Shigoto Zukan
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How to become pile driver operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$73,300
25th–75th pct. $58,510–$106,430
Top pay (est.)
$162,000
Top 10% $124,600
Pay in 5 years
$84,200est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$96,600est.
$83,100–$112,200
Outlook score
50/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
12%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
−5.7%
200 openings / yr

How to become pile driver operators

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Pile Driver Operators

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.8
Operations Monitoring
3.6
Coordination
3.1
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Troubleshooting
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Repairing
2.9
Quality Control Analysis
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
5.4
Mechanical
4.8
Engineering and Technology
4.3
Transportation
4.0
Design
3.7
Public Safety and Security
3.7
Mathematics
3.5
Administration and Management
3.2

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Reaction TimeDepth PerceptionControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationResponse OrientationRate Control

Education of workers

High school diploma
53%
Post-secondary certificate
21%
Less than high school
19%
Some college
8%

Training before entry

2–4 years
24%
None / short demo
19%
1–2 years
17%
Up to 1 month
13%
3–6 months
10%
1–3 months
9%
6–12 months
7%
Over 10 years
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
38%
1–2 years
19%
None
13%
4–6 years
9%
3–6 months
8%
1–3 months
6%
Over 10 years
3%
6–12 months
2%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as pile driver operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.