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What is a demolition worker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
introduction image
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a demolition worker. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.86 an hour? That's $32,985 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 69,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreDemolition WorkerUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $32,985

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.4

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.39%

Asian 2.51%

Black or African American 11.75%

Hispanic or Latino 29.84%

Unknown 3.95%

White 50.57%

Gender

female 7.20%

male 92.80%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.1

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Demolition worker career paths

Key steps to become a demolition worker

  1. Explore demolition worker education requirements

    Most common demolition worker degrees

    High School Diploma

    62.9 %

    Diploma

    16.8 %

    Associate

    9.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific demolition worker skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Demolition42.70%
    Hazardous Materials8.92%
    Safety Codes5.15%
    Asbestos4.46%
    Safety Procedures3.89%
  3. Complete relevant demolition worker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New demolition workers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a demolition worker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real demolition worker resumes.
  4. Research demolition worker duties and responsibilities

    • Skil at operating jackhammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, surveying and measuring equipment.
    • Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites using rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows and other equipment.
    • Tear down mold Sheetrock, mold ceilings, and cabinets
    • Set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, or drills, in order to bore charge holes.
  5. Prepare your demolition worker resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your demolition worker resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a demolition worker resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable demolition worker resume templates

    Build a professional demolition worker resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your demolition worker resume.
    Demolition Worker Resume
    Demolition Worker Resume
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    Demolition Worker Resume
    Demolition Worker Resume
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    Demolition Worker Resume
    Demolition Worker Resume
  6. Apply for demolition worker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a demolition worker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first demolition worker job

Zippi

Are you a demolition worker?

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Average demolition worker salary

The average demolition worker salary in the United States is $32,985 per year or $16 per hour. Demolition worker salaries range between $22,000 and $48,000 per year.

Average demolition worker salary
$32,985 Yearly
$15.86 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do demolition workers rate their job?

4.5/5

Out of 2 Demolition Worker reviews, 100% were positive.

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Based on 2 ratings

Overall rating
4.5
Work/life balance
2.0
Pay / salary
4.0
Career growth
3.0

Demolition worker reviews

profile
4.0
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2023
Pros

Good pay this site has the pay all wrong.

Cons

Long hours very hard work


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Pros

I like to diminish demolition and sheetrock putting up helping and cleaning the surrounding


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Pros

Light travel, working with hands on problem solving thinking out of the box daily

Cons

In mn it is cold -15 and snow out side. Make production a challenge


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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