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Rigger

Quick Facts

Median Salary$52,062
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+16.10%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Rigger hoists heavy objects using a system of ropes, pulleys, bolts, and winches, often at a lumberyard, shipyard, construction site, or manufacturing facility.


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.
  • Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.
  • Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
  • Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
  • Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
  • Align, level, and anchor machinery.
  • Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
  • Load machines onto trucks to prepare for transportation.
  • Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.
  • Fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.
  • Clean and dress machine surfaces and component parts.

What to expect as a Rigger

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

33% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Rigger related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

623 openings for Riggers

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Rigger. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.