Pile Driver Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Pile Driver Operators Make?
Pile Driver Operators earn a median annual salary of $70,510 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $46,690 at the 10th percentile to $121,990 at the 90th percentile — a range of $75,300. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $125,050.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,690 |
| 25th percentile | $54,750 |
| Median (50th) | $70,510 |
| 75th percentile | $103,960 |
| 90th percentile | $121,990 |
Pile Driver Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $125,050 |
| Massachusetts | $113,360 |
| California | $105,950 |
| Washington | $101,260 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,160 |
| Alaska | $87,630 |
| Maryland | $77,990 |
| Texas | $66,070 |
| Louisiana | $58,980 |
| South Carolina | $55,960 |
| Florida | $54,750 |
| Virginia | $49,960 |
| Indiana | $49,330 |
| Georgia | $46,710 |
| North Carolina | $44,990 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Pile Driver Operators
Pile Driver Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$46,690 – $54,750 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$70,510 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$103,960 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $121,990+ |
How to Earn More as a Pile Driver Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Pile Driver Operators in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $133,080 — $62,570 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($103,960) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Pile Driver Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Pile Driver Operatorthis career | $70,510 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator | $51,650 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,700 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Pile Driver Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 47-2072.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.