Career comparison
Pile Driver Operator vs. Rebar Worker
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Pile driver operators earn more at the median ($73,300 vs. $58,970), while pile driver operators usually get to work faster (Months to years of training of training). Pile driver operators drive steel, concrete and wood piles that hold up bridges and buildings. Rebar workers place and tie the steel bars that reinforce concrete.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Pile Driver Operator | Rebar Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $73,300 ($35.24/hr) | $58,970 ($28.35/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,790 – $124,600 | $43,310 – $104,540 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -5.7% (a projected decline) | -5.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 200 | 1,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | Months to years of training | 3–4 year apprenticeship |
| Key credential | NCCCO crane certification | Ironworkers apprenticeship |
| Work setting | Operators work on construction sites, docks and barges.. | Rebar workers work outdoors on bridges, buildings and roads.. |
What each job does
Pile Driver Operator
- Operate pile drivers
- Position piles
- Drive to depth
- Record driving logs
- Rig piles
Rebar Worker
- Read rebar drawings
- Place rebar
- Tie bars
- Set spacing
- Install chairs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, working outdoors, high-pay, and teamwork. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose pile driver operator if…
- I like big machines
- I’m precise
- I don’t mind noise
Choose rebar worker if…
- I like heavy physical work
- I like big projects
- I don’t mind weather
Still torn? Take the Pile Driver Operator fit quiz and the Rebar Worker fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, pile driver operator or rebar worker?
Pile Driver Operators earn more at the median: $73,300 versus $58,970 for rebar workers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Pile Driver Operators typically train faster (Months to years of training) than rebar workers (3–4 year apprenticeship).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects rebar workers to grow -5.3% from 2025–35, compared with -5.7% for pile driver operators.