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Construction and Trades

Rock Splitters, Quarry

Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Rock Splitters, Quarry
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Median pay

$47,460
Median annual pay for Rock Splitters, Quarry.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

3,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Rock Splitters, Quarry in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
Typical additional preparation: Short-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Mathematics
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Administration and Management

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Multilimb Coordination
  3. 3Control Precision
  4. 4Static Strength
  5. 5Trunk Strength
  6. 6Manual Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Enterprising

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Handling and Moving Objects
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  6. 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Work context

  1. 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Spend Time Standing
  4. 4Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  5. 5Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Cut slabs of stone into sheets that will be used for floors or counters.
  • Set charges of explosives to split rock.
  • Drill holes along outlines, using jackhammers.
  • Drill holes into sides of stones broken from masses, insert dogs or attach slings, and direct removal of stones.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyFacebook · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyApache HTTP ServerMaintenance reporting softwareMinitabTime reporting software

The short answer

Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

The measurable national baseline is $47,460 median annual pay, 4.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034, and 400 projected openings per year. Use these figures as a national benchmark rather than a personal forecast; location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours can change individual outcomes.

Pay and the size of the opportunity

The national median-pay figure for Rock Splitters, Quarry is $47,460. Current employment is 3,200, with projected 2034 employment of 3,400. Pay describes the middle worker nationally, not a guaranteed starting salary, and the employment totals describe the occupation's scale rather than the number of jobs available to one applicant.

Demand, growth, and annual openings

BLS projects 4.4% employment growth for Rock Splitters, Quarry from 2024 to 2034 and about 400 openings per year. Growth measures whether the occupation is expanding, while annual openings also include replacement needs created when workers retire, change occupations, or leave the labor force.

Education and preparation

The typical BLS entry-education category is No formal educational credential. Related work experience is None, and the listed on-the-job training category is Short-term on-the-job training. These categories summarize a national pathway; licensing, certification, portfolios, apprenticeships, or local employer requirements may add to it.

What the work involves

Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

A representative O*NET task is: Locate grain line patterns to determine how rocks will split when cut. The broader activity profile emphasizes Handling and Moving Objects, Performing General Physical Activities, Controlling Machines and Processes.

Skills, knowledge, and tools

The strongest available O*NET skill signals are Active Listening, Monitoring, Critical Thinking. Leading knowledge areas are Production and Processing, Mechanical, Mathematics. These are national occupational signals, so a specific employer may emphasize a different mix. Examples of software or tools associated with the occupation include Autodesk AutoCAD, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software.

Common questions

What is the median pay for Rock Splitters, Quarry?

The national median annual pay in the current dataset is $47,460. Actual pay varies by location, experience, employer, specialty, credentials, and hours.

Is demand growing for Rock Splitters, Quarry?

BLS projects 4.4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and about 400 openings per year. Openings include both newly created positions and replacement demand.

What education is needed for Rock Splitters, Quarry?

The typical BLS entry-education category is No formal educational credential. Related experience, on-the-job training, licensing, or certification requirements may also apply.

What does Rock Splitters, Quarry involve?

Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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