For Educators: Military Resources
Military Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists
Median Salary
66,225
Workforce Count
10,799
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
EOD specialists detect, locate, render safe, and dispose of explosive threats all over the world. These threats include chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as improvised explosive devices (IED). These experts perform very challenging work for the cause of protecting other service members and the general public.
What is the work environment like?
Explosive ordnance disposal specialists work indoors and outdoors. Their ciritical duties of rendering safe and disposing of ordnance primarily takes place outdoors.
How many people have this role in the Military?
10,799
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.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$94,218
2 Years
$71,643
6 Years
$94,218
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Explosive ordnance disposal specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Ammunition/maintenance operations
- Explosives demolition operations
- Operation of automated and manual ammunition management systems
- Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
- Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions
- Demolition materials, procedures, and operations
- Chemical and biological ordnance and operations
- Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incident defense (CBRNE)
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician
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 CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Administration and Management
- Transportation
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.
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