- Salary statistics
- Explosives worker
Explosives worker
36 000 - 39 800 kr / month
Women earn 96% of what men do.
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Explosives worker
What does an explosive worker do? – Tasks and work environment
An explosive worker is responsible for handling, preparing, and practically executing detonations within industry, construction, and mining. The work involves careful planning of charges, safety assessments, and supervision of the blasting process to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The work environment is often outdoors at construction sites, mines, or tunnels, with high safety requirements. The profession demands precision, risk awareness, and teamwork because detonations impact both the work team and the surroundings.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, explosive workers have seen a clear increase in salary. In 2022, the average salary was 32,600 SEK per month, which increased to 33 600 in 2023. The most significant rise occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 38 100, representing an increase of about 13.4% in one year. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for skilled workers in industry and construction sectors, along with a generally rising wage trend for technically advanced jobs. The salary increase may also reflect a growing need for safety expertise and certified personnel as projects become more complex and extensive.
Explosive worker salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 38 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 39,800 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 229 SEK
- Men (average): 38,500 SEK/month
- Women (average): 36,900 SEK/month
- Women earn: 96% of men's wages
Education and qualifications
To work as an explosive worker, a typical requirement is upper secondary education with a technical or industrial focus, followed by specialized certification courses in blasting technology. In addition to theoretical knowledge, high demands are placed on practical experience and safety awareness. Many employers also require internships or trainee positions before independent work can be performed.
- Upper secondary education: Technical or industrial focus (3 years)
- Certification course in blasting technology: Mandatory for professional practice
- Practical training: Usually 6–12 months
- Prerequisites: Good physical condition, safety consciousness, and responsibility
- Additional merits: Supervised work, further training in safety
Explosive workers often work in small, specialized teams where communication and collaboration are crucial to ensure safety and efficiency. It is common for personnel to develop strong cohesion by working together under pressure and sometimes in risky conditions.
Common benefits and compensations
Explosive workers are often offered generous supplements for unsocial hours, overtime pay, and special risk and safety bonuses. It is also common to receive wellness allowances, work clothing, and comprehensive insurance coverage for accidents and illnesses. Many employers provide ongoing training and opportunities for further development within the profession.
Market competition and challenges
The market for explosive workers is characterized by limited but stable demand, where specialized skills and certifications are essential for employment. Few educational pathways and high safety standards mean that competition mainly revolves around experience and reliability. Challenges in the profession include constantly updating safety regulations and technical tools, as well as managing physical and mental strains. Limited visibility of the profession to the public can also affect recruitment of new talent.
Tips for those wanting to become an explosive worker
To succeed as an explosive worker, it is important to have a strong safety mindset and the ability to follow instructions carefully, as even small mistakes can have serious consequences. Being resilient and able to act calmly under pressure is also beneficial, as the work often requires quick decisions. Good communication and teamwork skills are crucial since tasks are performed in teams. It is also advantageous to have good physical condition and be prepared to work outdoors in varying environments. For the curious and eager to learn, there are often opportunities for further education and specialization in blasting technology. Demonstrating responsibility and precision during education and internships increases chances of employment. Finally, flexibility is key, as tasks may vary between different projects and workplaces.
Key facts about explosive workers
- Salary range: 36,000–39,800 SEK/month
- Education level: Upper secondary education + certification
- Hourly wage: 229 SEK
- Work environment: Often outdoors, high safety requirements
- Demand: 1,437 job openings within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, an explosive worker can advance to supervisory roles such as project supervisor, safety coordinator, or instructor in blasting technology. Further training can also open opportunities within project management, technical consulting, or specialization in tunnel or mining blasting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, there is no specific assessment for explosive workers, but related fields within the chemical-technical industry have a stable demand with over 1,437 available positions. The industry continues to seek certified and experienced personnel, although the exact recruitment situation varies regionally and with economic cycles.
Frequently asked questions about explosive workers
- What does an explosive worker earn?
- The average salary is 38 100 SEK/month, with a range between 36,000 and 39,800 SEK/month. - How does one become an explosive worker?
- Through upper secondary education with a technical focus and certification courses in blasting technology and practical training. - Are there differences between men's and women's wages?
- Yes, women earn on average 36,900 SEK, which corresponds to 96% of men's wages. - What is the work environment like?
- Work is often outdoors at construction sites or in mines, requiring high safety awareness. - What career opportunities are available?
- Roles such as supervisor, safety coordinator, or instructor in blasting technology. - How high is the demand for explosive workers?
- There are 1,437 job openings within the profession according to recent statistics. - What education is required?
- At least upper secondary education with a technical focus and approved certification in blasting technology.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34200 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34200 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 37300 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35000 kr | 39100 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35400 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 34800 kr | 38900 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34200 kr | 38100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33500 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35500 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35000 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33500 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35500 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35000 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33500 kr | 38000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 35200 kr | 39600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 35500 kr | 39200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 35000 kr | 39200 kr | |
| Snitt | 96% | 34300 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 33600 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 33600 kr | 36900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 96% | 33600 kr | 36900 kr |
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Explosives worker has the SSYK code 8132, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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