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Pile Driving Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trains staff in safety, pile driving and concrete work, and assembling of crane or other hoisting ... Works closely with the Project Superintendent, Barge Foreman, Crane Operators, Welders, and other ...

Work closely with crane operators, divers, welders, and field supervisors to safely execute pile driving operations * Perform rigging, signaling, and equipment setup for pile driving activities

The ideal Pile Driver is responsible for operating machinery that hammers piles into the ground to ... Work from heights (pile drivers will typically be required to climb pile driving leads or work out ...

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Pile Driving Operator information

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$23

$27

$30

How much do pile driving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for pile driving operator in the United States is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $29.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Pile Driving Operators?

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 are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pile Driving Operator, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Pile Driving Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Pile Driving Operator jobs? Cities with the most Pile Driving Operator job openings:
What states have the most Pile Driving Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Pile Driving Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pile Driving Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pile Driving Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pile Driving Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,999 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Pile Driving Crane Operator

Pile Driving Crane Operator

GROUP Contractors

Plaquemine, LA

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

General Description:

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: Hydraulic Crane, Friction Crane,

Cherry Picker, etc. May be responsible for operating Cranes that hammer piles into the ground

to support building foundations, bridges, and piers, etc. and/or operate cranes used to move

and set materials and/or equipment.

Essential Functions:

• Work from machine cabs to direct operation of machine using pedals and levers.

• Move construction materials, and other heavy materials at Commercial or Industrial

Construction sites.

• Drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures, such as

buildings, bridges, and piers.

• Use pile driver head on machine to drive pilings.

• Judge distance and position piling leads.

• Host piling into leads.

• Position hammers over pilings.

• Activate power hammers.

• Raise and lower drop hammers to drive piles.

• Continue dropping drop hammers until task is completed.

• Use multiple controls to operate equipment.

• Oil and service machine as needed.

• Select appropriate attachments.

• Confer with building or project supervisor on job specifications.

• Comply with safety codes.

• Refill equipment.

• Hoist heavy construction materials.

• Duties may include light administration and assistance to Project Superintendent.

Physical Demands:

Field/Jobsite Environment – Sitting, climbing, standing, crouching, bending, pushing/pulling,

walking on uneven surfaces, and exposure to loud noises are to be expected on a jobsite

environment. This position is predominately outdoors at an Industrial Construction Site.

Exposure to extreme hot or cold outside temperatures is possible.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours:

This is a full-time, hourly position. Days and hours of work vary from each jobsite. Occasional

evening/weekend work or travel may be required as job duties demand.

Required Education and Experience:

• 3+ years of industrial field experience as an A-class Crane Operator

• Must hold valid NCCCO Certification

• Must be able to interpret load charts.

Industry Related Requirements:

• Must hold a valid TWIC Card

• Must hold a valid OSHA Basic Plus

• Must be able to pass all Safety Council related courses

• Must undergo Pre-Employment Screening (physical, drug & alcohol screen, audiogram,

fit test if applicable)

• Must hold a valid Driver’s License to operate company equipment and/or vehicles

• Must undergo Operator Physical & hold current Medical Card

The individual who occupies this position must not pose a direct threat or significant risk of

substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be eliminated or

reduced by reasonable accommodation

Crane Operator will be responsible to have knowledge of the use of the following tools

and equipment:

• Tape Measure • String Line

• Load Charts • Slings

• Straps • Chokers

• Cables • Shackles