Pile Driver Operator Salary
Pile Driver Operators earn a median $73,300 a year nationally. Construction and Extraction Occupations
What pile driver operators do
Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -5.7% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 200
- Self-employed
- 3%
Employment of pile driver operators is projected to shrink 5.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 200 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Pile Driver Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$7,296
- Social Security (6.2%)$4,545
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,063
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$60,397
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,790 | $23.46 | $41,383 |
| 25th percentile | $58,510 | $28.13 | $49,193 |
| Median (50th) | $73,300 | $35.24 | $60,397 |
| 75th percentile | $106,430 | $51.17 | $83,704 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,600 | $59.90 | $96,430 |
Pile Driver Operator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $120,980 | +6.7% | $88,110 | $87,100 – $124,700 | 130 |
| Washington | $111,080 | +9.7% | $86,975 | $99,180 – $140,630 | 50 |
| California | $110,340 | +4.1% | $78,988 | $71,630 – $135,780 | 480 |
| Pennsylvania | $93,550 | +2.6% | $71,770 | $80,380 – $102,030 | 90 |
| Alaska | $78,080 | −10.9% | $63,759 | $54,070 – $118,970 | 190 |
| Texas | $66,140 | +0.1% | $55,323 | $45,220 – $70,930 | 280 |
| Louisiana | $61,150 | +3.7% | $49,866 | $54,450 – $88,340 | 180 |
| Virginia | $59,910 | +19.9% | $47,687 | $50,770 – $75,920 | 150 |
| Tennessee | $54,830 | — | $46,236 | $44,070 – $67,860 | 30 |
| Florida | $51,830 | −5.3% | $43,825 | $46,060 – $81,590 | 270 |
| Georgia | $47,930 | +2.6% | $38,827 | $39,850 – $60,360 | 50 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator | $59,850 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.6% |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | $53,340 | High school diploma or equivalent | -0.9% |
| Terrazzo Worker and Finisher | $76,170 | High school diploma or equivalent | -13.0% |
| Boilermaker | $76,410 | High school diploma or equivalent | -1.8% |
| Taper | $68,270 | No formal educational credential | -1.6% |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $63,800 | High school diploma or equivalent | +6.8% |
| Electrician | $63,190 | High school diploma or equivalent | +9.2% |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,780 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.1% |
| Brickmason and Blockmason | $62,120 | High school diploma or equivalent | +1.1% |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $61,800 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.5% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pile driver operator make?
The national median salary for pile driver operators is $73,300 a year ($35.24 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $48,790 and the top 10% earn over $124,600. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays pile driver operators the most?
Massachusetts has the highest median pay at $120,980.
How many pile driver operators are there in the U.S.?
About 2,310 people work as pile driver operators nationwide.