How to become a Shot Firer

Assembles, positions and detonates explosives at a mining or demolition site.

Main tasks

• Inspects and prepares blast sites for explosives
• Assembles and positions explosives according to safety regulations and blast plans
• Monitors weather conditions and adjusts blast plans accordingly
• Conducts pre-blast checks and ensures that the blast area is clear
• Detonates explosives using appropriate methods and techniques
• Inspects blast sites after detonation to assess the effectiveness of the blast and ensure safety standards are met
• Tests and maintains detonation equipment

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining (RII30320)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $151,216 a year
• About 64,100 people work in this job group now, and about 67,900 are projected by 2035. (+5.8%)
• 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.

Related jobs

• Miner
• Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
• Engineering Production Worker
• Wastewater or Water Plant Operator
• Boiler or Engine Operator
• Bulk Materials Handling Plant Operator

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Shot Firer?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining.

How much does a Shot Firer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $151,216 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Shot Firer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 64,100 to about 67,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Shot Firer?

Usually not. Only 4% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining.

Will AI change the work of a Shot Firer?

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