Occupation Summary

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

O*NET 47-5032.00

Description:

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.

Annual Wages:
$54,959.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 10.75%.
Education Level:
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED). According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Business and Industry

  1. Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.
  2. Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.
  3. Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.
  4. Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
  5. Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.
  6. Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.
  7. Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.
  8. Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.
  9. Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.
  10. Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.
  11. Assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives.
  12. Verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts.
  13. Move and store inventories of explosives, loaded perforating guns, and other materials, according to established safety procedures.
  14. Light fuses, drop detonating devices into wells or boreholes, or activate firing devices with plungers, dials, or buttons, in order to set off single or multiple blasts.
  15. Drive trucks to transport explosives and blasting equipment to blasting sites.
  16. Cut specified lengths of primacord and attach primers to cord ends.
  17. Maintain inventory levels, ordering new supplies as necessary.
  18. Repair and service blasting, shooting, and automotive equipment, and electrical wiring and instruments, using hand tools.
  19. Set up and operate short-wave radio or field telephone equipment to transmit and receive blast information.
  20. Insert waterproof sealers, bullets, and/or powder charges into guns, and screw gun ports back into place.
  21. Clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.
  22. Lower perforating guns into wells, using hoists; then use measuring devices and instrument panels to position guns in correct positions for taking samples.
  23. Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.
  24. Document geological formations encountered during work.
  25. Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
  26. Set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, and drills, in order to bore charge holes.
  27. Signal crane operators to move equipment.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters employed Annual Growth Rate
Other specialty trade contractors 10.6 0.00
Nonmetallic mineral mining and quarrying 5.8 0.00
Architectural, engineering, and related services 4.4 0.00
Metal ore mining 2.2 0.00


Labor Market Information


2024 Statewide average hourly wage $26.42
2024 National average hourly wage $32.13
2022 National employment 4,900
2022 Texas employment 335
Texas projected employment by 2032 371
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2032 35




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
82.60%
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
79.20%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
74.20%
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
66.60%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
63.40%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
63.40%
Transportation
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
63.40%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
61.80%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
60.00%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
60.00%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
77.60%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
75.00%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
72.40%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
72.40%
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
70.00%
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
70.00%
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
67.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
67.60%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
67.60%
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
62.40%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
80.00%
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
80.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
80.00%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
77.60%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
77.60%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
77.60%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
77.60%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
77.60%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00%
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
75.00%


  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    -- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Documenting/Recording Information
    -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Performing General Physical Activities
    -- Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Other Activities


  • Independence
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Support
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.



Tools

Air compressors: Portable air compressors;

Ammeters: Digital ammeters;

Ammonium nitrate and fuel oil ANFO loading machinery: Ammonium nitrate fuel oil ANFO loaders;

Backhoes: Backhoe-equipped tractors;

Blaster tools: Blast hole tubing;

Blasting caps: Explosive blasting caps;

Cable reels: Wheeled wire dispensers;

Calibrated resistance measuring equipment: Resistance testers;

Calipers: Vernier calipers;

Capsule guns: Perforating capsule guns;

Cargo trucks: Stakebed trucks; Tractor-trailer trucks; Transport trucks; Work trucks;

Casing guns: Perforating casing guns;

Circuit tester: Fuse testers; Electrical circuit testers;

Clinometers: Clinometers;

Combination wrenches: Adjustable combination wrenches;

Completion bull plugs: Hole savers; Plastic plugs;

Compressed air gun: Avalaunchers;

Conduit benders: Conduit bending tools;

Conventional truck cranes: Truck mounted cranes;

Core drills: Blasthole drills; Air rotary drills; Core drill rigs;

Cylinder gauge: Ring gauges;

Densitometers: Mud balances;

Depth gauges: Depth measurement gauges;

Depth indicators: Water level meters;

Detonator box: Blasting machines; Remote blasting systems;

Detonators: Instantaneous electrical detonators; Long period delay detonators; Non-electric delay detonators; Remote firing devices; Shock tube detonators; Short period delay detonators;

Dewatering pumps: Dewatering pumps;

Diesel generators: Alternating current AC generators;

Digital camcorders or video cameras: Digital video cameras;

Dollies: Equipment dollies;

Downhole fishing poles: Pipe retrieval fishing tools;

Drill collars: Drilling collars;

Ear plugs: Protective ear plugs;

End cut pliers: End cutting pliers;

Explosive initiators: Electronic shock tube initiators;

Explosive loading machinery spare parts or accessories: Loading poles;

Explosives fuses: Safety fuses; Detonating cords;

Fish tape: Wire loop pullers;

Flags or accessories: Stake flags;

Forklifts: Forklifts; Field forklifts;

Galvanometers: Galvanometers;

Global positioning system GPS receiver: Global positioning system GPS receivers;

Goggles: Safety goggles;

Grab hooks: Lowering hooks; Grappling hooks; Harpoon retrievers;

Grease guns: Lube guns;

Grouting pump: Grout pumps;

Hacksaw: Hacksaws;

Hammer drills: Downhole hammers;

Hard hats: Hard hats;

Hazardous materials cabinets: Day boxes;

Hoists: Hoisting equipment;

Hydraulic rock drills: Cable tool drills; Earth drilling machines;

Industrial funnels: Explosives funnels;

Knife blades: Fixed blade knives;

Laboratory bailers: Water sampling bailers;

Ladders: Extension ladders;

Levels: Torpedo levels; Precision levels;

Linemans pliers: Insulated pliers;

Logging instruments for water wells: Water logging tools;

Longnose pliers: Longnose pliers;

Makeup tongs: Drill pipe tongs;

Measuring rods: Surveyors leveling rods;

Mechanical balances: Balance scales;

Megohmmeters: Meggers;

Micrometers: Digital micrometers;

Mud mixers: Mud guns;

Mud pumps: Mud pumping equipment;

Multimeters: Digital multimeters;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Ohmmeters: Digital ohmmeters;

Open end wrenches: Crescent wrenches;

Pallet trucks: Pallet jacks;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Phasemeters: Phase rotation meters;

Pick or place robots: Explosives handling robots;

Plaster or mortar mixers: Mud mixers;

Plumb bobs: Plumb bobs;

Pneumatic drill: Pneumatic drilling equipment;

Pneumatic hammer: Jackhammers;

Pocket knives: Folding knives;

Pressure indicators: Hydraulic pressure gauges;

Prisms: Right angle prisms;

Protective gloves: Padded gloves; Coated gloves;

Pull spring balances: Spring scales;

Radio frequency transmitters or receivers: Short-wave radios;

Rangefinders: Laser rangefinders;

Remote reading thermometers: Temperature data loggers; Bore hole thermometers; Handheld remote thermometers;

Respirators: Protective respirators;

Rotary drills: Mud rotary drills; Rotary drilling tools;

Rubber mallet: Rubber mallets;

Safety glasses: Protective safety glasses;

Safety harnesses or belts: Safety harnesses;

Sand control screens: Desanders;

Scientific calculator: Digital calculators;

Screwdrivers: Phillips head screwdrivers;

Seismic recorders or seismographs: Seismic activity recorders;

Shale shakers: Shale shakers;

Shears: Hand shears;

Signal generators: Portable signal generators;

Sirens: Warning sirens;

Skid steer loaders: Bobcats;

Slings: Chain slings;

Soil core sampling apparatus: Power augers;

Special hoses: Discharge hoses;

Stonemason chisel: Hand chisels;

Stripping tools: Wire strippers;

Strobe or warning lights: Flashing warning lights;

Submerged arc welding machine: Submerged arc welding tools;

Tablet computers: Tablet computers;

Tampers: Tamping rods;

Tape measures: Weighted tape measures;

Tie down anchors: Tie-down equipment;

Time delay fuses: Explosives time delay fuses;

Tongue and groove pliers: Tongue and groove pliers;

Track cranes: Overhead cranes;

Traffic cones or delineators: Safety cones;

Trenching machines: Trenchers;

Tweezers: Precision tweezers;

Two way radios: Mobile radios;

Utility knives: Electricians' knives;

Viscosimeters: Marsh funnels;

Voltage or current meters: Test lamps; Millivoltmeters; Non-contact voltage testers; Digital voltmeters;

Water analyzers: Water test kits;

Water pumps: Truck-mounted water pumps;

Water samplers: Water monitoring samplers;

Wattmeters: Digital wattmeters;

Wedges: Wood wedges;

Well testing downhole tools: Downhole well testing equipment;

Wire brushes: Wire cleaning brushes;

Wire connectors: Surface connector blocks;

Wire cutters: Wire cutting tools; Fuse cutters;

Wire lug crimping tool: Blasting cap crimpers;

Workshop cranes: Portable cranes;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator; Datavis DBS Designer; DetNet ViewShot;

Computer aided design CAD software: Autodesk AutoCAD;

Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook;

Geographic information system: ESRI ArcGIS software;

Mobile location based services software: Global positioning system GPS software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters include:
  • 47-2061.00 Construction Laborers
  • 47-5041.00 Continuous Mining Machine Operators
  • 47-5023.00 Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
  • 47-5022.00 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  • 47-5081.00 Helpers--Extraction Workers
  • 53-7041.00 Hoist and Winch Operators
  • 47-2073.00 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  • 47-2072.00 Pile Driver Operators
  • 47-5043.00 Roof Bolters, Mining
  • 47-5012.00 Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas


No sources of additional information found.

Contact Texas Workforce Commission
Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.