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Pile Driver Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Pile Driver Operator information

See Utah salary details

$21

$24

$27

How much do pile driver operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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 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.

What does a pile driver operator do?

A pile driver operator is responsible for operating machinery that drives piles into the ground to provide foundation support for construction projects. They set up, operate, and maintain pile driving equipment, often working with cranes and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Certification and knowledge of machinery are typically required for this role.

What are Pile Driver Operators?

Pile Driver Operators are skilled construction workers who operate pile-driving machinery to drive piles—large, heavy posts—into the ground to provide foundational support for buildings, bridges, piers, and other structures. They work closely with construction teams to ensure that piles are driven to the correct depth and alignment based on engineering specifications. Their work is essential for projects where the soil is unstable or needs reinforcement to support heavy loads. In addition to operating equipment, they are responsible for maintenance and safety checks on the machinery.

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.

How much do pile drivers make per hour?

Pile driver operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and union membership. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy equipment often earn higher wages, especially in regions with high construction demand.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Pile Driver Operator can earn around $4,000 per week with experience and specialized skills, especially in high-demand construction projects. These roles often require certifications, physical stamina, and knowledge of heavy machinery but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying construction and industrial jobs like crane operators or heavy equipment operators also offer similar wages without a degree requirement.

How to become a pile driver operator?

To become a pile driver operator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating heavy machinery. Certification from organizations like the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is often required, and familiarity with tools such as cranes and pile-driving equipment is essential. A valid driver's license and physical fitness are also important for safety and mobility on construction sites.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,891 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Crane Operator- Pile Driver

Crane Operator- Pile Driver

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Application Instructions
NOW HIRING A CRANE OPERATOR WITH PILE DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
With over 50 years of delivering complex, high-impact infrastructure and mission critical projects, we bring the experience, resources, and proven execution needed to complete our work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards of quality.
RLW offers challenging career opportunities, extensive training and employee development to grow your career and thrive under the Ralph L. Wadsworth reputation for excellence. We offer amazing benefits and supply you with the tools needed to maximize your growth and potential.
Benefits include:
    • Competitive Pay
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Holiday Pay
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
    • Retirement Plan - 401K, employees will receive a company contribution up to 5%
    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Growth and Career Advancement

Operates traveling or stationary overhead crane (cab or ground controlled) to lift, move, and position loads such as machinery, equipment, products, and solid or bulk materials by performing the following duties. We are looking for someone who can operator multiple types of cranes (Hydraulic Cranes, Truck Mounted Cranes, mobile cranes, Lattice-Boom, etc.)
Position Description
Crane Operator responsibilities and abilities include but are not limited to the list below. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Observes load hookup and determines safety of load.
  • Proficiently manipulates or depresses crane controls such as pedals, levers, and buttons, to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement.
  • Uses hoisting attachments such as hook, sling, electromagnet, or bucket as load requires.
  • Cleans and maintains crane and hoisting mechanism.
  • Inspects crane for defective parts and notifies supervisor of defects or malfunctions.
  • Uses critical lift plan checklist and signs off on completion.
  • Work Ethic: Dedicated and hard working
  • Communication: Excellent interpersonal communication and team work skills are necessary as proper completion of an assigned job and working safe will be highly dependent upon this ability.
  • Flexibility: Ability to work in a number of diverse locations is pertinent, as work locations may change daily.
  • Coordination: Depth perception and eye-hand coordination are critical.
  • Winning attitude!
  • Follows safety procedures, identifies unsafe practices, and safely operates and properly maintains Company equipment.
  • Promotes the values and practices of the Company, and works within a team environment.
  • Accurately and thoroughly performs the job.
  • Uses creativity and imagination to develop new ideas and/or solves problems.

Position Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • A minimum of 5 years of Crane Operating Experience
  • NCCCO Certification for hydraulic cranes up to 100 tons required.
  • NCCCO Certification for Lattice-Boom Truck Cranes up to 150 tons is strongly preferred.
  • NCCCO Certification for Lattice-Boom Crawler Cranes up to 120 tons is strongly preferred.
  • Commercial Driver's License required.
  • Frequent gross body movements such as bending, climbing into equipment, lifting (up to 75lbs), twisting, standing, balancing, stooping, handling materials, moving around hazardous sites.
  • Good Eye to Hand coordination a must. Depth perception required.
  • High School diploma/GED preferred.
  • Flexible availability to include overtime and possible weekends.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #LI-KM1