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Crane Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating, through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We ...

New

Crane Rigger* M/F

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$25.75 - $33.25/hr

Crane Rigger* M/F Position description: Contract type: Fixed-term-contract Contractual hours: Full time Contract duration: 1 year (renewable) Main Responsibilities: * Achieves lifting activities ...

Rigger

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The rigger coordinates closely with crane operators and forklift drivers, ensuring loads are handled efficiently and safely in both open and confined spaces. Responsibilities * Rig material to lift ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Crane Operator is responsible for safely operating rough terrain cranes and ... Communicate clearly with riggers, signal persons, and ground crew using hand signals and radio ...

Hiring Marine Riggers

San Diego, CA

$25.50 - $33/hr

... 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 ...

Rigger

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$27.25 - $35.25/hr

Experienced with crane assembly and disassembly * Good math skills for calculating load requirements * Knowledge of rigging equipment * Unafraid of heights, climbing ladders and scaffolding between ...

Rigger

Milpitas, CA

$27.25 - $35.25/hr

Experienced with crane assembly and disassembly * Good math skills for calculating load requirements * Knowledge of rigging equipment * Unafraid of heights, climbing ladders and scaffolding between ...

Rigger

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$27.25 - $35.25/hr

Experienced with crane assembly and disassembly * Good math skills for calculating load requirements * Knowledge of rigging equipment * Unafraid of heights, climbing ladders and scaffolding between ...

Be Seen First

Experience in operating cranes, rigging, and crane operating signals Skills * Must be hard-working and reliable * Must be responsible, punctual, and able to work with little oversight * Must have ...

Communicate with riggers, signalers, and ground crew to coordinate lifts. * Adhere to OSHA, and site specific safety standards and procedures. * Monitor crane operations to detect any malfunction or ...

Signal crane operators or other equipment handlers to lift and move loads safely. * Tool Use : Use tools like wrenches, hammers, and pliers to drive pins, form slings, and install rigging gear.

Communicate with riggers, signalers, and gound crew to coordinate lifts. * Adhere to OSHA, and site specific safety standards and procedures. * Monitor crane operations to detect any malfunction or ...

Crane Operator with extensive Rigging experience preferred. Must be able to comprehend ship nomenclature (decks, port, stbd, fwd, aft, frame number, compartment location, etc.) Must be able to ...

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Crane Rigger information

See California salary details

$19

$27

$37

How much do crane rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane rigger in California is $27.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for cranes?

The 3-3-3 rule for cranes is a safety guideline that recommends a maximum of 3 minutes for crane setup, 3 minutes for lifting, and 3 minutes for dismantling to ensure safe operation. Crane riggers must follow these timeframes along with proper load calculations and safety protocols to prevent accidents on site.

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

To thrive as a Crane Rigger, you need a solid understanding of load calculations, rigging techniques, and safety protocols, often backed by a high school diploma and relevant industry certifications such as NCCCO or OSHA Rigging certification. Familiarity with rigging hardware, crane operation systems, and safety equipment is essential in this role. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help Crane Riggers coordinate with crane operators and construction teams under challenging conditions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient lifting operations and preventing accidents on job sites.

What is the difference between Crane Rigger vs Signal Person?

AspectCrane RiggerSignal Person
Primary RoleAttach, secure, and guide loads for cranesCommunicate signals to crane operators for safe lifting
CertificationsRigger certification, OSHA trainingSignal person certification, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settingsConstruction sites, crane operations
Industry UsageHeavy lifting, rigging operationsCoordination and communication during lifts

While both roles are essential in crane operations, a Crane Rigger focuses on attaching and securing loads, whereas a Signal Person communicates with the crane operator to ensure safe lifting. They often work closely but have distinct responsibilities within the same industry environment.

What Is a Crane Rigger?

A crane rigger is responsible for lifting and moving large or heavy load objects with the use of a crane. These skilled professionals are certified to safely operate this heavy machinery. In this career, you typically works on construction sites such as tall buildings, ships, bridges, and roads. Since the size of the load you are moving with the crane can be dangerous, you must comply with all safety standards as outlined in your certified training. Your job duties include operating the crane equipment and making sure the crane is assembled properly.

Can a crane operator make 300k a year?

Crane operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, with top earners in specialized industries or with extensive experience potentially reaching higher salaries. Earning $300,000 a year is uncommon and usually requires advanced skills, certifications, and working in high-paying sectors or overtime hours.

What are some common challenges faced by Crane Riggers on construction sites, and how can they be addressed?

Crane Riggers often encounter challenges such as working in tight or congested spaces, handling heavy or awkward loads, and coordinating closely with crane operators and other team members. To address these, effective communication is essential, as is thorough site planning and ongoing safety training. Familiarity with lifting plans and rigging equipment also helps Riggers anticipate and mitigate potential issues, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

What does a crane rigger do?

A crane rigger is responsible for setting up, inspecting, and operating rigging equipment to safely lift and move heavy loads with cranes. They attach slings, hooks, and other hardware to loads, communicate with crane operators, and ensure safety protocols are followed during lifting operations. Certification and knowledge of load calculations are often required for this role.

How much are riggers paid?

Crane riggers typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled riggers with specialized training and certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand industries or regions with a high cost of living.
What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Rigger jobs in California? The most popular types of Crane Rigger jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Crane Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Crane Rigger jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Crane Rigger jobs? Cities in California with the most Crane Rigger job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Crane Rigger jobs in CA? For Crane Rigger jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Crane Rigger job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,278 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic

Pbf Energy

Martinez, CA • On-site

$57.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


PBF Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Crane Operator/Rigger MechanicPBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent refiners in North America, operating, through its subsidiaries, oil refineries and related facilities. We have an opportunity at our Martinez Refinery in California and are seeking a talented Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic to join our team as a pivotal member that would play a key role here at PBF Energy.

The Crane Operator/Rigger selects and operates the appropriate crane or piece of heavy equipment, as well as rig and transport equipment for lifting. This position is for qualified large and small hydraulic NCCCO certified crane operators. The Crane Operator/Rigger supports MTAC (Maintenance, Turnaround, and Construction) activities across the entire refinery as directed by the Crane & Rigging Team Leader.

Job Responsibilities May Include:

  • Operate and maintain heavy equipment
    • Operate equipment for maintenance activities in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sound manner, by ensuring that all necessary procedures, practices, standards, and rules are followed.
    • Select appropriate crane or piece of heavy equipment for the maintenance activity
    • Inspect, clean, service, and maintain equipment
    • Complete assembly and disassembly which includes extending jibs or dead sections, changing blocks, changing cable, and changing multi and single part lines.
  • Rigging and Signaling
    • Select, inspect, and prepare slings, spreaders, shackles, and hooks for lifts.
    • Instruct and lead other employees in setting up rigging.
  • Transportation and Medium Equipment
    • Operate medium equipment including forklifts, semi-trucks, manlifts, backhoes, loaders, and bundle carrier.

Position Specific Requirements:

  • Work Schedule:
    • Participation in callout/standby coverage
    • Occasionally an altered work schedule over an extended period may be required (maintenance outages and turnarounds)
  • Physical Requirements:
    • Ability to lift 50 pounds
    • Ability to climb ladders
    • Ability to navigate stairs
  • Work in the Following Conditions:
    • At heights
    • Outside in inclement weather
    • Occasionally wearing a respirator, Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
  • Possess a valid Driver's License
  • Candidate must have an active TWIC card or be able to obtain a TWIC card. Information can be found at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Five (5) years of experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator/Rigger or military equivalent
  • NCCCO TLL and TSS or the ability to obtain TSS within probationary period
  • Commercial Class A or B License
  • Possess or must obtain NCCCO RIG-I, TTR-I, and SGP within probationary period

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous refinery or chemical plant experience
  • Basic computer skills including working in windows-based computer systems
  • Ability to operate medium equipment such as forklifts and manlifts
  • Ability to operate earth moving equipment such as backhoes and loaders
  • ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED
  • FOR SERIOUS CONSIDERATION, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR SALARY REQUIREMENTS

Martinez Refining Company LLC, a PBF Energy Subsidiary, offers our employees highly competitive total compensation and benefits packages. Benefits include:

  • 401(k)plan with company match
  • Pension Plan
  • Medical, dental, vision plans and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life insurance, short- and long-term disability
  • Vacation, Paid Parental Leave, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Additional voluntary benefits are offered at group discounts

The Crane Operator/Rigging Mechanic position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers (USW) International Union AFL-CIO, CLC and the Martinez Refining Company LLC. The hourly pay rate for this position is $57.54, based on qualification requirements in the CBA.

We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.

PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

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