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Aerial Rigging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 other ...

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Hampton, VA · On-site

$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 other ...

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$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 other ...

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 other ...

ARBOR MASTERS

Tree Climber Foreman

Shawnee, KS

$70K - $90K/yr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber

Grimes, IA · On-site

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Strategic Crane Training

Be Seen First

Crane, Rigging and Lifting Industry Instructor

Nevada, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Crane, rigging and lifting industry training instructor and written and practical exam proctor ... aerial lifts, skid steers, lift director, and concrete pumps. Some travel required for customer ...

Training provided

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber/ Foreman

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Strategic Crane Training

Be Seen First

Crane, Rigging and Lifting Industry Instructor

Nevada, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Crane, rigging and lifting industry training instructor and written and practical exam proctor ... aerial lifts, skid steers, lift director, and concrete pumps. Some travel required for customer ...

Training provided

Arbor Masters

Tree Crew Leader/ Climber

Grimes, IA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

ARBOR MASTERS

Tree Crew Leader Climber

Wichita, KS

$30 - $45/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber/ Foreman

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber/ Foreman

Parkville, MO · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber/ Foreman

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

ARBOR MASTERS

Tree Crew Leader

Parkville, MO

$25 - $35/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

Arbor Masters

Tree Climber/ Foreman

Broken Arrow, OK · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Performing basic felling and rigging, along with aerial rigging over obstacles * Leading a 2-person pruning crew while completing pruning & removal projects * Ensuring all appropriate tools, supplies ...

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Aerial Rigging information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do aerial rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerial rigging 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 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 physics, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by certifications such as ETCP or SPRAT. Familiarity with rigging hardware, load calculation software, and safety inspection systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable rigging operations in theatrical, entertainment, or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in aerial rigging, and how can they be addressed?

Aerial rigging professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to different venues with unique structural limitations, ensuring strict safety compliance, and coordinating with performers and production teams. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, continuous communication with all stakeholders, and staying current with industry safety standards. Regular equipment inspections and thorough planning before each setup are also critical to ensuring both efficiency and safety on the job.

What is aerial rigging?

Aerial rigging refers to the setup and securing of equipment such as ropes, cables, harnesses, and hardware used to safely suspend performers and apparatuses in the air for activities like aerial arts, circus performances, or stage productions. Aerial riggers are responsible for ensuring that all equipment meets strict safety standards and is properly installed to prevent accidents. They assess load capacities, select appropriate anchor points, and maintain all gear to ensure the safety of performers and crew. Proper aerial rigging is essential for both the artistic effect and the safety of aerial acts.

What is the difference between Aerial Rigging vs Stage Rigging?

AspectAerial RiggingStage Rigging
CertificationsRigging certifications, aerial safety trainingRigging certifications, theatrical safety training
Work EnvironmentPerformances, aerial acts, outdoor eventsTheatrical productions, concerts, indoor venues
Industry UsageCirque shows, aerial performances, festivalsTheatre productions, concerts, live events

Both Aerial Rigging and Stage Rigging require rigging certifications and safety training. Aerial Rigging focuses on supporting performers in aerial acts, often outdoors or in performance venues, while Stage Rigging is centered on supporting scenery, lighting, and equipment in theatrical and concert settings. Although they share similar skills, their specific environments and applications differ.

More about Aerial Rigging jobs
What cities are hiring for Aerial Rigging jobs? Cities with the most Aerial Rigging job openings:
What states have the most Aerial Rigging jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerial Rigging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerial Rigging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerial Rigging jobs are:
Aerial Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerial Rigging job openings in the United States as of May 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

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 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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