SalaryNode

Average Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area command an impressive average annual salary of $82,790. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $68,590, indicating a strong demand and specialized need for these critical skills within the region. The higher compensation is likely driven by the concentration of specialized industries and government-related activities prevalent in the Washington metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $82,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,210.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears robust, with a total workforce of 600 individuals. This concentration, reflected in a Location Quotient of 5.25, suggests that this profession is significantly more prevalent here than the national average, pointing towards sustained demand and a healthy job environment for skilled professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$82,790

The average Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+20.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.8

Weekly

$1,592

Monthly

$6,899

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Career progression for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$48,090$23.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$62,093$29.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$104,210$50.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$103,488$49.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$104,210$50.1

Detailed Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$82,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$82,790

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $82,790 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Explosives Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses compared to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

600

Total Jobs

0.194

Per 1K Jobs

5.25

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 5.3x the national concentration of Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 5.25, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters, being over five times more prevalent than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out this specific talent pool, suggesting abundant opportunities for qualified individuals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $82,790. This typically ranges from $48,090 for entry-level positions to $104,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 20.7% higher than the national median of $68,590.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $82,790 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $82,790, which is substantially higher than the national average of $68,590.

What is the concentration of Explosives Workers in this region?

The region has a high concentration of these professionals, with a Location Quotient of 5.25, indicating they are more than five times as common as in the rest of the United States.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher salary provides strong purchasing power without the burden of significantly increased expenses.

What is the total number of Explosives Workers in the area?

There are approximately 600 Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.194 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.