How to become a Sandblaster

Operates sandblasting machines to clean and grind metal products and other hard surfaces.

Main tasks

• Prepares surfaces for sandblasting by cleaning and removing any debris or contaminants
• Prepares machines for operation by selecting and installing attachments and components for specialised functions
• Directs and controls the flow of abrasive materials onto surfaces to remove paint, rust or other coatings
• Adjusts sandblasting machine settings to achieve desired results
• Inspects surfaces after sandblasting to ensure they are clean and free of imperfections
• Maintains and repairs sandblasting equipment as needed

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate I in Engineering (MEM10119)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $80,808 a year
• About 13,600 people work in this job group now, and about 14,900 are projected by 2035. (+9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Sandblaster?

Ways in include: Certificate I in Engineering.

How much does a Sandblaster earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $80,808 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Sandblaster a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 13,600 to about 14,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Sandblaster?

Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate I in Engineering.

Will AI change the work of a Sandblaster?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04