Also called: Pyrotechnic Production Worker, Shell Builder
Hand-builds aerial firework shells and pyrotechnic devices for shows, movies and theme parks.
In a small, carefully separated building, you pack colored 'stars' of chemicals into paper shells by hand, add a burst charge and wrap the shell tightly with paste and paper. One mistake could be dangerous, so you work slowly and follow strict rules. On the Fourth of July, your work lights up the sky.
Estimate; a very small occupation.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school plus on-the-job training; ATF background checks required.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly. Tiny niche; most consumer fireworks are imported.
Low risk for 10 years. Hand-building shells is delicate, dangerous craft work that resists automation, though it is a small niche.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply at fireworks factories; the company files your ATF employee-possessor background check First: ATF explosives background clearance (several weeks)
Classes: Chemistry, Art, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9199.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.