Pile driver operators
SOC Code: 47-2072
Pile driver operators carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $70,510 and +4.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 3,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Pile driver operators (SOC 47-2072) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 3,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $70,510, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Pile driver operators. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Move hand and foot levers of hoisting equipment to position piling leads, hoist piling into leads, and position hammers over pilings.
- 2. Move levers and turn valves to activate power hammers, or to raise and lower drophammers that drive piles to required depths.
- 3. Drive pilings to provide support for buildings or other structures, using heavy equipment with a pile driver head.
- 4. Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
- 5. Clean, lubricate, and refill equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Transportation
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- English Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Pile driver operators?
Pile driver operators has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Pile driver operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Pile driver operators is projected to grow by 4.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 3,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Pile driver operators?
Key skills for Pile driver operators include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Pile driver operators earn?
The median annual wage for Pile driver operators is $70,510, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Pile driver operators?
The typical entry-level education for Pile driver operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Pile driver operators?
Pile driver operators roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 5 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).