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Pile Driver Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

This position supports pile driving and deep foundation work involving pipe pile, sheet pile, H ... operating cranes. * Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to get to and from work.

Pile Driver Operator information

See Utah salary details

$21

$24

$27

How much do pile driver operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for pile driver operator in Utah is $24.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $26.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pile driver operator?

Pile drivers are large construction vehicles mounts on skids or barges to become mobile. These machines drive piles--large metal or wooden rods--deep into the ground to support large buildings or structures. Pile driver operators maintain and operate these vehicles for construction projects. As a pile driver operator, you make sure that all the piles you drive are done to the proper specifications. You also perform routine maintenance and repair work on your equipment. In addition to pile drivers, you may operate cranes or other heavy lifting and moving equipment on a construction site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pile driver operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pile Driver Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and experience with heavy construction equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Proficiency in operating pile driving rigs, understanding safety systems, and sometimes holding certifications like OSHA or NCCCO are typical requirements. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, precise, and efficient installation of foundation piles on construction sites.

What are some common challenges pile driver operators face on construction sites, and how are they addressed?

Pile Driver Operators often work in variable weather conditions and on uneven terrain, which can pose safety and operational challenges. Coordination with ground crews and other heavy equipment operators is essential to ensure precise placement and stability of piles. Adhering to strict safety protocols and regular equipment inspections help mitigate risks. Operators also need to adapt to different soil types and project specifications, requiring both technical skill and problem-solving ability.

What is the difference between Pile Driver Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectPile Driver OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsOSHA certification, specialized pile driving licensesOSHA certification, crane operation licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, near water, deep foundation projectsConstruction sites, lifting heavy loads at various heights
Industry UsageHeavy civil, foundation, marine constructionBuilding, infrastructure, industrial projects

Both Pile Driver Operators and Crane Operators work in construction environments and require OSHA certification. However, Pile Driver Operators specialize in operating equipment for driving piles into the ground, often in foundation projects, while Crane Operators focus on lifting and moving materials with cranes. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right role based on skills and project needs.

How much do pile driver operators make?

Pile driver operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages and may work overtime or on specialized projects.

What job categories do people searching Pile Driver Operator jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Pile Driver Operator jobs in Utah are:

What are popular job titles related to Pile Driver Operator jobs in UT?

For Pile Driver Operator jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pile Driver Operator job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,891 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Whitaker Construction rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dry Creek Structures, a member of the Whitaker Holdings family of companies, is looking for a dependable Pile Buck / Pile Driving Hand to join our heavy civil, foundation, bridge, excavation support, and shoring crews. This position supports pile driving and deep foundation work involving pipe pile, sheet pile, H-pile, soldier pile and lagging, temporary shoring, cofferdams, retaining systems, and related structural work.
Whitaker Holdings is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) family of companies with over 70 years of experience in heavy civil construction, underground utilities, and telecommunications. Whitaker Holdings encompasses multiple companies, including Whitaker Construction, DasCo of Idaho, Advanced Cable Technology, Bighorn Traffic Services, and Dry Creek Structures. Operating across Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, and beyond, our companies are united by four core values - Value Safety, Embrace Ownership, Be Honorable, and Elevate Team - which guide how we work, how we treat each other, and how we deliver quality results on some of the most challenging projects in the region.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Including but not limited to the list below.
  • Assist with driving, setting, aligning, cutting, splicing, and removing pipe pile, sheet pile, H-pile, soldier pile, lagging, and shoring materials.
  • Rig, unload, stage, and guide piles, sheets, beams, templates, hammers, leads, and related equipment.
  • Work around cranes, excavators, loaders, telehandlers, vibratory hammers, hydraulic hammers, air and diesel hammers, compressors, and power packs.
  • Use tag lines, hand signals, radios, slings, shackles, chokers, come-alongs, chain falls, and other rigging tools.
  • Assist with layout, elevations, pile locations, plumb checks, cutoffs, templates, bracing, walers, and tiebacks.
  • Support welding, torch cutting, grinding, drilling, bolting, pile splicing, pile cutoff, and minor fabrication.
  • Perform daily cleanup, equipment checks, hose handling, fueling, lubrication, material staging, and general heavy civil labor.
  • Follow foreman direction, lift plans, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), excavation safety rules, fall protection requirements, traffic control, and all company safety procedures.
  • Wear all required PPE including hard hat, high-visibility vest, eye protection, gloves, safety-toe boots, and hearing protection, as well as task-specific welding, respiratory, fall protection, or water safety gear.
  • Stay clear of suspended loads, swing radius, hammer and drop zones, pinch points, hydraulic hoses, and pile cutoff hazards.
  • Follow designated signal person direction, competent-person excavation rules, and stop-work authority.
  • Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by supervisors.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Heavy civil, bridge, foundation, excavation, shoring, concrete, steel, or pile driving experience preferred.
  • Familiarity with pile driving equipment, rigging, crane-supported work, hand tools, power tools, torches, welders, grinders, impact tools, and layout tools.
  • Ability to read basic plans, grades, layout marks, and pile installation notes is helpful.
  • Must communicate clearly, follow directions, stay alert around suspended loads, and work safely in fast-moving job site conditions.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
  • Qualified rigger and/or qualified signal person certification preferred.
  • Fall protection, trench and excavation safety, First Aid/CPR, confined space, welding and cutting experience, forklift, telehandler, aerial lift, CDL, or DOT medical card are all helpful.
  • NCCCO crane certification required only if the position will involve operating cranes.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to get to and from work.

Physical Requirements:
  • Able and willing to work long hours including early starts, overtime, nights, weekends, and changing job locations as needed.
  • Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, push, pull, and pry, and lift 50 or more pounds frequently.
  • Able to work at heights or near excavations and water.
  • Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including exposure to noise, dust, vibration, mud, traffic, excavations, cranes, and heavy equipment.
  • Ability to do physical labor and other strenuous physical tasks.

Whitaker Construction offers an exceptional benefits package including:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Employees earn shares in the company - All employees have ownership in the company and its success.
  • Competitive wages.
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Insurance.
  • 401K and Match.
  • Paid Holidays.
  • Paid Personal Days.
  • Quarterly Incentive Program (profit sharing).
  • Referral Bonuses.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Reasonable Accommodation Statement
The ADA defines "reasonable accommodation" as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.
Whitaker Construction is an "equal opportunity employer." Whitaker will not discriminate and will take "affirmative action" measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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