Earth Drillers (Except Oil and Gas); and Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

What They Do

Earth Drillers operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap sub-surface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. May use explosives. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators. 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. Includes seismograph shooters.

Earth driller and Explosives Worker Salaries

• 2020 employment: 23,200
• May 2021 median annual wage: $48,610

Job Outlook for Earth drillers and Explosives Workers

Projected employment change, 2020-30:

• Number of new jobs: 1,800
• Growth rate: 8 percent (As fast as average)

How to Become an Earth driller or and Explosives Worker

Education and training:

• Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work experience in a related occupation: Less than 5 years
• Typical on-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training

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*Some content used by permission of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

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