Demolition Expert: Salary & Career
What does it take to become a demolition expert? Read on to learn about desired qualifications and skills, as well as potential salaries and job growth stats for the career.
Career Information At a Glance
Demolition experts use their knowledge and training to demolish various types of old buildings and structures by placing and detonating explosives. Time management, operation and control, and complex problem solving are important skills required to succeed in this profession. Check out the following table for more details.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Common Education</b> </td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Prepare explosives for detonation; operate detonation equipment; record operational or environmental data; maintain extraction or excavation equipment</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Training Required</b> </td><td> Long-term on-the-job training</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Licensure/Certification</b> </td><td> Vary by state</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Outlook (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 8% (explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Average Annual Salary (2020)</b> </td><td>$51,040 (explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsADemolitionExpert">What Is A Demolition Expert?</h3><p>Demolition experts or explosives workers deal with a variety of explosives and pieces of equipment to tear down or dismantle different types of structures. Many times they are contracted for loosening or removing rock and other materials. It is a very hands-on job. Daily tasks include but are not limited to measuring worksite dimensions, positioning safety or support equipment, monitoring extraction and explosion operations, and repairing electrical equipment.
</p><p>They play a very crucial role in maintaining and ensuring public safety and following established safety procedures. Their job may also involve performing specialized accounting procedures and operating specialized types of scientific software such as Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatEducationalAndCertificationRequirementsAreThere">What Educational and Certification Requirements Are There?</h3><p>Earning a high school diploma or equivalent can qualify you for entry-level work as a demolition expert. Some demolition experts also go on to obtain a post-secondary certificate or a bachelor's degree related to construction management. Alternatively, many demolition experts may also attend vocational training school to gain the skills and abilities required.
</p><p>Certification and license requirements not only vary from one state to another but also vary depending on the kind of work the demolition expert will be performing. However, holding a federal license is mandatory if demolition experts work with hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead-based paint. Completion of the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification course is required to obtain the federal license.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobOutlookAndSalary">What Are the Job Outlook and Salary?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters is estimated to grow 8% between 2020-2030 which is quite average. They earned an average annual salary in 2020 of $51,040. In the same year, coal, and mining and quarrying industries were the top industries with the highest concentration of employment.
</p><h3 id="section---WhereMightIWork">Where Might I Work?</h3><p>Demolition experts work in a variety of settings but almost all the work is carried out outdoors. About 50% of explosive workers reported being exposed to hazardous conditions/equipment, contaminants, extreme temperatures, and noisy environment on a daily basis, according to the BLS in 2020. Some experts also work in very bright or inadequate lighting. Common workplaces include construction sites, coal, mining and quarrying industries.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Forest firefighters, hazardous materials removal workers, and rotary drill operators, oil and gas, are some related alternative careers. All these careers not only have similar educational requirements but are hands-on jobs. All these positions require professionals to possess a high degree of supervisory, operation monitoring, and critical thinking skills.</p>