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Assistant Rigger Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aid in identifying and sourcing cranes, rigging equipment, and materials required for projects. * Assist in preparing and organizing project documentation such as lift plans, inspection reports, and ...

Site Assistant

Palatine, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Help erect, level, and install building framework with the aid of rigging hardware and cranes * Assist with preparing the layout of the project * Assist with Truss, panelized walls, and window ...

Summer sailing assistants will work from 8:30am-4:00pm Monday to Friday, June 8th - August 7th. ... rigging, launching, and maintaining boats and equipment Supervise campers to ensure safety and ...

Level III Rope Access Technician

Hammond, IN · On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

This role functions as both a worksite supervisor and technical resource, responsible for rigging ... assist in reporting and documentation. Preferred Qualifications: • Multiple NDT Level II ...

Rigging and lifting procedures * Participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and ... Reliability & Continuous Improvement * Assist with root cause analysis and equipment failure ...

Troubleshoot and resolve scenic, rigging, or automation issues during performances and rehearsals. * Assist with the development and maintenance of backstage paperwork including crew tracks, shift ...

Assistant Technician - NDE

Hammond, IN · On-site

$35K - $36K/yr

... rigging, lifting, and access equipment setup. Preferred Qualifications: • Previous experience in NDT, construction, or industrial environments. • Familiarity with basic NDT methods and ...

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Assistant Rigger information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$49.3K

$74.7K

How much do assistant rigger jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant rigger in Chicago, IL is $49,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $56,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for an Assistant Rigger?

Assistant Riggers often begin by working closely with experienced riggers and supervisors, learning essential rigging techniques and safety protocols on the job. With additional experience, training, and sometimes further certifications, you can progress to positions such as Rigger, Lead Rigger, or Rigging Supervisor. Many companies support professional growth by offering mentorship, technical training, and opportunities to gain specialized skills, such as heavy equipment operation or advanced safety management. Career advancement in this field typically comes with increased responsibility, higher pay, and the ability to oversee larger, more complex projects.

What does an Assistant Rigger do?

An Assistant Rigger helps set up, inspect, and maintain rigging equipment used for lifting and securing loads in industries like construction, entertainment, and shipping. They work under the supervision of a lead rigger to ensure all rigging operations follow safety guidelines and industry standards. Their duties may include handling ropes, pulleys, hoists, and other rigging gear, as well as assisting in load calculations and weight distribution. Attention to detail and teamwork are essential skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Assistant Rigger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Rigger, you need practical mechanical aptitude, physical strength, and a basic understanding of rigging principles, often supplemented by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Experience with lifting equipment, such as hoists, cranes, and slings, as well as safety certifications like OSHA Rigging or Construction Safety, is advantageous. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These qualities are crucial for maintaining a safe work environment while ensuring efficient and precise lifting operations alongside more experienced riggers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL? For Assistant Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Rigger jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Rigger job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,279 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Event Rigger, Audio Visual (Part Time Casual) - Chicago, IL

Event Rigger, Audio Visual (Part Time Casual) - Chicago, IL

Encore

Elmhurst, IL • On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Encore Global rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 35 rated event venues


Job description

Position Overview
Responsible for performing rigging activities in a Hospitality or convention center environment while upholding safety and quality standards per all trade, Encore/property guidelines and SOP's. Reports to Lead Rigger or Rigging Coordinator.
Key Job Responsibilities
Rigging
• Gather and organize all rigging tools and equipment per event needs.
• Confirm carpet protected as required by local conditions.
• Provide ground rigging support to teams building points from lifts by staging motors and equipment under rig points, handing up motor chain, tools and equipment and spotting lift movements.
• Establish hang-point, connect hoist and attachments to permanent rigging points, connect GAC Flex spanset attachments to truss, connect/run and dress motor cables, run cable picks, ensure safety of scenic elements to hang-points and proper use of all truss protection equipment, inspect all cabling tie-offs.
• Check that all truss bolts are tight, and pieces of flown equipment are safe tied to truss.
• Support other trades needing help raising gear through use of motor or lift, and check work for safety.
• Remain on site until all motors have been raised to trim.
Safety
• Responsible for observing and maintaining all safety concerns during an event, including escalation of any observations of personnel who are acting in an unsafe manner.
• Ensure the power phasing of motor controller is appropriate to prevent limit switches from being defeated.
• Verify all elements are securely fastened and checked for safety.
• Must secure and maintain proper lift and/or Working at Height certifications as necessary.
• Follow all manufactures recommendations and local conditions when using personnel lifts.
• Riggers must be qualified prior to making any temporary rigging points or any points outside of a protected lift of any kind.
Project Management
• Secure and review advanced rigging plan and execute through Rigging Coordinator/Lead Rigger or other leadership supervision.
• Identify possible rigging obstacles and recommend solutions to resolve issues.
• Assist other technical trades with coordination efforts to execute show plot in harmony with all floor activity.
Maintenance
• Provide ongoing visual inspection of all hardware in use including truss, motors, lighting, sound, projection, and personnel lifts.
• Escalate any problems with hardware and recommend solutions to resolve issues to supervisor.
Job Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 500+ hours of onsite rigging experience
• Qualified-Basic Rigging certification
• Lift Certification
• Lift operation experience
• Ground Rigging experience
• High rigging with harness experience
• Previous experience supervising a rigging team preferred
Competencies
Deliver World Class Service
• Hospitality
• Ownership
Do The Right Thing
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
Drive Results
• Ensures Accountability
See The Big Picture
• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
Value People
• Collaborates
For more information on our Competency Group, refer to the Competency Based Talent Management page on Encore Connect by searching for the title or copy & pasting this URL Link (https://psav.sharepoint.com/sites/HR/SitePages/Competency-Supported-Talent-Management.aspx).
Physical Requirements
Team members must be able to meet the physical demands outlined below to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sitting: 1-2 hours per day
• Standing: 2-3 hours per day
• Walking: 3-4 hours per day
• Stooping: 0-1 hours per day
• Crawling: 0-1 hours per day
• Kneeling: 0-1 hours per day
• Bending: 1-2 hours per day
• Reaching (above your head): 1-2 hours per day
• Climbing: 2-3 hours per day
• Grasping: 1-2 hours per day
Lifting Requirements
• Lifting 0 - 15 lbs*: Frequently
• Lifting 16 - 50 lbs*: Frequently
• Lifting 51 - 100 lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting Over 100 lbs: Occasionally
Carrying Requirements
• Carrying 0 - 15 lbs*: Frequently
• Carrying 16 - 50 lbs*: Frequently
• Carrying 51 - 100 lbs: Occasionally
• Carrying Over 100 lbs: Occasionally
Auditory/Visual Requirements
• Close Vision: Frequently
• Distance Vision: Frequently
• Color Vision: Frequently
• Peripheral Vision: Occasionally
• Depth Perception: Frequently
• Hearing: Continuously
Pushing/Pulling Requirements
• Pushing/Pulling 0 - 15 lbs*: Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling 16 - 50 lbs*: Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling 51 - 100 lbs*: Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling Over 100 lbs: Occasionally
Note: The physical requirements marked with an asterisk () indicate activities performed without assistance.*
Team members must be able to meet the physical demands above in order to successfully perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
Hotel
Work is performed in a hotel/convention center environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple hotel locations. Working times will include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual hotel or a representation of hotels in that city or area.
The above information on this description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
#LI-JM1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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