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CIP 46.0505 Construction Trades

Blasting/Blaster

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Overview

Blasting, or Blaster, is a specialized field primarily focused on the use of explosives for various practical applications, including mining, construction, demolition, and even military operations. This discipline combines principles from engineering, chemistry, and safety management to ensure the effective and safe use of explosive materials.

Students studying Blasting will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers the properties of explosives, detonation mechanisms, and the environmental impacts of blasting activities. They learn about the design and execution of blasting operations, including site preparation, charge placement, and monitoring blast outcomes. Safety is a paramount concern in this field, and students receive training in risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and emergency response strategies.

The applications of blasting are diverse. In mining, it is essential for breaking rock to access valuable minerals. In construction, blasting is used to clear land or remove obstacles. Additionally, controlled demolition utilizes blasting techniques to safely bring down structures. The field also involves research and development of new blasting technologies to enhance efficiency and safety.

Graduates from a Blasting program may find employment in various sectors, including mining companies, construction firms, engineering consultancies, and government agencies. They may work as blasting engineers, safety officers, or project managers, ensuring that blasting operations are conducted effectively and adhere to safety regulations. Overall, Blasting is a critical and dynamic field that plays a vital role in many industries.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

International share (%)

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 812,210 $41.56 $86,450
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters 5,100 $32.04 $66,640

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2012–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.