How much does a rigger make?

Riggers test ropes and lifting gear, choose cables or pulleys for a load, and attach it securely. They signal the crew as a crane moves heavy equipment or stage sets, then take down and store the gear.

Did you know? In U.S. construction, riggers do not need a third-party certificate; employers decide if their skills fit the specific lift.

In the U.S., a high-school diploma or GED is usual; newcomers train on the job or through a registered rigger apprenticeship. In shipyards, hoisting jobs involving rigging are 18+, and construction employers check skill for each lift.

School needed: High school plus some training

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., experience, useful skills or credentials, and the kind of lift an employer trusts you with can affect pay. BLS data show pay differs by industry and location, and hours worked can matter too; construction riggers do not all need a third-party certificate.