What is a Pile-Driver Operator?
Occupation Description 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.
Daily Life Of a Pile-Driver Operator
- 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.
- Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- Clean, lubricate, and refill equipment.
- Drive pilings to provide support for buildings or other structures, using heavy equipment with a pile driver head.
Pile-Driver Operator Required Skills
These are the skills Pile-Driver Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Other Pile-Driver Operator Job Titles
- Pile Driving Leadsman
- Pile Driver Operator
- Hydraulic Pile Hammer Operator
- Pile Driving Inspector
- Nozzle Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Pile-Driver Operators?
In the United States, there were 3,700 jobs for Pile-Driver Operator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 500 new jobs for Pile-Driver Operator by 2026. There will be an estimated 500 positions for Pile-Driver Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Pile-Driver Operator are Oregon, Florida, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Pennsylvania, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Pile-Driver Operator Average Salary
Pile-Driver Operators make between $33,810 and $100,350 a year.
Pile-Driver Operators who work in Illinois, Massachusetts, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Pile-Driver Operators make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $80,030 |
| Florida | $48,110 |
| Georgia | $45,900 |
| Illinois | $86,060 |
| Louisiana | $51,020 |
| Maryland | $56,230 |
| Massachusetts | $80,110 |
| Michigan | $72,440 |
| Minnesota | $74,250 |
| North Carolina | $40,540 |
| Oregon | $72,290 |
| Pennsylvania | $72,370 |
| Rhode Island | $61,520 |
| South Carolina | $43,340 |
| Texas | $59,440 |
| Virginia | $52,170 |
| Washington | $74,570 |
What Tools do Pile-Driver Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pile-Driver Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Global positioning system GPS software
Becoming a Pile-Driver Operator
Learn what Pile-Driver Operator education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Pile-Driver Operator?
Where Pile-Driver Operators Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Pile-Driver Operators employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Pile-Driver Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Pile-Driver Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Construction Trades Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.