Pile Driver Operators
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.
Median pay: $73,300/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.3% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Move hand and foot levers of hoisting equipment to position piling leads, hoist piling into leads, and position hammers over pilings.
• Move levers and turn valves to activate power hammers, or to raise and lower drophammers that drive piles to required depths.
• Drive pilings to provide support for buildings or other structures, using heavy equipment with a pile driver head.
• Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
• Clean, lubricate, and refill equipment.
What's the median pay for Pile Driver Operators?
The median pay for Pile Driver Operators is $73,300 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Pile Driver Operators?
Employment for Pile Driver Operators is projected to change +4.3% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Pile Driver Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Pile Driver Operators?
About 300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.