Career Overview
Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.
Also Known As
- Driller
- Quarry Worker
- Rock Splitter
- Stone Splitter
Alternate Job Titles
- Driller
- Quarry Chop Saw Operator
- Quarry Driller
- Quarry Plug and Feather Driller
- Quarry Worker
- Quarrying Specialist
- Rock Breaker
- Rock Picker
- Rock Splitter
- Rockman
- Sandstone Splitter
- Splitter Operator
- Stone Breaker
- Stone Splitter
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Locate grain line patterns to determine how rocks will split when cut.
- Remove pieces of stone from larger masses, using jackhammers, wedges, and other tools.
- Insert wedges and feathers into holes, and drive wedges with sledgehammers to split stone sections from masses.
- Mark dimensions or outlines on stone prior to cutting, using rules and chalk lines.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Multilimb Coordination
- Static Strength
- Control Precision
- Trunk Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Extent Flexibility
- Stamina
- Finger Dexterity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Attention to Detail
- Perseverance
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Related Work Experience Needed: Up to and including 1 month
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Aerial personnel lifts
- Air hammers
- Cape chisels
- Chain slings
- Chainsaws
- Chalk lines
- Chipping hammers
- Concrete saws
- Core drills
- Crushing machines
- Derrick cranes
- Diamond wall saws
- Dust suppression systems
- Field forklifts
- Flat wedges
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Spend Time Standing
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,240 |
| Median | $47,460 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $68,380 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 3,080
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,690
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $65,010
Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,700
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,950
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $38,800
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.