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Construction Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$87K - $117K/yr

Maintain emergency action plans and fall protection, confined space, crane/rigging, and excavation safety programs specific to ground-up new building construction. * Serve as the primary point of ...

Operating Engineer

Chino, CA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Handling tiltup slab construction: layout, form setting/blockouts, setting templates, expansion joints, stripping forms, installing beams, doors, etc. * Rigging, tagging, signaling, cutting, burning ...

Construction Safety Manager

Hemet, CA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Audit fall protection, confined space, crane, rigging, welding, excavation, and heavy equipment ... Construction operations throughout Southern and Central California and the Southwest Travel is ...

Showing results 21-40

Construction Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do construction rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for construction rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a construction rigger?

A Construction Rigger is responsible for setting up and securing heavy loads, such as equipment and structural components, using cables, pulleys, winches, and hoists. They ensure that materials are lifted and moved safely by calculating load weights, selecting appropriate rigging gear, and following strict safety protocols. Riggers work closely with crane operators and other construction personnel to facilitate efficient lifting operations. Their role is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring the structural integrity of lifted components.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a construction rigger on a job site?

Construction Riggers are responsible for setting up and securing rigging gear, attaching loads, signaling crane operators, inspecting equipment, and ensuring all lifting operations follow strict safety procedures. On a typical day, you'll work closely with crane crews, site supervisors, and other construction workers to ensure that heavy materials are properly lifted and relocated as needed. Rigging tasks can change frequently depending on the project's stage, so adaptability and clear communication are important. You may also be involved in maintenance of rigging equipment and are expected to report and address any safety concerns immediately. This role keeps you active on your feet and often outdoors, making for a dynamic and hands-on work environment.

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

To thrive as a Construction Rigger, you need a solid understanding of load calculations, rigging techniques, and safety protocols, often backed by completion of a recognized rigging certification or apprenticeship. Familiarity with cranes, hoisting equipment, hand tools, and safety systems like fall protection is essential. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and excellent problem-solving skills set high-performing riggers apart. These abilities ensure loads are moved safely and efficiently, minimizing risks and supporting successful project completion.

What do construction riggers do in construction?

Construction riggers are responsible for installing, moving, and securing heavy equipment and materials on construction sites. They use tools like cranes, hoists, and rigging hardware, and often need certifications to ensure safety and proper procedures during lifting operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a construction rigger?

Construction riggers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in rigging techniques and safety procedures. Many employers require certification such as OSHA 10 or OSHA 30-hour safety training, and experience with tools and equipment used in lifting and securing heavy loads is essential.

What are popular job titles related to Construction Rigger jobs in California?

For Construction Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Construction Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Construction Rigger jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Construction Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

CDL Driver/Rigger - Hayward, CA

Lawson Drayage Inc

Hayward, CA • On-site

$36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Lawson Drayage, Inc. serves as the oldest and most respected machinery moving and high-tech handling company in the San Francisco Greater Bay Area, Northern California and Western Nevada. Since our inception in 1919, we have clocked countless hours moving all types of machines and high-tech equipment. We pride ourselves on our quality of work and value the relationships with our customers. We offer an outgoing and rewarding work environment with new experiences every day. Our company has been family owned and operated for 100 years! Reach out to see if you're a good fit in this exciting industry!
Job Summary
We are looking for experienced Riggers/Machinery Movers with Class A licenses. Must be able to work in a team-oriented environment dedicated to the safe set up, loading, and relocation of heavy equipment. You will be required to work in a team to safely receive, load and deliver the customers machinery. You will also be required to communicate with your team members and be compliant with state health and safety regulations. We are looking for candidates that have a general understanding of rigging and rigging equipment; chains, binders, ratchet straps in addition to operation of forklifts, overhead lifts, jacks, rollers, hoists and other rigging equipment to move machinery. This is a UNION shop with great benefits and pension.
Essential Functions
  • Communicate with dispatch regarding job scope and daily tasks
  • Pre and post trip inspections of tractor and trailer.
  • Inspecting and preparing loads that need to be moved
  • Determining proper method of lifting equipment for each assigned project
  • Selecting the appropriate rigging gear.
  • Preparing rigging equipment including, but not limited to, beams, pulleys, clamps, and bolts
  • Inspecting rigging equipment before each use.
  • Loading and unloading semi-trucks including strapping and securing in a safe manner
  • Setting, aligning, and leveling heavy equipment machinery
  • Using proper methods when working with overhead lifts, hoists, winches, cranes, jacks, rollers, forklifts and other needed equipment
  • Determining weights and identify center of gravity items to be lifted
  • Moving needed equipment to and from work areas
  • Uncrating of materials using power tools
  • Wrapping, banding, and packing equipment
  • Moving floor covering and set up jobsites as needed
  • Cleaning up work areas, return tools to appropriate location, and sweep/clean up debris
  • Effectively communicating with rigging, construction, engineering, customers, and other on-site teams
  • Breaking down rigging equipment and conducting post-rigging inspections
  • Ongoing Inspection of equipment and making necessary repairs, or taking equipment out of service as needed
  • Ensuring compliance with state and company safety procedures
  • Arrive and clock in on time for each scheduled shift
  • Clock out appropriately for each scheduled shift
  • Provide status updates to dispatch during jobs
  • Complete and maintain up to date safety training
  • Behave professionally while working
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Preferred but not required: Two (2) years Driver/Rigger/Machinery Mover experience
  • Valid Class A CDL License and DOT medical card or ability to become licensed
  • Acceptable MVR (motor vehicle record) and Accident History
  • Previous forklift experience and/or ability to become forklift certified
  • Ability to navigate computer programs for training, payroll, and other operational functions
  • Good work history
  • Familiarity with OSHA safety standards
  • Familiarity with logistics or machinery moving industry
  • Knowledge and ability to operate hand tools, power tools, moving equipment.
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to problem solve and focus on solutions
  • Driven, highly self-motivated, and safety conscientious
  • Hands on experience with load tie-down and securement, including the use of ratchet straps, chains and binders to safely transport various types of cargo

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to lift/maneuver heavy equipment
  • Must be able to perform tasks requiring frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting
  • Ability to work outdoors in harsh weather conditions.
  • Must be able to work at heights
  • Must be able to work in noisy environments

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $36.50 per hour
Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Teamster Local 70 Union

Schedule:
  • Home daily
  • Monday to Friday

Trucking driver type:
  • Company driver

Trucking route:
  • Local

License/Certification:
  • CDL A (Required)