1

Certified Rigger Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Level III Rope Access Technician

Hammond, IN · On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

... for rigging oversight, rescue planning, and mentoring lower-level rope access team members. The ideal candidate holds multi-discipline inspection certifications (API, NDT, CWI, etc.) and has ...

NCCER Millwright Certification * OSHA 30 * NCCCO Rigging/Signal Person (preferred) * TWIC Card (for refinery/petrochemical access) Physical Requirements * Ability to work in industrial environments ...

NCCER Millwright Certification * OSHA 30 * NCCCO Rigging/Signal Person (preferred) * TWIC Card (for refinery/petrochemical access) Physical Requirements * Ability to work in industrial environments ...

NCCER Millwright Certification * OSHA 30 * NCCCO Rigging/Signal Person (preferred) * TWIC Card (for refinery/petrochemical access) Physical Requirements * Ability to work in industrial environments ...

Event Crew

Lombard, IL · On-site

$30/hr

Fall Pro, SPRAT / IRATA certifications preferred for Rigging applicants. If you feel you would be a great fit for this position and align with our mission to be the best at what we do, we invite you ...

NCCCO Certification, or equivalent, in crane operations * Four years of experience as a heavy ... Ability to inspect and document rigging. * Experienced in the proper use of appropriate personal ...

Fall Pro, SPRAT / IRATA certifications preferred for Rigging applicants. If you feel you would be a great fit for this position and align with our mission to be the best at what we do, we invite you ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Certified Rigger information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$37

How much do certified rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified rigger in Chicago, IL is $26.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in specialized industries such as oil and gas, construction, or heavy equipment manufacturing, where riggers with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn higher wages. Supervisory or lead rigger positions also tend to offer higher salaries due to increased responsibilities and expertise. These roles typically require strong knowledge of safety standards, rigging techniques, and often involve working in challenging environments or with complex lifting operations.

What are Certified Riggers?

Certified Riggers are professionals who are trained and certified to safely lift, move, and secure heavy loads using ropes, chains, and other rigging equipment. They play a crucial role in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipping, and entertainment by ensuring that loads are moved securely and in compliance with safety regulations. Certification typically involves formal training and passing written and practical exams to demonstrate competence in rigging practices and safety standards. Certified Riggers must understand load weights, balance, and proper equipment usage to prevent accidents and property damage. Continuing education and recertification may be required to maintain their credentials.

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

To thrive as a Certified Rigger, you need a thorough understanding of load calculations, rigging techniques, and safety regulations, typically backed by industry-recognized certification such as NCCCO or OSHA Rigging Certification. Familiarity with rigging hardware, cranes, hoists, and load monitoring systems is essential for safe and efficient operations. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for coordinating lifts and preventing accidents. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, compliant, and effective handling of heavy loads in construction, industrial, or event settings.

Is being a rigger a good career?

Being a certified rigger can be a stable career, as it involves specialized skills in safely lifting and moving heavy equipment, often in construction, manufacturing, or shipping industries. The job requires physical strength, attention to safety protocols, and certifications, with opportunities for advancement and higher pay with experience. However, it can involve working in challenging environments and irregular hours.

How much do Level 3 riggers make in the US?

Level 3 riggers in the US typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced certifications and specialized skills can lead to higher wages in this skilled trade.

What is the difference between Certified Rigger vs Crane Operator?

AspectCertified RiggerCrane Operator
CertificationsRigger certifications (e.g., NCCER, NCCER Rigger)Crane operator licenses (e.g., NCCER, NCCER Crane Operator)
Work EnvironmentWork on lifting and securing loads, rigging equipmentOperate cranes to lift and move heavy loads
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shippingConstruction, shipping, industrial sites

Certified Riggers focus on preparing loads and rigging equipment, while Crane Operators operate cranes to lift and move heavy objects. Both roles require specialized certifications and often work together on construction and industrial sites, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Certified riggers can earn around $4,000 per week by working on large construction, industrial, or maritime projects that require specialized skills, certifications, and safety training. High-paying rigging jobs often involve long hours, physical labor, and working in challenging environments, but they typically do not require a college degree. Experience, certifications like OSHA and rigging licenses, and a strong safety record are key to reaching this income level.

What are some common safety challenges Certified Riggers face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Certified Riggers frequently encounter safety challenges such as managing heavy loads in unpredictable environments, ensuring proper use of lifting equipment, and communicating effectively with crane operators and ground crews. To address these issues, riggers adhere to strict safety protocols, conduct regular equipment inspections, and participate in ongoing safety training. Collaboration with other team members is essential to maintain clear communication and prevent accidents. Being proactive about hazard identification and following established procedures helps create a safer work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Certified Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL? For Certified Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Certified Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Certified Rigger jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Certified Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Certified Rigger job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,789 per year, or $26.8 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 7 days ago


Encore Global rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 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.

What Encore Global employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom