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Pile Driving Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.

Pile Driver

Fort Pierce, FL · On-site

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

Crofton

Pile Driver

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

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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$23

$27

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How much do pile driving operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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 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 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 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 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.

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Pile Driving Operator jobs near you
Operator - Pile Driving & Crane

Operator - Pile Driving & Crane

Cajun Industries

Baton Rouge, LA

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Cajun Industries rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

More information about this job

Overview

The Operator should be certified and have the ability to operate lattice boom crane with live brake capability. Must learn and understand all safety hazards related to the work and also learn to safely and effectively use or operate work related tools and equipment. Will be required to work in a plant operations or construction jobsite setting.

Responsibilities

*The following are intended as general illustrations of the work in this job class and are not all-inclusive for this position.

  • Work from machine cabs to direct operation of machine using pedals and levers
  • Raise and lower both live and fixed leads
  • 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 pilings leads
  • Host pilings into leads
  • Position hammers over pilings
  • Activate power hammers
  • Use multiple controls to operate equipment
  • Select appropriate attachments
  • Confer with building or project supervisor on job specifications
  • Comply with all safety codes
  • Read and interpret load charts
  • Interpret hand signals to determine where materials are to be placed
  • Perform minor maintenance or cleaning activities for tools and equipment
  • Perform daily inspections on equipment including checking fluids, refueling, adding fluids, and assess component wear
  • Report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors
  • Assist other craft workers as needed

Qualifications

Physical

  • Must be able to push/pull, lift, or carry up to 50 lbs., but may occasionally push/pull, lift, or carry up to 100 lbs.
  • Subject to repetitive use of hands/arms, and legs
  • Hand/eye coordination, depth perception important
  • Must be able to communicate (hear, comprehend, and speak) to safely perform work
  • Will need to be able to perform sedentary to heavy work
  • May operate hand and power tools (electric, gas, and pneumatic) of all types
  • Climb and maintain balance on steel/wood framework, stairs, ladders and scaffolds
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis
  • Position may require prolonged bending/twisting, walking, crawling, kneeling,  reaching overhead, squatting, pushing /pulling, or standing and lifting
  • Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces, muddy conditions, loose rock, loose/soft sand, etc.
  • May be required to work in confined spaces
  • Will be exposed to adverse weather conditions (Heat, Cold, Rain, Etc.)
  • Must be able to drive cars, trucks, forklifts and other equipment

Mental

  • Must have the ability to communicate effectively with management/ supervision
  • Talking, reading & writing comprehension is necessary for giving and receiving directions to perform work and/or safety policy
  • Work at various tempos, and concentrate amid distractions
  • Decision making skills necessary
  • Detail-oriented; must be able to remember, examine, and observe details
Employment Type: OTHER

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