Air Hammer Operators split rock, concrete, pavement, stone, or asphalt; loosen dirt, dig clay, and shape trenches; drill holes in concrete or stone buildings (for windows and doors); and compress earth used for backfill.

JOB DUTIES

Air Hammer Operators may:

Connect compressed-air or steam lines to the hammer

Fasten work pieces in the chuck of the hammer

Squeeze a trigger or lever to start the hammer

Guide the work piece into the substance

Move the tool as sections are broken up or holes are drilled

Change work pieces or add lengths for deeper holes

Pick out pieces of concrete, asphalt paving, or rocks that have been broken up

Sharpen work pieces

Oil the air hammer

Tools and equipment used may include:

Work pieces used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Air Hammer Operators may specialize in these areas:

869.687-026 AIR HAMMER OPERATORS may be known by different job titles which generally describe the type of work done or the equipment used. Paving Breakers shape trenches and dig in clay, shale, gravel, bedrock, and frozen soil. They break up concrete, masonry, or asphalt. They unpack frozen ground and tamp earth or gravel to fill holes. Pile Drivers pound supporting timbers or steel columns into the ground. Pin Drivers force pins into concrete forms. Sheeting Drivers set the wooden or steel linings that support embankments or the walls of trenches, shafts, or holes. Spike Drivers drive steel spikes that attach rails to railroad ties.

930.684-018 JACKHAMMER OPERATORS drill holes in ore or rock in mines or quarries to prepare for blasting and quarrying.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Air Hammer Operators are members of a construction crew and work under the direction of a supervisor or a crew chief. Their work is part of the first stage of a construction project.

These Operators work outdoors, underground, on the ground, on scaffolding, and in buildings.

Air Hammer Operators find their work physically very strenuous. They work with noise and vibration that might cause hearing loss and other bodily damage. Ear protectors, goggles, and heavy gloves are usually worn to prevent injuries.

They might work a 5-day, 40-hour week, but weather conditions or slack construction periods might limit work hours. Air Hammer Operators might work a great deal of overtime during peak construction activity.

Generally, nonunion Operators work more hours per year than union Operators do, however, this is affected by geographic and economic factors. They might have to travel some distance to reach some job sites.

Operators usually provide their work clothes and safety boots, but employers furnish other protective equipment and tools.

Air Hammer Operators may be members of a variety of unions. Those in construction may belong to the Laborer's International Union of North America , while those working on railroads may belong to the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Union. Union members must pay periodic dues. The majority of Air Hammer Operators are not union members.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a routine, definite, organized nature

• Working outdoors

You Should Be Able To:

• Work easily and skillfully with your hands

• Repeat activities/tasks according to a required procedure or sequence

• Work within set limits, for certain types of work

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer jobs with road commissions or construction firms might offer experience in air hammer operation. Often highway engineering students seek summer employment in road construction to gain valuable experience. As part of these jobs, they may operate air hammers.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Air Hammer Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Air Hammer Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering this occupation is by applying directly to employers. Another method of entry is through completion of an apprenticeship in a state that has a current program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Currently no apprenticeship programs for this occupation are available in Michigan. Assistance may be available from high school placement offices, local unions, and local offices of Michigan Works!. Job openings may also be listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Michigan Talent Bank

simplyhired.com

MONSTER.COM

CareerBuilder

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings vary widely according to experience, employer, and geographic location. Nonunion Air Hammer Operators usually receive lower wages than union members do. Poor weather and delays in construction lessen total wages per year.

Nationally, Air Hammer Operators employed in commercial and industrial construction averaged $28.90 per hour (includes fringe benefits) in early 2009. 

Basic hourly wage rates, including fringe benefits, for unionized Air Hammer Operators in various Michigan areas were (mid 2009):

Air Hammer Operators may receive 1 1/2 or 2 times their basic hourly rate for overtime, depending on the employer or the provisions of the union contract.

Depending on the employer, most Air Hammer Operators receive paid vacations; life, hospitalization, and disability insurance; pensions; and sick leave. Some Air Hammer Operators may also have dental, prescription, and/or optical benefits. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers. In some cases, employers and employees may contribute jointly to union funds used to pay certain benefits.

Air Hammer Operators require no formal education. Most Operators learn their skills on the job in a week to a few months time. Generally, advancement for Air Hammer Operators is limited. Skilled Operators may master a variety of hammers powered by gasoline, diesel fuel, or electricity. Some may learn to operate heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and backhoes, thereby increasing their earning potential. Operators with much experience plus the ability to supervise, may become crew bosses or supervisors.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

In 2006, there were about 1,232,000 Construction Laborers employed nationally. About 15.3% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Construction Laborers looked like this: 

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator .

There are approximately 27,250 Construction Laborers employed in Michigan. The number of air hammer operators is unknown because the construction industry is sensitive to changes in the national economy, the actual number of jobs each year may vary greatly.

Employment of Construction Laborers in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 400 annual job openings is expected with 200 due to growth and 200 due to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations. 

An increasing population will require more housing, mass transportation, schools, factories, and better roads. These needs should result in rising employment opportunities for Air Hammer Operators.  Air Hammer Operators tend to be employed in industrial areas and large cities. All worked in the construction industry for building contractors on heavy construction, roadway construction, residential and commercial construction.

Construction work offers a high rate of turnover, enabling workers such as Air Hammer Operators to change jobs often. However, technological advances may have some adverse impact on employment growth. Some large contractors with a great deal of work now use breakers mounted on backhoes, thereby replacing 3 or 4 Air Hammer Operators. In addition, construction work is sensitive to the economy, demand for workers will decrease during poor economic times. The greatest number of employment opportunities will be found in environmental and public works construction, particularly road and bridge repair through the end of the decade.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth