Pile Driver Operator Salary in California (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Pile Driver Operators in California, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
California Median
$110,340
per year
Hourly Rate
$53.05
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+51% vs US median
US median $73,300
State Rank
#3 of 11
480 employed here

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in California?

A Pile Driver Operator working in California earns a median salary of $110,340 per year, or about $53.05 per hour. That is 51% above the national median of $73,300 for this occupation.

Within California, entry-level pay starts around $71,630 while the top 10% make $135,780 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $94,890 and $128,380 a year.

Pile Driver Operator salary range in California

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$71,630$34.44
25th percentile (early career)$94,890$45.62
50th percentile (median)$110,340$53.05
75th percentile (experienced)$128,380$61.72
90th percentile (top earners)$135,780$65.28

How California compares

California ranks 3rd out of 11 states and territories for Pile Driver Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Massachusetts$120,980
2Washington$111,080
3California$110,340
4Pennsylvania$93,550
5Alaska$78,080

Working as a Pile Driver Operator in California

Nationally, about 2,000 people work as Pile Driver Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare California pay ($110,340) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in California?
The median Pile Driver Operator salary in California is $110,340 per year, or about $53.05 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $71,630 at the entry level to $135,780 for the top 10% of earners.
How does California pay compare to the national average?
California pays Pile Driver Operators about 51% more than the national median of $73,300. California ranks 3rd out of 11 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is California a good state for Pile Driver Operators?
Yes on pay — California pays above the national median for this occupation, at $110,340 a year. About 480 Pile Driver Operators are employed in California. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in California?
The highest-paying occupations in California include Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($400,150), Neurologist ($357,080), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($353,900), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Pile Driver Operator salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.