Rigger

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

None

Calculate your switch to rigger

What the work is like

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.

Also called: Gantry Rigger · Hand Rigger · Heavy Lift Rigger · Machinery Erector · Machinery Mover · Marine Rigger · Motor Rigger · Rigger

Outlook and AI

Riggers held 22,500 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 23,400 by 2035 (+4%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).

Compare with

• Rigger vs. Hoist and winch operators
• Rigger vs. Crane and tower operators
• Rigger vs. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
• Rigger vs. Industrial truck and tractor operators
• Rigger vs. Millwright
• Rigger vs. Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
• Rigger vs. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators
• Rigger vs. Structural iron and steel workers
• Rigger vs. Maintenance workers, machinery
• Rigger vs. Structural metal fabricators and fitters