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Apprentice Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Graduate from an applicable certified apprentice program or company approved mechanical training ... Must be able to demonstrate the rigging basics including the use of hand signal and calculation of ...

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Apprentice Rigger information

See California salary details

$15

$22

$24

How much do apprentice rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice rigger in California is $22.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Apprentice Rigger, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supported by safety training certifications. Familiarity with rigging equipment, hand and power tools, and understanding safety systems like OSHA guidelines are commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure safe and efficient operations on-site. These skills and qualities are crucial for preventing accidents and supporting smooth lifting and assembly tasks in construction and industrial settings.

What are the typical challenges faced by an Apprentice Rigger, and how can they be addressed?

Apprentice Riggers often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning proper safety procedures, and understanding how to use a variety of rigging equipment. It's common to work at heights or in adverse weather conditions, so staying vigilant and proactive about safety is essential. Effective communication and teamwork are also crucial, as riggers frequently coordinate with crane operators, engineers, and other trades. Seeking guidance from experienced riggers and participating in ongoing training can help apprentices overcome these challenges and build confidence in their skills.

What is the difference between Apprentice Rigger vs Rigger?

AspectApprentice RiggerRigger
CertificationsBasic safety and rigging certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced rigging certifications, experience-based
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused, construction or industrial sitesIndependent, complex rigging tasks, construction, entertainment, or industrial sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with rigging setup, learning safety protocolsPerforming rigging, setting up heavy equipment, ensuring safety standards

In summary, an Apprentice Rigger is in training, focusing on learning rigging basics under supervision, while a Rigger has more experience and handles complex rigging tasks independently.

What are Apprentice Riggers?

Apprentice Riggers are entry-level workers who assist experienced riggers in setting up and securing heavy loads for lifting, moving, or construction projects. They learn to use ropes, pulleys, cranes, and other equipment to safely lift and transport materials. Apprentice Riggers typically work under supervision while gaining hands-on experience and training in safety protocols, load calculations, and proper rigging techniques. Their role is essential in industries like construction, shipping, and entertainment, where precise and secure handling of heavy objects is required.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs in California? The most popular types of Rigger jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Rigger jobs in California? For Apprentice Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Rigger jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Rigger jobs? Cities in California with the most Apprentice Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Rigger job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% As Needed, 30% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,148 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Union Energy Storage Carpenter Apprentice - EdSan 2A2B

Union Energy Storage Carpenter Apprentice - EdSan 2A2B

Mortenson

Mojave, CA

$21.45 - $47.13/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Mortenson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SUMMARY 

Mortenson is currently seeking a Carpenter Apprentice I, II, III, IV that will be responsible for assisting Journeyman and Foreman Carpenters in the completion of their tasks while learning the trade.

RESPONSIBILITIES

         Setup trailers and build temporary structures (decks, stairs, roofs) between office units

         Install shelves, setup tool trailers/conex's, silt fences/straw bales, and setup site per erosion control plan

         Hand-set forms and assemble gang forms

         Assist journeyman and foreman with shooting grades and elevation

         Unload, handle, stockpile, and erect prefabricated materials

         Perform concrete and rough carpentry (hand set walls, footings, set gang wall forms, structural concrete decks, drywall, finish carpentry, doors, frames, hardware, millwork, and cabinetry)

         Build relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels

         Perform all other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

         High School diploma or GED required

         Currently enrolled in apprenticeship program

         Previous experience on a construction site preferred

         Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, detail orientation, and effective communication including active listening and openness to diverse input and feedback

         Ability to work with precision, visualize solid objects from drawings, read plans, and operate equipment (table saws, radial arm saws, belt & disc sanders, drill presses, fall protection equipment, rigging, and form systems)

         Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements

         *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs.

         Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice.

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment.

The base pay range for this role is $21.45 - $47.13 per hour. (Actual range is higher for the following office locations: Denver, CO and Chicago, IL - 5%, Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR - 10%, Washington, D.C. - 12.5%).

Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity. 

Please make note:

         Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

         Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days. 

ABOUT MORTENSON

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact. 

Let's Redefine Possible 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.

Other Items to Note

         Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.

         Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.


 


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M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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