Rock Splitters, Quarry

SOC code 47-5051 · O*NET-SOC 47-5051.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Skilled trades

Rock Splitters, Quarry pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,740

a year

Hourly

$23.44

per hour

10th$37,340Median$48,74090th$67,710

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$51,500

$24.76 per hour

Middle 50%

$42,670 – $60,030

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,340 – $67,710

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

3,320

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,340; $17.95/hr
25th percentile: $42,670; $20.51/hr
Median percentile: $48,740; $23.44/hr
75th percentile: $60,030; $28.86/hr
90th percentile: $67,710; $32.55/hr

What do rock splitters, quarry do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Cut slabs of stone into sheets that will be used for floors or counters.
Locate grain line patterns to determine how rocks will split when cut.
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.
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.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: 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.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma50%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)31%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.19%

Common questions

How much does a rock splitters, quarry earn?

The national median is $48,740 a year. The full range runs from $37,340 at the 10th percentile to $67,710 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a rock splitters, quarry without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.0/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Speaking2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.0/5
Mechanical2.9/5
Mathematics2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Administration and Management2.7/5
English Language2.6/5
Personnel and Human Resources2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving, Time Management.