $64,250 | $-22,230 | ||
| Maryland | $64,630 | $65,560 | $-930 | ||
| Massachusetts | $85,700 | $109,120 | $-23,420 | ||
| Michigan | $42,010 | $66,910 | $-24,900 | ||
| Minnesota | $75,190 | $75,800 | $-610 | ||
| Missouri | $52,610 | $60,540 | $-7,930 | ||
| Montana | $70,840 | $62,560 | +$8,280 | ||
| Nevada | $82,600 | $46,110 | +$36,490 | ||
| New Mexico | $78,420 | $74,580 | +$3,840 | ||
| North Carolina | $62,280 | $51,330 | +$10,950 | ||
| Ohio | $63,960 | $72,740 | $-8,780 | ||
| Oklahoma | $53,500 | $45,790 | +$7,710 | ||
| Oregon | $79,380 | $86,740 | $-7,360 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $55,920 | $76,490 | $-20,570 | ||
| Tennessee | $87,340 | $51,220 | +$36,120 | ||
| Texas | $51,020 | $48,600 | +$2,420 | ||
| Utah | $59,200 | $52,240 | +$6,960 | ||
| Virginia | $75,640 | $51,380 | +$24,260 | ||
| Washington | $76,940 | $98,550 | $-21,610 | ||
| West Virginia | $53,690 | $59,330 | $-5,640 | ||
| Wisconsin | $61,250 | $84,980 | $-23,730 | ||
| Wyoming | $78,650 | $46,890 | +$31,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
On average across all states, a Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns more than a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters. The national median salary difference is $675 (1.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters earn more than a Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
A Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters earns a higher median salary than a Structural Iron and Steel Workers in 15 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Structural Iron and Steel Workers pays more in 19 states.
What is the median salary for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
The national median salary for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters is $64,920 per year, compared to $65,595 for a Structural Iron and Steel Workers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
There are more people employed as Structural Iron and Steel Workers. BLS reports approximately 4,110 Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters positions and 61,070 Structural Iron and Steel Workers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
Both Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters and Structural Iron and Steel Workers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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