# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 47-5032.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Blast Hole Driller
- Blaster
- Explosive Technician
- Powderman
- Unexploded Ordnance Quality Control Officer
- Aircraft Ordnance Technician
- Ammunition and Explosives Handler
- Blast Driller
- Blast Setter
- Blast Technician
- Blasting Clay Miner
- Blasting Coal Miner

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.k |
| Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.b |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Operate drones for aerial survey of blast sites and for post-blast damage assessment. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Develop equipment or component configurations. | 4.A.3.b.2.c |
| Record operational or environmental data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Remove debris or vegetation from work sites. | 4.A.3.a.1.e |
| Drill holes in earth or rock. | 4.A.3.a.2.ad |
| Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards. | 4.A.1.a.2.k |
| Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Prepare explosives for detonation. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Position safety or support equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Direct construction or extraction personnel. | 4.A.4.b.4.i |
| Operate detonation equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.c |
| Pour materials into or on designated areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.g |
| Mark reference points on construction materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Measure work site dimensions. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Assemble products or production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Position construction or extraction equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.v |
| Monitor extraction operations. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Move materials, equipment, or supplies. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Stock supplies or merchandise. | 4.A.3.a.2.ak |
| Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Order construction or extraction materials or equipment. | 4.A.4.c.3.e |
| Maintain extraction or excavation equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Operate communications equipment or systems. | 4.A.3.a.3.j |
| Load materials into construction equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Clean equipment or facilities. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 4.13 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 4 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 4 |
| Near Vision | ability | 4 |
| Law and Government | knowledge | 3.96 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.88 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.88 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.88 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.88 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.75 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.71 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.63 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.63 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.5 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.5 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.38 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.38 |
| Engineering and Technology | knowledge | 3.33 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.25 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.25 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.13 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.13 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.13 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | Computer aided design CAD software | yes | no |
| ESRI ArcGIS software | Geographic information system | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Datavis DBS Designer | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| DetNet ViewShot | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Global positioning system GPS software | Mobile location based services software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 5 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.92 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4.83 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.79 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.67 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.52 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.52 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.5 |
| Contact With Others | 4.38 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.38 |
| Time Pressure | 4.35 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.33 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.29 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.29 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.29 |
| Spend Time Standing | 4.27 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.25 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.21 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.17 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.13 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.05 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 3.82 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.75 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.63 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.58 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.48 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.48 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.42 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.39 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 3.38 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.38 |
| Level of Competition | 3.35 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.33 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.3 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.3 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.25 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.13 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.05 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.96 |
| Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling | 2.87 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 62.5 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 20.83 |
| Some College Courses | 8.33 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 4.17 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 4.17 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.9 |
| Dependability | work_style | 6 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.82 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 5 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.19 |
| Integrity | work_style | 4 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 3.77 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.67 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 3 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 3 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.66 |
| Self-Control | work_style | 2.55 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 2.28 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 2.28 |
| Protective Service | specific_interest_area | 2.1 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.9 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 47-5023.00 | role-47-5023-00 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5081.00 | role-47-5081-00 | Helpers--Extraction Workers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5012.00 | role-47-5012-00 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Short |
| 47-5041.00 | role-47-5041-00 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Short |
| 47-2072.00 | role-47-2072-00 | Pile Driver Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-5022.00 | role-47-5022-00 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | Primary-Long |
| 47-5043.00 | role-47-5043-00 | Roof Bolters, Mining | Primary-Long |
| 47-2061.00 | role-47-2061-00 | Construction Laborers | Primary-Long |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Long |
| 51-2011.00 | role-51-2011-00 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | Supplemental |
| 49-9096.00 | role-49-9096-00 | Riggers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction | construction |
| Energy & Natural Resources | energy-natural-resources |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Construction Trades | construction-trades |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 59110
- **Mean Wage:** 66840
- **Pct10Wage:** 45160
- **Pct25Wage:** 49860
- **Pct75Wage:** 80050
- **Pct90Wage:** 104210
- **Employment:** 5680
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 1200 | 57150 | 56.8 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 880 | 93550 | 2.22 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 780 | 93550 | 18.31 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 620 | 58320 | 2.07 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 580 | 60410 | 2.61 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 470 | 57990 | 1 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 230 | 66260 | 0.69 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 130 | 46290 | 0.48 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry |  | 31200 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 1200 | 56.8 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 780 | 18.31 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 580 | 2.61 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 880 | 2.22 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 620 | 2.07 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 470 | 1 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 230 | 0.69 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 130 | 0.48 |
- **Count:** 9

## Ai Signals


## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 12
- **Percentile:** 8
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 19 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 6 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 2

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.14583333333333331 | 19 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.03386206176281378 | 6 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.125
- **Beta:** 0.13541666666666666
- **Gamma:** 0.14583333333333331

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -0.9
- **Growth Percentile:** 22
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.5
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 7
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 5.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 5.8

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 27
- **Skills:** 36
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 11
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 2301e443c0109f43