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Blaster salary
Average blaster salary
$41,789
Understanding Blaster Salaries
The average salary for a Blaster is approximately $41,789 per year, translating to about $20 per hour. This figure can vary based on factors such as location, years of experience, and industry of employment. For example, states like Alaska and Nevada often offer higher wages due to the demand in mining and construction activities.
Salary by State
When examining Blaster salaries by state, it's important to consider the top-paying locations. States like Alaska, Nevada, and Texas typically lead in compensation due to the robust job market in these areas. Additionally, the specific industry also plays a role; for instance, those working in the mining sector may earn more than those in construction.
Job Opportunities
Blasters can find job openings in various sectors, including construction, mining, and demolition. Many employers look for candidates with relevant experience and certifications, enhancing job prospects and potential earnings. Overall, pursuing a career as a Blaster can be rewarding, especially in regions with active projects.
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Where can a Blaster earn more?
Blaster salary estimates from across the web
Average blaster salary by state
The highest-paying states for blasters are Virginia, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. The lowest average blaster salary states are Alabama, Nebraska, and Wyoming.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for blasters
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wisconsin | $44,692 | $21.49 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $44,946 | $21.61 |
| 3 | Virginia | $46,129 | $22.18 |
| 4 | Indiana | $43,128 | $20.73 |
| 5 | Maine | $40,722 | $19.58 |
| 6 | Alaska | $41,624 | $20.01 |
| 7 | Arizona | $45,099 | $21.68 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $36,866 | $17.72 |
| 9 | Rhode Island | $37,980 | $18.26 |
| 10 | Michigan | $39,559 | $19.02 |
| 11 | Washington | $42,017 | $20.20 |
| 12 | New York | $41,118 | $19.77 |
| 13 | Idaho | $39,981 | $19.22 |
| 14 | New Jersey | $41,446 | $19.93 |
| 15 | Delaware | $40,293 | $19.37 |
| 16 | Connecticut | $38,848 | $18.68 |
| 17 | Texas | $37,839 | $18.19 |
| 18 | Iowa | $35,638 | $17.13 |
| 19 | Nevada | $37,693 | $18.12 |
| 20 | New Mexico | $37,563 | $18.06 |
| 21 | Ohio | $36,885 | $17.73 |
| 22 | Maryland | $39,865 | $19.17 |
| 23 | Tennessee | $34,535 | $16.60 |
| 24 | New Hampshire | $36,177 | $17.39 |
| 25 | Louisiana | $35,514 | $17.07 |
| 26 | Illinois | $37,169 | $17.87 |
| 27 | Vermont | $35,173 | $16.91 |
| 28 | Oregon | $36,948 | $17.76 |
| 29 | Oklahoma | $34,302 | $16.49 |
| 30 | Massachusetts | $37,266 | $17.92 |
| 31 | District of Columbia | $39,737 | $19.10 |
| 32 | California | $38,728 | $18.62 |
| 33 | North Dakota | $35,312 | $16.98 |
| 34 | Florida | $35,711 | $17.17 |
| 35 | Minnesota | $35,644 | $17.14 |
| 36 | Arkansas | $34,258 | $16.47 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $33,703 | $16.20 |
| 38 | North Carolina | $34,895 | $16.78 |
| 39 | Kentucky | $33,723 | $16.21 |
| 40 | Kansas | $33,681 | $16.19 |
| 41 | Hawaii | $38,185 | $18.36 |
| 42 | Mississippi | $33,215 | $15.97 |
| 43 | Georgia | $34,643 | $16.66 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $33,178 | $15.95 |
| 45 | Montana | $33,953 | $16.32 |
| 46 | Alabama | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| 47 | Missouri | $32,264 | $15.51 |
| 48 | Utah | $32,278 | $15.52 |
| 49 | Wyoming | $32,318 | $15.54 |
| 50 | Nebraska | $32,515 | $15.63 |
| 51 | Colorado | $31,940 | $15.36 |
Highest paying cities for blasters
The highest-paying cities for blasters are Newport News, VA, Bethlehem, PA, and Milwaukee, WI.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newport News, VA | $46,156 | $22.19 |
| 2 | Bethlehem, PA | $44,954 | $21.61 |
| 3 | Milwaukee, WI | $44,880 | $21.58 |
| 4 | Lafayette, IN | $42,990 | $20.67 |
| 5 | Huntington Park, CA | $38,710 | $18.61 |
| 6 | Houston, TX | $38,174 | $18.35 |
| 7 | Akron, OH | $37,814 | $18.18 |
| 8 | Mason City, IA | $36,644 | $17.62 |
| 9 | Miami, FL | $36,068 | $17.34 |
| 10 | Alexandria, LA | $35,623 | $17.13 |
| 11 | Lebanon, TN | $34,598 | $16.63 |
| 12 | Douglasville, GA | $34,568 | $16.62 |
| 13 | Tulsa, OK | $34,037 | $16.36 |
| 14 | Mobile, AL | $33,991 | $16.34 |
Blaster salary details
A blaster's salary ranges from $25,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $67,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a blaster's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $67,000 | $5,583 | $32 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $25 |
| Average | $41,789 | $3,482 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,000 | $2,667 | $15 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
Highest paying blaster jobs
The highest paying types of blasters are explosive ordnance disposal manager, blasting contract person, and explosives engineer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explosive Ordnance Technician | $42,298 | $3,525 | $20.34 | 6,433 |
| Blaster/Painter | $41,168 | $3,431 | $19.79 | 4,146 |
Top companies hiring blasters now:
Which companies pay blasters the most?
Blaster salaries at Siemens and Precision Castparts are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average blaster salary at companies like Calgon Carbon and Regal Beloit are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siemens | $70,922 | $34.10 |
| 2 | Precision Castparts | $46,072 | $22.15 |
| 3 | Calgon Carbon | $43,375 | $20.85 |
| 4 | Regal Beloit | $43,089 | $20.72 |
| 5 | Vulcan Materials | $42,584 | $20.47 |
| 6 | Koch Industries | $41,959 | $20.17 |
| 7 | Maine Drilling & Blasting | $41,628 | $20.01 |
| 8 | Dyno Nobel | $41,096 | $19.76 |
| 9 | Arcosa | $40,403 | $19.42 |
| 10 | Colonna's Shipyard | $40,316 | $19.38 |
| 11 | Danaher | $40,142 | $19.30 |
| 12 | HKA Enterprises | $39,801 | $19.14 |
| 13 | United Rentals | $39,799 | $19.13 |
| 14 | Westerman | $39,785 | $19.13 |
| 15 | Orica Limited | $39,699 | $19.09 |
| 16 | Bodycote USA Inc | $39,697 | $19.09 |
| 17 | Grp Inc | $39,697 | $19.09 |
| 18 | Rotating Machinery Services | $39,576 | $19.03 |
| 19 | Quality Paint and Coatings | $39,473 | $18.98 |
| 20 | Tradesmen International | $39,470 | $18.98 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Blaster salary by industry
The average blaster salary varies across industries:
- The average blaster salary in the manufacturing industry is $43,853, the highest of any industry.
- The average blaster salary in the finance industry is $40,695.
- Blasters in the utilities industry earn an average salary of $36,565, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for blasters
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manufacturing | $43,853 | $21.08 |
| 2 | Transportation | $40,695 | $19.56 |
| 3 | Technology | $39,624 | $19.05 |
| 4 | Professional | $39,225 | $18.86 |
| 5 | Construction | $38,919 | $18.71 |
| 6 | Energy | $37,596 | $18.07 |
| 7 | Utilities | $36,565 | $17.58 |
High paying blaster jobs
Blaster salary trends
The average blaster salary has risen by $5,118 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average blaster earned $36,671 annually, but today, they earn $41,789 a year. That works out to a -1% change in pay for blasters over the last decade.
Compare blaster salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average blaster salary over time
Compare blaster salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Blaster salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $41,800 | $20.09 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $40,800 | $19.62 | +1.2% |
| 2023 | $40,300 | $19.37 | +0.4% |
| 2022 | $40,100 | $19.29 | -5.1% |
| 2021 | $42,200 | $20.27 | +3.8% |
Recently added blaster salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cushman & Wakefield Inc. | Water Blast & Vacuum Technican | Bovina, TX | 06/27/2025 | $49,065 |
| C&W Services | Water Blast & Vacuum Technican | Bovina, TX | 06/27/2025 | $49,065 |
| Forjak Industrial | Industrial Blaster | Circleville, OH | 06/21/2025 | $39,298 |
| Manpowergroup | Blaster | Canonsburg, PA | 06/19/2025 | $46,039 |
| Aerotek | Blaster | Berlin, WI | 06/19/2025 | $48,001 |
| Aerotek | Abrasive Blaster (Previous NNS Blasting EXP Only) | Newport News, VA | 06/15/2025 | $36,189 |
| Clean Harbors | Industrial Services General Labor, Hydro Blaster | Robinson, IL | 06/10/2025 | $45,914 |
| HPC Industrial | Industrial Services General Labor, Hydro Blaster | Robinson, IL | 06/05/2025 | $45,914 |
| Pennsylvania Transformer Technology | Blaster | Canonsburg, PA | 06/05/2025 | $46,039 |
| Marmon Group | Blaster-2Nd Shift | Texarkana, AR | 05/27/2025 | $50,088 |
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