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For Educators: Military Resources
Occupation FinderArchitecture and Construction

Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officers

Median Salary
66,280
Workforce Count
10,827

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Explosive ordnance disposal officers determine methods and procedures for locating and rendering safe all types of explosive ordnance. They lead teams that neutralize chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as improvised explosive devices (IED). They may operate in a variety of challenging environments, such as underwater.

What is the work environment like?

Explosive ordnance disposal officers usually work on bases or ships. Due to the need to keep forces supplied with weapons and munitions, explosive ordnance disposal officers may spend time outdoors in all types of weather.

How many people have this role in the Military?

10,827

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$94,536

2 Years

$71,643

6 Years

$94,536

10+ Years
Median Salary
66,280

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

Job training for explosive ordnance disposal officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments.  Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.  Job-specific training may include:  

  • Ordnance transportation, handling, and storage
  • Arming/disarming techniques
  • Ordnance disposal
  • Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
  • Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions
  • Demolition materials, procedures, and operations
  • Chemical and biological ordnance disposal operations

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    62%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    20%

  • Some college

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

  • Less than high school

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
  • Well Drilling/Driller
  • Blasting/Blaster

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?

  • Public Safety and Security
  • Mathematics
  • Law and Government
  • Mechanical
  • Engineering and Technology

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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