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Pile Driving Operator Jobs in Mobile, AL (NOW HIRING)

Works as assigned by the Barge Foreman and/or Pile Driver Operator to ensure the successful ... Prepares the piling to be driven and assists in positioning and driving the piling. * Assists with ...

Pile Driving Operator information

See Mobile, AL salary details

$23

$27

$30

How much do pile driving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pile driving operator in Mobile, AL is $27.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.53 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pile driving operator?

Pile Driving Operators are skilled construction workers who operate machinery to drive piles—long, heavy beams of wood, steel, or concrete—into the ground to provide foundational support for buildings, bridges, and other structures. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and controlling pile-driving equipment, ensuring piles are driven to the correct depth and alignment. Their work is crucial for the stability and safety of large-scale construction projects, especially those on unstable or waterfront sites.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a pile driving operator?

To thrive as a Pile Driving Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, site safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with pile driving rigs, hydraulic hammers, and GPS or laser-guided alignment systems is essential, and some employers may require OSHA safety certifications. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong teamwork skills help operators coordinate safely and efficiently on job sites. These skills ensure safe, precise, and timely completion of foundational construction projects, reducing risks and costly errors.

What are common challenges faced by pile driving operators on construction sites?

Pile Driving Operators often work in dynamic and sometimes harsh outdoor environments, which can present various challenges such as working in inclement weather, maneuvering heavy machinery in tight spaces, and adapting to different soil conditions. They must also ensure precise alignment and depth of piles, which requires careful coordination with surveyors and site supervisors. Safety is paramount, so operators need to remain vigilant about their surroundings and strictly adhere to safety protocols to protect themselves and their coworkers.

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

AspectPile Driving OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, crane operation certification, specialized pile driving certificationsOSHA safety training, crane operation certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, near water or deep foundations, often outdoorsConstruction sites, lifting heavy loads, often outdoors or in industrial settings
Industry UsageHeavy construction, foundation work, infrastructure projectsGeneral construction, shipping, manufacturing, infrastructure

The Pile Driving Operator specializes in driving piles into the ground for foundation support, requiring specific certifications and working primarily on foundation and infrastructure projects. The Crane Operator focuses on lifting and moving materials using cranes, with overlapping skills but different primary responsibilities. Both roles are essential in construction but serve distinct functions.

How much do pile driving operators make?

Pile driving operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training can earn higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or large-scale projects.

How to become a pile driving operator?

To become a pile driving operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in operating pile driving equipment. Many employers require certification in crane or heavy equipment operation, and on-the-job training is common to gain experience with tools, safety procedures, and environmental conditions.

What job categories do people searching Pile Driving Operator jobs in Mobile, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Pile Driving Operator jobs in Mobile, AL are:

Infographic showing various Pile Driving Operator job openings in Mobile, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,562 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is accountable for supporting field operations at marine project locations for Orion. Incumbents are responsible for supporting crane operations in the construction or repair of marine terminals and dock facilities. Typically, they will work closely with the Project Superintendent, Barge Foreman, Pile Driver Operator, Welders, Boat Captain, Laborers, and other skilled or semi-skilled crafts persons.
The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork, most importantly with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Works as assigned by the Barge Foreman and/or Pile Driver Operator to ensure the successful completion of on-going or new marine construction projects.
  • Assists in unloading and assembling of crane or other hoisting equipment to be used in piledriving activities.
  • Unloads and assembles piledriving hammer and leads.
  • Unloads various types of piling -- concrete pipe, H-piling, timber, and steel sheet piling.
  • Fuels, lubricates, and maintains the piledriving hammer.
  • Lays out from blueprints and/or site plans the exact location where the pilings will be driven.
  • Performs site preparation for installation of various concrete and wood structures.
  • Prepares the piling to be driven and assists in positioning and driving the piling.
  • Assists with the installation of boom and hoisting cables on the hoisting equipment.
  • Employs knowledge of construction rigging such as use of slings, cable chokers, spreader bars, and multi-part load blocks to complete crane hoisting tasks.
  • Utilizes various hand signals for communicating with the Pile Driver Operator of hoisting equipment.
  • Works with Pile Driver Operator to maneuver and position loads over designated areas in a smooth, safe manner.
  • Sets up power and hand tools necessary to prepare specific pilings.
  • Uses oxygen/acetylene welding torch to cut steel plates, pipes, beams, etc.
  • Uses pneumatic power tools - drills, countersinks, and tuggers - as required.
  • Uses gasoline chain saw to cut timbers and timber piling.
  • Dresses and caps the pilings after having been driven and prepares them to receive the superstructure.
  • Builds the form work for concrete structures and constructs the timber falsework for all kinds of structures.
  • Performs other related piledriving duties as may be required by specific project.
  • Works closely with Pile Driver Operator, Barge Foreman, Welders, Laborers, and other skilled craft persons to complete current projects in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Participates in Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance with State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
  • Responsible and accountable for incumbent's own personal safety.
  • Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comes in contact with.
  • Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
  • Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and Company policies and procedures and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
  • Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations, or Company policies and procedures promptly and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
  • Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requested by immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review, etc.).
  • All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to others any confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of two (2) years crane rigging and/or operations experience on land and on barges or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the necessary piledriving and crane operations skills, knowledge, and abilities is required. The incumbent must:
  • Understand the basic functions and operations of various types of pile hammers -- diesel, air, hydraulic, and drop hammers.
  • Be able to read and understand blueprints or site plans from which the piledriving work will be done.
  • Have general knowledge of construction rigging -- use of slings, cable chokers, spreader bars, multi-part load blocks, etc.

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation.
The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, respirators, ear plugs, steel-toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.
This individual must also have the ability to identify critical issues and formulate action plans with all levels of management, including corporate.
The incumbent must possess the ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident and as directed by the Safety Representative or other management personnel. Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.
In addition, Pile Drivers must also be capable of:
  • Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another and normally involves physically getting onto and off work barges, boats, vessels, or dock facilities of varying heights and access parameters.
  • Standing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, climbing, or sitting for long periods of time.
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, and back in performance of work.
  • Climbing vertical ladders to heights of 40'-50'.
  • Working in confined spaces and at elevated heights.
  • Lifting and carrying objects up to 50 lbs. as required.
  • Adapting to extreme temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure.
  • Remaining calm during emergencies and responding appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident.
  • Being qualified and physically able to drive regular passenger vehicles to visit work locations and job sites.

Compensation & Benefits:
An excellent compensation and benefits package is offered. Benefit plans include:
  • Medical, including Prescription Drugs
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Short Term and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off for Vacation, Sick, Holidays, Jury Duty and Bereavement Leave
  • Pre-Tax Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Career Growth & Development

Candidate Response:
Qualified applicants should apply through the company career page: https://www.oriongroupholdingsinc.com/about-us/careers-at-orion
Candidates that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other category protected by law.