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Apprentice Rigger Jobs in Suffolk, VA (NOW HIRING)

Rigging Supervisor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Carrollton, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Newport News, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Rigging Supervisor

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$75K - $127K/yr

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

In this Rigging Supervisor role, you will: * Oversee daily work in your assigned shop. * Be ... Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills Apprentice Graduate preferred Pay Information Full-Time ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice Rigger information

See Suffolk, VA salary details

$14

$21

$23

How much do apprentice rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice rigger in Suffolk, VA is $21.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.25 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice rigger?

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs in Suffolk, VA?

The most popular types of Rigger jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Rigger jobs in Suffolk, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Rigger jobs in Suffolk, VA are:

What cities near Suffolk, VA are hiring for Apprentice Rigger jobs?

Cities near Suffolk, VA with the most Apprentice Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Rigger job openings in Suffolk, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,483 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Lead Mechanic - Rigger - Steel America (Job ID: 1377)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$28.46 - $35.99/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Lead Mechanic Rigger - Steel America
Purpose:
Steel America, a business unit of Colonna's Shipyard, is seeking a Lead Mechanic Rigger to support operations at our site in Norfolk, VA.
Position will provide hands-on guidance to a small group of tradespeople, working alongside them to support assigned projects under the direction of the Lead Mechanic Supervisor (LMS) or Shop Foreman. The role includes training, mentoring, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require occasional travel.
Job Description:
Key responsibilities include:
  • Primary duty is to execute routine (and non-routine) production duties in support of operational goals and in compliance with Company procedures and policies.
  • Performs skilled tasking (relative to their assigned trade) in the maintenance, repair, installation/removal, new construction, etc. activities supporting ship repair/industrial fabrication operations.
  • Supports management to facilitate daily production activities of the team and helps ensure employees (assigned to their work crew) have all necessary tools, equipment, work procedures, etc. to work safely and efficiently.
  • May assist management with training, performance management, coaching/counselling, supervision, etc. for employees assigned to their work crews.
  • Utilizing their production knowledge, make recommendations to support Plan of the Day (POD) for their assigned projects and utilizing their assigned resources to efficiently achieve operational requirements of projects.
  • Evaluates job sites and work environments prior to work starting to ensure safe project set ups and efficient work evolutions.
  • Responsible for understanding and complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all contract requirements, drawings, procedures/work instructions, etc.

Additionally, position will:
  • Review project specifications/SOWs and support creation of requisitions of all needed materials in accordance with contract requirements and associated references.
  • Generate and submits production reports to management (to include condition and surveillance reports, operational briefs, executed quality checks, etc.) meeting all technical/customer reporting requirements.
  • Support management in ensuring tools/resources are mobilized and demobilized from project appropriately, providing updates on damaged or lost equipment.
  • Attends/executes TIP inspections.
  • May serve as backup/makeup to supervisor, as needed.
  • Provides input to management and project teams to support schedule, progress, ETC/EAC updates for all projects assigned to them.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) or HS + 5 years related trade experience (in the trade to be supervised)
  • Must have experience in one or more of the following required: operation of overhead cranes, operation of mobile cranes, and/or operations of heavy mobile equipment (ie. forklifts, combilifts, telescope handlers, electric boat trailers, shipyard transporters, and hustlers).
  • Must have experience with crane signal skills, safe rigging practices, setting gangways and platforms, staging erection inspections, ships mooring, material handling, calculating center of gravity, wire size and application, nylon size and application, shackle size and application, chain size and application, chain falls and application, beam clamp type and size, antenna removal and installation, deck machinery and installation, plate and structure installation, cranes/Davits/booms install, fendering removal and installation, hatch and door removal and installation, towing bridles removal and installation, cargo valves, hoses removal and installation, and cargo handling equipment.
  • Must possess working knowledge of weight testing IAW specified Tech manuals for equipment such as Cranes, Davits, Winches, Anchors, and anchor chains, etc... within safety guidelines.
  • Ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references.
  • Regular, reliable attendance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Some previous supervisory/mentoring experience (such as make-up supervisor)
  • Experience performing successful crane and rigging operations within a shipyard environment highly preferred.
  • Prefer knowledge and experience with underwater hull rigging of shafting, propellers, rudders, etc.

Security Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain DBIDS preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Frequent Travel; 50% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $28.46 - $35.99
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)