Pile Driver Operator Salary in Durham, NC: $69,208 (2026)

Pile Driver Operator Pay in Durham: What to Expect (2026)

Durham offers a median pile driver operator salary of $69,208, which is $2,186 above the North Carolina state average of $67,022. Compared to the national median of $72,850, Durham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Durham's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for pile driver operators in Durham spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $106,400 at the 90th percentile — a $66,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,750, while senior pile driver operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,600. With a population of 283,506, Durham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level pile driver operator earns around $42,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,750

$-2,250 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,300

$-3,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$102,600

$-5,400 vs national

Percentile	Durham	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$39,900	$38,640	$42,000
25th Percentile	$51,300	$49,680	$54,000
Median (50th)	$69,208	$67,022	$72,850
75th Percentile	$89,300	$86,480	$94,000
90th Percentile	$106,400	$103,040	$112,000

Percentile

Durham

10th Percentile

$39,900

25th Percentile

$51,300

Median (50th)

$69,208

75th Percentile

$89,300

90th Percentile

$106,400

How to Become a Pile Driver Operator in Durham

Education

Most pile driver operator positions require a high school diploma. Durham and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pile Driving EquipmentConstructionEquipment MaintenanceSafetyCommunicationPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, pile driver operator employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Durham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pile Driver Operator Salary in Durham

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in Durham, NC? ▼

The median pile driver operator salary in Durham, North Carolina is $69,208 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $72,850. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $106,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make per hour in Durham? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,208, a pile driver operator in Durham earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for pile driver operator pay? ▼

Durham's median pile driver operator salary of $69,208 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $67,022. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼

Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a pile driver operator salary of $69,208 in Durham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a pile driver operator in Durham? ▼

Most pile driver operator positions in Durham require a high school diploma. Key skills include Pile Driving Equipment, Construction, Equipment Maintenance, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in Durham, North Carolina