SOC 47-5032
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ46/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ5,680
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$59K
$45K โ $104K
Projected Growth
๐-0.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค38/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters face a risk score of 46/100 โ 2 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $59K ($13K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 5,680 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations and navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
BIM-integrated automated progress tracking
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.
Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.
Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.
Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.
Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Analytical or scientific software
Geographic information system
Mobile location based services software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Public Safety and Security
Law and Government
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 57% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 73% |
| Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers | 33 | $79K | 71% |