Rock Splitters, Quarry

Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

SOC: 47-5051.00

Common Job Titles

DrillerQuarry WorkerRock SplitterStone Splitter

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate jackhammers, rock saws, and hydraulic splitting equipment in quarry environments to separate dimension stone from quarry mass.
  • Hands-onHandle rough stone blocks and heavy materials using forklifts, cranes, and manual rigging equipment under physically demanding conditions.
  • KnowledgePredict fracture patterns and splitting points in stone by analyzing rock characteristics and grain structure before drilling or wedging.
  • Hands-onExecute drilling operations with pneumatic and hydraulic drills to create wedge insertion points following quarry production specifications.
  • KnowledgeExamine stone blocks for dimensional accuracy and surface defects using measurement tools and visual inspection techniques in outdoor quarry settings.
  • Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance and basic repairs on rock splitting equipment including jackhammers, compressors, and hydraulic systems to minimize downtime.
  • KnowledgeApply safety protocols and hazard mitigation procedures when working with heavy machinery, explosives, and falling rock hazards in active quarries.
  • MindsetParticipate in crew coordination and communication to ensure safe and efficient stone extraction operations with coworkers and supervisors.
  • KnowledgeEstimate dimensions and weight of stone blocks using mathematical calculations and measurement tools to determine rigging and transport requirements.
  • KnowledgeDemonstrate troubleshooting techniques for equipment malfunctions during stone splitting operations to maintain production efficiency.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Rock Splitters, Quarry (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

3,080

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$37,240
10% of workers earn the following or more$68,380
Workers on average earn$50,540

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Production and Processing3.0/5
  • Mechanical2.9/5
  • Mathematics2.8/5
  • Public Safety and Security2.8/5
  • Education and Training2.8/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Autodesk AutoCADFacebookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft WordSAP software

Technology Skills

Apache HTTP ServerMaintenance reporting softwareMinitabTime reporting software

Tools & Equipment

Aerial personnel liftsAir hammersCape chiselsChain slingsChainsawsChalk linesChipping hammersConcrete saws