Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Rigger

Find Schools Near

All About Riggers

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

A Day in the Life of a Rigger

  • Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
  • Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
  • Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
  • Fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.
  • Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
  • Install ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and to the lines.

Rigger Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Riggers say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Types of Rigger

  • Gear Repairer
  • Marine Rigger
  • Parachute Rigger
  • Machinery Erector
  • Iron Worker

Is There Job Demand for Riggers?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 20,900 jobs in the United States for Rigger. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,000 new jobs for Rigger by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,300 positions for Rigger per year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Rigger are Rhode Island, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Wisconsin, or New Mexico. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Rigger Average Salary

Riggers make between $29,990 and $75,930 a year.

undefined

Riggers who work in New York, Hawaii, or Illinois, make the highest salaries.

How much do Riggers make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $44,160
Alaska $65,430
Arizona $55,060
Arkansas $29,850
California $57,610
Colorado $46,400
Connecticut $51,380
Florida $49,580
Georgia $34,560
Hawaii $67,920
Illinois $64,720
Indiana $52,700
Iowa $44,950
Kansas $33,000
Kentucky $42,140
Louisiana $46,610
Maine $52,840
Maryland $56,890
Massachusetts $52,590
Michigan $55,510
Minnesota $62,670
Mississippi $44,900
Missouri $51,100
Montana $50,130
Nebraska $48,860
Nevada $53,230
New Hampshire $50,260
New Jersey $59,420
New Mexico $63,460
New York $80,210
North Carolina $48,580
North Dakota $52,950
Ohio $46,820
Oklahoma $50,630
Oregon $68,500
Pennsylvania $46,290
Rhode Island $56,050
South Carolina $38,440
Tennessee $43,300
Texas $49,990
Utah $59,580
Virginia $49,880
Washington $57,990
West Virginia $37,660
Wisconsin $36,580
Wyoming $41,790

Tools & Technologies Used by Riggers

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Riggers may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Autodesk AutoCAD

How to Become a Rigger

Individuals working as a Rigger have obtained the following education levels:

undefined

How many years of work experience do I need?

undefined

Where do Riggers Work?

undefined

The table below shows the approximate number of Riggers employed by various industries.

undefined

Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Rigger might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Rigger in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.