Pile driver operators
SOC Code: 47-2072Also known as:
Diesel Pile Hammer Operator, Driving Inspector, Driving Operator, Hoisting Pile Driving Engineer, Hydraulic Pile Hammer Operator
Median Annual Salary
$70,510
+4.3% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Pile driver operators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$70,510
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.3%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,200
Projected Employment (2034)
3,300
Related Careers
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+3.2% growth
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$52,550 •
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Hoist and winch operators
$52,310 •
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+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Pile driver operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a pile driver operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Pile driver operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become pile driver operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pile driver operators make?
The median annual salary for pile driver operators is $70,510.
What education do pile driver operators need?
Most pile driver operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming pile driver operators a good career choice?
Pile driver operators is projected to see +4.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for pile driver operators?
Top colleges for aspiring pile driver operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to pile driver operators?
Pile driver operators may also be known as: Diesel Pile Hammer Operator, Driving Inspector, Driving Operator, Hoisting Pile Driving Engineer, Hydraulic Pile Hammer Operator, Hydraulic Press-In Operator, Nozzle Operator, Pile Driver, Pile Driver Engineer, Pile Driver Operator, Pile Driving Inspector, Pile Driving Leadsman, Pile Driving Nozzleman, Pile Driving Operator, Pile Driving Technician, Vibratory Pile Driver.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.