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.
SOC: 47-2072.00
Common Job Titles
Pile Driver
Pile Driver Operator
Pile Driving Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
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
