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Riggers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $62,640/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$40,680$97,850

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +3.2% projected growth, 20242034 — about as fast as average.

About 2,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Operation and ControlCoordinationActive ListeningMonitoringReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision Making
Top knowledge areas
MechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementDesignEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Core tasks

Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.

Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.

Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.

Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.

Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Riggers?

The median pay for Riggers is $62,640 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Riggers?

Employment for Riggers is projected to change +3.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Riggers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Riggers?

About 2,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.