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What is an ordnance handler and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreOrdnance HandlerUS Average
Salary
3.9

Avg. Salary $49,886

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
0.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.32%

Asian 0.87%

Black or African American 11.25%

Hispanic or Latino 21.21%

Unknown 4.76%

White 60.60%

Gender

female 14.29%

male 85.71%

Age - 25
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 - 25
Stress level
8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.4

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.1

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an ordnance handler

  1. Explore ordnance handler education requirements

    Most common ordnance handler degrees

    Associate

    63.6 %

    High School Diploma

    27.3 %

    Certificate

    9.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific ordnance handler skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patrol100.00%
  3. Complete relevant ordnance handler training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New ordnance handlers 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 an ordnance handler based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real ordnance handler resumes.
  4. Research ordnance handler duties and responsibilities

    • Manage of stowage, servicing, inspecting and handling all types of equipment's and ammunition.
    • Operate forklift for organizing, and schedule ammunition offloads.
    • Perform explosives testing using energetic materials following DoD safety procedures for ordinance disposal.
    • Respond to calls from military/combat personnel.
  5. Apply for ordnance handler jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an ordnance handler 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 ordnance handler job

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Average ordnance handler salary

The average ordnance handler salary in the United States is $49,886 per year or $24 per hour. Ordnance handler salaries range between $24,000 and $99,000 per year.

Average ordnance handler salary
$49,886 Yearly
$23.98 hourly

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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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