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Aerial Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Hampton, VA

$38K - $56K/yr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging): * Assist in attaching hoist and ... pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or ...

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging): * Assist in attaching hoist and ... pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or ...

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging): * Assist in attaching hoist and ... pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or ...

Guy M. Turner, Inc.

Rigger

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $28/hr

Guy M Turner Inc is currently seeking dependable individuals for Rigger positions in our Durham NC ... Familiarity with operating forklifts, aerial lifts, and other job-related equipment (preferred, but ...

Guy M. Turner, Inc.

Rigger

Durham, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $28/hr

Seeking dependable individuals for Rigger positions in our Durham NC location. Experience is ... Familiarity with operating forklifts, aerial lifts, and other job-related equipment (preferred, but ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Newport News, VA

$21 - $27.25/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Suffolk, VA

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA

$21.50 - $28/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA

$22 - $28.25/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Operate forklifts and aerial lifts. JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging) * Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other ...

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All JobsAerial Rigger Jobs

Aerial Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do aerial rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are aerial riggers?

Aerial riggers are specialized technicians responsible for installing, maintaining, and inspecting the rigging systems used in aerial performances, such as circus acts, theatrical productions, and live events. They ensure that all equipment, including ropes, harnesses, pulleys, and support structures, are safe and secure for performers working at heights. Their expertise is crucial for preventing accidents and enabling complex aerial stunts. Aerial riggers often work closely with performers and production teams to meet the specific needs of each show and venue.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerial Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerial Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, mechanical aptitude, and typically a background in theatrical or circus rigging with relevant safety certifications. Familiarity with rigging hardware, fall protection systems, and standards such as OSHA or ETCP certification is important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient setup and operation of aerial equipment, protecting both performers and crew in demanding entertainment environments.

What is the difference between Aerial Rigger vs Tower Rigger?

AspectAerial RiggerTower Rigger
CertificationsOSHA certifications, rigging licensesOSHA certifications, rigging licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility poles, aerial workCell towers, communication towers, tall structures
Industry UsageTelecommunications, utilities, constructionTelecom, broadcasting, utilities

Both Aerial Riggers and Tower Riggers require similar certifications and work in outdoor, elevated environments. Aerial Riggers focus on installing and maintaining equipment in aerial or utility pole settings, while Tower Riggers specialize in assembling and maintaining tall communication towers. The roles overlap in skills and safety requirements but differ mainly in work setting and specific industry applications.

What are some common challenges an Aerial Rigger may face when working on live events or productions?

Aerial Riggers often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing site conditions, ensuring safety compliance under tight deadlines, and coordinating with multiple departments like lighting, sound, and performers. They must be adept at problem-solving on the fly, as unforeseen obstacles—like weather changes or last-minute rigging adjustments—can arise. Clear communication and teamwork are crucial, as Riggers frequently collaborate with event producers, stage managers, and performers to ensure that all aerial elements are safely and efficiently installed and operated.
More about Aerial Rigger jobs
What states have the most Aerial Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Rigger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Rigger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Rigger jobs are:
Aerial Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Rigger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Rigger

Rigger

Tidewater Staffing

Hampton, VA

$38K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Riggers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Hampton, VA shipyards.
Job Duties

  • Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Installs or repairs ships’ rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
  • Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.


JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging):

  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.


JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging):

  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
  • Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
  • Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.


JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging):

  • Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
  • Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship’s sides.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splicing natural ropes.
  • Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Use of hand tools.
Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992

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