Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Salary in California
In California, explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters earn $87,110 at the median — $41.88 an hour. The range runs from $53K at the entry level to $123K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $87K get you in California?
About explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters (10th percentile) start around $53K. Mid-career wages sit at $87K.Top earners bring in $123K or more - a $70K spread from bottom to top.
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $104K | +76% | 60 |
| Tennessee | $102K | +73% | 120 |
| Connecticut | $101K | +71% | N/A |
| Maryland | $94K | +58% | 770 |
| California | $87K | +47% | 180 |
| Wyoming | $87K | +47% | 30 |
| Florida | $85K | +43% | 90 |
| New Mexico | $84K | +42% | 80 |
| Illinois | $83K | +40% | 130 |
| Hawaii | $77K | +31% | 70 |
| Washington | $77K | +31% | N/A |
| North Carolina | $77K | +30% | 80 |
| Montana | $69K | +17% | 60 |
| Ohio | $66K | +12% | 80 |
| Alabama | $65K | +10% | 80 |
Track explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters make in California?
The median is $87,110 a year - that works out to about $41.88 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $52,900, and experienced explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters can clear $122,780. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $87K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,452/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 40.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters salary is worth about $87,110 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.