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Aerial Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rigger 1

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 1

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 1

Rock Hill, SC

$20 - $25.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 3

Temple, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $28.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 2

Temple, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $28.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 1

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 1

Atlanta, GA

$23 - $29.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

VA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 1

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$20 - $25.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

We are seeking dependable individuals for Rigger / Laborer positions for our Durham NC location ... Familiarity with operating forklifts, aerial lifts, and other job-related equipment ( preferred ...

New

Rigger 3

Temple, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $28.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 3

Rock Hill, SC

$20 - $25.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 2

Atlanta, GA

$23 - $29.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 2

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 3

Bowling Green, VA · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 3

Atlanta, GA

$23 - $29.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 2

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 2

Temple, TX

$22.25 - $28.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 3

Temple, TX · On-site

$22.25 - $28.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

Rigger 2

Temple, TX

$22.25 - $28.75/hr

As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging ... Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial ...

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Showing results 1-20

Aerial Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do aerial rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 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 is an antenna rigger?

An antenna rigger is a skilled worker responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing antennas and related equipment, often at heights or in challenging environments. They use tools such as cranes, lifts, and safety harnesses and typically require certifications in fall protection and rigging. The role involves working outdoors and adhering to safety standards to ensure proper signal transmission and reception.

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.

Is being a rigger a good career?

Aerial riggers are responsible for installing and maintaining lifting equipment, often working at heights and in demanding environments. The career can be physically demanding and requires specialized training and certifications, but it offers opportunities for steady employment and advancement in construction, entertainment, or industrial sectors.

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.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in specialized fields such as industrial or theatrical rigging, or in offshore oil and gas industries, where salaries can exceed $80,000 to $100,000 annually. Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, complex environments, and the use of advanced equipment or heavy lifts.

How much do riggers make a month?

Aerial riggers typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in high-demand industries or remote areas.
More about Aerial Rigger jobs
What states have the most Aerial Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Rigger jobs include:
Infographic showing various Aerial Rigger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Rigger 1

Rigger 1

M.C. Dean, Inc

Bowling Green, VA • On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About Modular Mission Critical
ModularMission Critical™ is the manufacturing campus for M.C. Dean's complex, modular product line for datacenters and critical infrastructure. Located just north of Richmond, VA, this site is growing fast serving customers worldwide. Important openings include assemblers for our production lines and engineers and designers for products and continuous improvement. Join M.C. Dean's more than 9,000 employees around the world making an impact through innovations in power and technology.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment for employees to build long-term careers.
Qualified Riggers are asked to set up and repair rigging for the movement of heavy equipment. As a Rigger, you will be required to prepare the materials before loading, set up the rigging equipment, operate heavy equipment machinery, and dismantle the rigging after the job. You will also be required to communicate with the rigging team and ensure compliance with state health and safety regulations. To ensure success as a Rigger, you should have in-depth knowledge of rigging equipment, excellent spacial awareness, and good communication skills. A skilled Rigger is meticulous with construction and always aware of safety on the construction site.
Responsibilities
  • Inspecting and preparing loads that need to be moved.
  • Setting, aligning, and leveling heavy equipment machinery.
  • Selecting the appropriate rigging gear.
  • Preparing rigging equipment including beams, pulleys, clamps, and bolts. Inspecting rigging before final use Monitoring and maintaining rigging equipment.
  • Maneuvering loads using heavy equipment machinery and by hand.
  • Ensuring compliance with state and company safety procedures.
  • Communicating with the rigging and construction team.
  • Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in order to ensure safety of workers and materials.
  • Breaking down rigging equipment and conducting post-rigging inspections.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED. 3+ years working as a Rigger.
  • Preferred Level 1 NCCCO certification. Familiarity with OSHA safety standards. In-depth knowledge of rigging equipment and heavy machinery.
  • Excellent hearing and vision.
  • Ability to work at heights and in noisy environments.
  • High-level mathematical skills.
  • Physical fitness and ability to lift heavy equipment.
  • Ability to work outdoors in harsh weather conditions.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Pay Range
USD $22.00 - USD $28.00 /Hr.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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