Pile Driver Operators
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.
Common Job Titles
- Pile Driver
- Pile Driver Operator
- Pile Driving Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate pile drivers mounted on various platforms including skids, barges, crawler treads, and locomotive cranes on construction sites for buildings, bridges, and piers, following safety protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate pile driving operations with ground crews and signal personnel using mobile radios and visual signals in dynamic construction environments.Proficient
- Hands-onManipulate hydraulic impact hammers, diesel hammers, and gravity drop hammers to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and structural foundations.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate equipment performance and piling integrity during driving operations using pile driving analyzers and on-board computers to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.Proficient
- MindsetPrioritize safety protocols and hazard prevention measures in high-risk construction environments, ensuring crew and public safety.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply building and construction principles with mechanical and engineering knowledge when positioning equipment and determining pile depth requirements.Developing
- Hands-onPerform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on pile driving equipment using digital torque wrenches, allen wrenches, and diagnostic meters to ensure operational readiness.Developing
- Hands-onExecute rigging and material handling operations with chain slings, lifting slings, and hoisting equipment while adhering to weight limits and load distribution requirements.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze site conditions, soil characteristics, and structural requirements to determine appropriate pile driving methods and equipment configurations.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret construction blueprints, engineering specifications, and GPS positioning data to achieve precise pile placement and alignment tolerances.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Pile Driver Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,040
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $46,690. 25th percentile: U.S. $54,750. 50th percentile: U.S. $70,510. 75th percentile: U.S. $103,960. 90th percentile: U.S. $121,990. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $46,690 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $121,990 |
| Workers on average earn | $79,000 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Building and Construction4.1/5
- Mechanical3.6/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Transportation3.5/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
Technology Skills
- Email software
- GRL Engineers Wave Equation Analysis Program GRLWEAP
- Global positioning system GPS software
- Pile Dynamics Case Pile Wave Analysis Program CAPWAP
- Pile Dynamics Pile Driving Analyzer PDA
Tools & Equipment
- Allen wrenches
- Chain slings
- Diesel hammers
- Digital ammeters
- Digital torque wrenches
- Emergency first aid equipment
- Excavator mounted pile drivers
- Extension ladders