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Contract Rope Access Rigger Jobs in San Diego, CA

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Riggers Shipyard

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces and to access and move around ship safely ... Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids Wire rope, slings, cables, rope, pulleys, winches, blocks ...

Hiring Marine Riggers

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $33/hr

Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces and to access and move around ship safely ... Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids Wire rope, slings, cables, rope, pulleys, winches, blocks ...

Dig Alert procedures and tree * removal techniques; basic knots and rope operation for rigging ... Safely climb trees using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to access work area

Arbor Production Manager

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Dig Alert procedures and tree * removal techniques; basic knots and rope operation for rigging ... Safely climb trees using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to access work area

Arbor Production Manager

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Dig Alert procedures and tree * removal techniques; basic knots and rope operation for rigging ... Safely climb trees using climbing hooks and belts, or climb ladders to access work area

Arbor Crew Leader

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

... to access work area * Complete daily paperwork timely and accurately * Update project progress ... Dig Alert * procedures and tree removal techniques; basic knots and rope operation for rigging ...

Contract Rope Access Rigger information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$15

$27

$38

How much do contract rope access rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract rope access rigger in San Diego, CA is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $31.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Rope Access Rigger vs Tower Climber?

AspectContract Rope Access RiggerTower Climber
CertificationsRope Access Certification, OSHA 10/30Climber Certification, OSHA 10/30
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, construction, maintenance at heightTelecommunications, power transmission, wind turbines
Industry UsageConstruction, inspection, maintenanceTelecom, energy, broadcasting

Both roles require working at heights and safety certifications. Contract Rope Access Riggers focus on specialized rope techniques for inspection and maintenance, often in industrial settings. Tower Climbers primarily work on telecommunications and power towers, performing installation and repairs. While certifications overlap, the work environments and industry applications differ, making each role unique in its scope and expertise.

How much do contract rope access riggers make?

Contract rope access riggers typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and project complexity. Skilled riggers with specialized training and safety certifications can command higher rates, especially for work in challenging environments or at heights.

How to become a contract rope access rigger?

To become a contract rope access rigger, you typically need to complete specialized training and obtain certifications such as IRATA or SPRAT, which demonstrate competence in rope access techniques. Gaining experience in working at heights, understanding safety protocols, and developing skills with rigging equipment are essential steps in establishing a career in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rope Access Rigger jobs in San Diego, CA?

The most popular types of Rope Access Rigger jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Contract Rope Access Rigger jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Contract Rope Access Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Rope Access Rigger job openings in San Diego, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,454 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Riggers Shipyard

Trade Team

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

 Job Details

Temp Only

Job Summary

Rigs material to lift, move and position material onto ship or to move around the yard.  Conveys instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers using hand signals, loud speaker or telephone.  Locates, loads/unloads materials and equipment on and off ship and in and out of yard.  Tests and installs rigging equipment, such as cargo booms, elevators, boat davits, booms and portable davits.  Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces.  Selects cables, ropes, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces and cushions according to weight, distribution and size of load to be moved.  Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.


Qualification Standards

Five years experience at ship yards or five years experience as Boatswain Mate Second Class P. O. or above.  High school graduate or equivalent.  Good knowledge of all rigging equipment, ability to test shipboard and yard equipment.  Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces and to access and move around ship safely.

Essential Job Tasks

1.     Rigs materials to be moved onto ship or around the ship yard.                 

2.     Conveys instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers about where to move, lower or    lift equipment.      

3.     Locates, loads and unloads materials on and off ship and in and out of shipyard. 

4.    Tests and installs rigging equipment.             

5.     Sets up tools and equipment at job site an and puts equipment away when finished.

6.     Handles winches, grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines and other equipment.

Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids

Wire rope, slings, cables, rope, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces, cushions, nylon slings, chain falls, come-alongs, shackles, other rigging equipment, test gauges and other testing equipment, cargo booms, and protective equipment.

Physical/Mental Involvement

Frequent lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing rigging equipment or material to be rigged.  Climbing and balancing on scaffolds, walking, stooping and crouching to fit equipment into rigging gear, reaching above head at shoulder level or below to rig equipment, continuous manual dexterity, seeing and hearing, crawling through small openings as needed, kneeling.  Ability to give proper hand signals to crane operators and other workers.

Marginal Job Tasks

None identified.

Environmental Factors

Exposed to fumes, dusts, mists, odors, and gases that may cause harm to the respiratory system.  Exposed to constantly moving machines and mechanical parts.  Exposed to high level of constant noise.

Rigger Knowledge

Riggers should have experience and previous work history to support the rate of a Journeyman Rigger.

  • Rig materials to be moved onto ship or around the ship yard            
  • Convey instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers about where to move, lower or lift equipment      
  • Locate, load and unload materials on and off ship and in and out of shipyard         
  • Test and install rigging equipment   
  • Set up tools and equipment at job site and put equipment away when finished
  • Handle winches, grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines and other equipment

Requirements:

    • Start onboarding (per Labor Providers Policies/Procedures)
      • DBIDS
      • Ship Access
      • Schedule for High Reach Class
  • Assessment Criteria
  • There is no assessment criteria for this Trade.

PPE

TOOL LIST

NASSCO SUPPLIED TOOLS

Hard Hat

Gloves

Come-a-Long

Safety Glasses

Flashlight

Chain Falls

Ear Plugs

Knife

Loft Rigging Equipment

Respirator

Company Description

We are a staffing agency that hires for shipyard clients.