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Bull Rigger Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Ironworker NCCER Plus 1

Deer Park, TX

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane. * Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural-steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, and/or levels.

Ironworker NCCER Plus 1

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane. * Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural-steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, and/or levels.

Boilermaker 2

Baytown, TX

$23 - $28/hr

Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane. Steel fabrication using torches, band saws, plasma cutter, grinders etc... Minor pipe fabrication - ability to pull field ...

Boilermaker NCCER Pr-1

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane. Steel fabrication using torches, band saws, plasma cutter, grinders etc... Minor pipe fabrication - ability to pull field ...

Boilermaker NCCER Pr-1

Deer Park, TX · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane. Steel fabrication using torches, band saws, plasma cutter, grinders etc... Minor pipe fabrication - ability to pull field ...

Boilermaker 2

Baytown, TX · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane. Steel fabrication using torches, band saws, plasma cutter, grinders etc... Minor pipe fabrication - ability to pull field ...

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Bull Rigger information

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$13

$24

$34

How much do bull rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for bull rigger in Houston, TX is $24.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.02 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Bull Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, mechanical aptitude, and experience working with heavy lifting equipment, typically demonstrated by industry-recognized rigging certifications. Proficiency in using cranes, winches, pulleys, chains, and load-monitoring systems is essential for safe and effective operations. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills are key soft skills for anticipating hazards and coordinating complex lifts. These abilities ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in demanding environments such as construction sites, shipyards, or industrial plants.

What is a Bull Rigger job?

A Bull Rigger is a specialized worker responsible for moving and positioning heavy loads using rigging equipment, such as hoists, cranes, and pulleys. They often work in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and oil and gas, ensuring that lifting operations are conducted safely and efficiently. Bull Riggers must understand load calculations, rigging techniques, and safety protocols to prevent accidents. Their job requires physical strength, precision, and coordination with crane operators and other team members.

What's the difference between a rigger and a bull rigger?

A rigger is a worker responsible for setting up and operating lifting equipment, such as cranes and hoists, often in construction or industrial settings. A bull rigger is a specialized rigger who handles heavy, complex lifts, typically involving large cranes or equipment, and often requires advanced skills and certifications. The main difference lies in the level of specialization and the complexity of lifts performed.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

A Bull Rigger, a skilled construction worker specializing in lifting and positioning heavy loads, can earn around $2,000 per day depending on experience, project complexity, and location. High-paying construction roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and working in demanding environments. Such earnings are typically associated with unionized or highly experienced professionals in large-scale projects.

What do bull riggers do?

A bull rigger is responsible for operating and maintaining cranes used to lift and move heavy materials on construction sites. They work closely with other crane operators and signalers, often requiring certification and knowledge of safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe operations.

What are the common daily responsibilities of a Bull Rigger?

As a Bull Rigger, your daily responsibilities typically include setting up and inspecting rigging equipment, attaching loads securely to lifting devices, and signaling crane or hoist operators during lifts. You may also be required to plan lifts in collaboration with site supervisors and ensure all activities follow strict safety protocols. Teamwork is crucial, as you often coordinate with other riggers, crane operators, and project managers to achieve safe and successful lifts. Additionally, maintaining and performing minor repairs on rigging gear is a regular part of the job, helping to ensure operations run smoothly each day.

Where do riggers make the most money?

Riggers tend to earn higher wages in regions with a strong industrial or construction sector, such as areas with large-scale infrastructure projects or oil and gas industries. Experience, certifications, and specialized skills in crane or heavy equipment rigging can also lead to higher pay. Salaries vary based on location, demand, and the complexity of the rigging work performed.
What are popular job titles related to Bull Rigger jobs in Houston, TX? For Bull Rigger jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Bull Rigger jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Bull Rigger jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Bull Rigger jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Bull Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Bull Rigger job openings in Houston, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,677 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Ironworker NCCER Plus 1

Ironworker NCCER Plus 1

Zachry Group

Deer Park, TX

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Zachry Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 78 rated construction


Job description

***THIS IS MAINTENANCE***NO PER DIEM***4/10'S

Position Summary

Structural Iron-workers will construct iron/steel structures to specifications.

Qualification Highlights

  • Must have 4+ years experience as a Iron-worker Helper or Structural Iron-worker.
  • Must posses all Knowledge Skills and Abilities for positions (see below).
  • Must be able to meet all physical requirements.
  • Must be able to work at heights in excess of 300 ft.
  • Must have all required tools.
  • Must have reliable transportation. 

Position Responsibilities

  • Read blueprints and specification to determine the scope of work: locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required.
  • Identify all tools required for tasks.
  • Identify safety risks and the precautions required to eliminate those risks.
  • Fabricate equipment according to blueprints or instructions from supervisors.
  • Hoist equipment and tools into location via bull rigging or crane.
  • Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural-steel members, using plumb bobs, laser equipment, transits, and/or levels.
  • Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
  • Bolt aligned structural-steel members in position for permanent riveting or bolting.
  • Pull, push, or pry iron/steel equipment into approximate positions for bolting into place.
  • Cut, bend, and weld iron/steel pieces, using metal shears, torches, and welding equipment.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

  • Leadership Abilities

o   Ability to take lead in erection of steel, fabrication, grid layout, rigging ect.

o   Ability to perform all job duties of craft trade.

  • Drawings

o   Ability to read, understand IFC drawings.

o   Ability to make hang list, read details off drawings, read all notes on drawings before erection, locate and understand ECN's and holds on drawings.

o   Understand when to stop production work and when a RFI needs to be initiated.

o   Read and understand craft specs and cut sheets, craft spec procedures and recommendations

o   Able to locate piece marks for correct views and know how to pick out different elevations

o   Being able to know the correct installation based on the orientation.

o   Knowledge of symbols based on legend 

  • Rigging

o   Knowledge of all types of safe rigging practices (chokers, slings, ect.)

o   Ability to dictate correct knots based on material

  • Connection

o   Know all aspects of connecting

o   Correct procedures of Bolting

o   Torque vs Tension

  • Fabrication

o    Ability to read cut sheets

o   Lay out from drawing

o   Cut material from lay out and cut sheets

  • Torque vs. Tension

o   Knowledge of Torque and Values

o   Knowledge of Tension

o   Turn of the nut method

o   Different types of indicators

o   Understand how to use a skidmore

  • Plan work and execute
  •  
  • Ability to take drawings, required material, line out helpers and execute work
  • Tools and knowledge

o   Knowledge of specialty tools (torque wrench, skidmore, torque guns, mag drills, hogan drills)

  • Welding and cutting

o   Basic knowledge of welding (machine set up, Mig, stick, gas, ect)

o   Knowledge of cutting torch, set up, dangers, usage, cleaning, types of tips and when to use the different types of tips

  • Equipment Knowledge

o   Knowledge of JLG's man baskets, cranes

o   Basic maintenance (inspections)

o   Safe operations practices

  • Signaling of equipment (ERTS, NCCO, NCCER)

o   Flagging of cranes, forklifts, manlifts

  • Knots

o   Tying knots for tag lines, ect

o   Basic knots for lashing

  • Math Skills
  •  
  • Footage, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions to perform all craft duties.

Physical Requirements

  • Employee will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting and lifting.  Will talk and hear to communicate.  Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, pull:  objects, materials, controls and tools.  May be required to lift, carry and move up to 50lbs.  Will work at heights, climb ladders and stairways, work off of platforms and man lifts, and may occasionally work out on an open structure using the appropriate fall protection requirements. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and leather work boots. 

Required Tools

  • Metal Tool Box with Lock
  • Spud Crescent Wrench with Carrier
  • Center Punch
  • 12"x24" Framing Square
  • 50' to 100' Tape
  • 8" Side Cutters
  • Sliding T-Bevel
  • Hacksaw
  • Set of Allen Wrenches
  • 3" C-Clamps(3)
  • Bolt Bag
  • 6 lb Hammer, Double Faced with carrier
  • 6" x 12" Framing Square
  • Spud Bar/Sleever Bar
  • Bull Pin with Carrier
  • 25' Tape
  • Vice Grips (2)
  • Chalk Box Line
  • 8" C-Clamps (2)
  • Torpedo Magnetic Level
  • 16 oz Plumb Bop
  • Large Wedges (2)
  • 12 lb Beater
  • Small Wedges (2): 1 7/16 & 1 5/16
  • 1 - Rain Coat
  • 1 - Rubber boots

ZACHRY is dedicated in providing a Safe and Drug Free work environment; and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES REQUIRED *

NCCER - Industrial Ironworker

OTHER POSITION OR SITE REQUIREMENTS

must have valid DL

#LI-KL1


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About Zachry Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Zachry Group is America's pacesetter in turnkey construction, engineering, maintenance, turnaround and fabrication services in the power, energy, chemicals, manufacturing and industrial sectors. It works with customers to plan, build, and renew their most critical facilities, so they can achieve their immediate and long-term goals, all at the highest safety standards. Zachry Group operates 35 offices, and averages 20,000 employees working in more than 400 locations nationwide. Please visit www.zachrygroup.com for more information.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Antonio, TX, US

Year founded

1924