Pile Driver Operators
O*NET 47-2072.00 · SOC 47-2072
Pile Driver Operator is a risky career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with -5.7% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 200 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Drive steel or concrete piles into the ground
- →Position pile driver leads over marked foundation locations
- →Monitor pile depth and alignment during driving operations
- →Attach piles to crane leads using rigging equipment
- →Inspect pile driver hammers and cables before each shift
Education & How to Get In
Pile Driver Operator roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Pile Driver Operator involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Pile Driver Operator?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Pile Driver Operator Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Pile Driver Operators is projected to decline 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·50% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Pile Driver Operator make?
The median Pile Driver Operator earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Pile Driver Operator jobs?
Our model puts Pile Driver Operator at 54 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 50% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Pile Driver Operator a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 5.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Pile Driver Operator?
Most Pile Driver Operator roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Pile Driver Operator?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Pile Driver Operator career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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