John Conkling is the past executive director of the American Pyrotechnics
Association. He believes this is a career that's going up like a rocket. "The
demand for fireworks has increased dramatically over the past 25 years, and
the trend should continue," says Conkling.
"Regulatory pressure would be the most likely factor to limit the growth
of the industry. But industry members are working hard to cooperate with the
regulators to develop good rules that protect the public and the environment
without adversely impacting the industry."
Steve Ente shoots more fireworks shows in Connecticut than any other licensed
operator. "I can make $20,000 to $30,000 a year as the licensed operator shooting
fireworks shows for a fireworks company on a part-time basis."
Keep in mind that Ente has worked for years to build his reputation.
"If I lived in southern California where there could be fireworks all the
time, and if I had the reputation I have here and wished to work year-round,
I could probably make $70,000 to $85,000 a year," he says.
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.