Construction & Extraction
Rock Splitters, Quarry
Also called: Driller, Quarry Worker, Rock Splitter, Splitter Operator
US median pay
$48,740
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+5.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
400
3,500 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Cut grooves along outlines, using chisels.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.2/5
- Operations Monitoring3.1/5
- Time Management2.8/5
- Coordination2.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.8/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.5/5
- Troubleshooting2.4/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.0/5
- Mechanical2.9/5
- Mathematics2.8/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
- Education and Training2.8/5
- Administration and Management2.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Less than high school50%
- High school diploma31%
- First professional degree19%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.