Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Quarry Rock Splitter
What quarry rock splitters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a quarry rock splitter?
Safety briefing. From there, the day usually includes drill holes, drive wedges, and split blocks. Full time, seasonal in some areas.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a quarry rock splitter working full time.
- Safety briefing.
- Mark split lines.
- Drill holes.
- Set wedges and feathers.
- Lunch.
- Split blocks.
- Trim stone.
Where quarry rock splitters work
Rock splitters work outdoors at quarries.
Hours and schedule
Full time, seasonal in some areas.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Drill holes
- Drive wedges
- Split blocks
- Saw stone
- Trim stone
- Move blocks
- Inspect stone
Tools you’ll use every day
- Jackhammers
- Wedges and feathers
- Wire saws
- Splitters
- Loaders
- Cranes
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Outdoor craft
- No degree needed
- Physical work
What’s hard
- Heavy work
- Dust and noise
- Weather
- Injury risk
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like heavy outdoor work
- I like stone
- I’m strong
- I care about safety
- I want short training
- I don’t mind dust
Not sure? Take the free Quarry Rock Splitter fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Control silica dust
- Wear PPE
- Rig blocks safely
- Follow MSHA rules