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Crane Rigger Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bay Crane Companies

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Crane & Rigging Dispatcher

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Crane & Rigging Dispatcher LOCATION: Arlington Heights, IL REPORTS TO : Branch Manager FLSA STATUS: Fulltime, Non-Exempt ABOUT US Bay Crane is the leader in crane, rigging, and specialized ...

Paul's Machine and Welding Corp.

Conduct daily safety inspections of crane(s), rigging, and associated equipment. * Lead and coordinate pre-lift planning and safety meetings with teams. * Interpret load charts and calculate crane ...

Amentum Services, Inc.

Crane Operator

Chicago, IL

Rigs equipment, machinery, and material using slings, chain falls, come-alongs, and other rigging ... Completes daily, weekly and monthly crane inspections as required. * Performs general duties as ...

Pae

Crane Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Rigs equipment, machinery, and material using slings, chain falls, come-alongs, and other rigging ... Completes daily, weekly and monthly crane inspections as required. * Performs general duties as ...

Arcosa Inc.

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of the crane and rigging equipment (slings, chains, hooks, etc.) to ensure proper working conditions, identify defects or malfunctions, and report them immediately ...

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL

$25 - $30/hr

Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of the crane and rigging equipment (slings, chains, hooks, etc.) to ensure proper working conditions, identify defects or malfunctions, and report them immediately ...

Arcosa Lightweight

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of the crane and rigging equipment (slings, chains, hooks, etc.) to ensure proper working conditions, identify defects or malfunctions, and report them immediately ...

Arcosa Lightweight

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of the crane and rigging equipment (slings, chains, hooks, etc.) to ensure proper working conditions, identify defects or malfunctions, and report them immediately ...

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Crane Rigger information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$27

$36

How much do crane rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane rigger in Illinois is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

Is being a crane rigger hard?

Being a crane rigger involves physically demanding work, working at heights, and operating heavy equipment, which requires good physical fitness, attention to safety protocols, and proper training. The job can be challenging due to the need for precision, coordination, and adherence to safety standards, but proper certification and experience help manage these challenges.
More about Crane Rigger jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Rigger jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Crane Rigger jobs in Illinois are:

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For Crane Rigger jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Illinois with the most Crane Rigger job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Crane Rigger jobs in IL?

For Crane Rigger jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Crane Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Crane Rigger job openings in Illinois 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 $56,241 per year, or $27 per hour.

Crane & Rigging Dispatcher

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

Bay Crane Companies
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Bay Crane Companiesexternal

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

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Job description

OPEN POSITION: Crane & Rigging Dispatcher

LOCATION: Arlington Heights, IL
REPORTS TO: Branch Manager
FLSA STATUS: Fulltime, Non-Exempt

ABOUT US

Bay Crane is the leader in crane, rigging, and specialized transportation services, trusted for our commitment to safety, precision, and customer success. With operations spanning the Northeast, Midwest, and beyond, we take pride in supporting complex projects with expertise, reliability, and a people-first approach. Our success is built on the strength of our team, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where employees can thrive.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Crane & Rigging Dispatcher role is a hands-on, operations-focused crane dispatch position responsible for coordinating cranes, operators, drivers, rigging crews, and heavy haul resources for daily job execution.

This role is a strong fit if you have experience dispatching or coordinating:

  • Heavy equipment, construction crews, or field operators
  • Multi-resource jobs with changing timelines and priorities
  • Drivers and operators in DOT- or safety-sensitive environments
  • Operations where real-time decision-making matters more than routine administrative work

This is not a general administrative or call-center dispatch role. The ideal candidate has strong experience dispatching heavy equipment or construction resources and is comfortable learning crane-specific equipment, tonnage considerations, and job sequencing. This role serves as the operational center of the branch, making informed decisions that directly impact utilization, safety, and customer satisfaction.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

  • Assign cranes and equipment, and dispatch operators, drivers, and rigging crews based on job requirements and scheduling constraints.
  • Maintain and update the daily schedule in NexGen (or similar dispatch system) to reflect job requirements, travel time, and equipment availability.
  • Ensure all required documentation — e-tickets, job tickets, lift plans, permits, and time sheets — is accurate and processed on time.
  • Communicate daily with Sales, Service, and Branch Management regarding job status, changes, and special requests.
  • Monitor field operations throughout the day, tracking driver GPS data and checking in with crews to verify progress and address issues proactively.
  • Approve completed tickets and time sheets for billing and payroll.
  • Coordinate with the yard and service teams to stage equipment and minimize downtime.
  • Arrange for outside trucking or heavy haul services when internal resources are unavailable.
  • Ensure compliance with DOT and state regulations, equipment certifications, and operator licensing requirements.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2+ years of dispatch experience in crane rental, heavy equipment, construction or industrial operations (required).
  • Working knowledge of cranes, rigging concepts, tonnage, and equipment capabilities.
  • Experience dispatching multi-piece equipment and crews in a fast-paced, job-driven environment
  • Familiarity with crane dispatch software (NexGen preferred) and GPS/fleet tracking systems.
  • Strong operational judgement, problem-solving skills, and ability to prioritize under pressure
  • Excellent problem-solving, time-management, and attention-to-detail abilities.
  • Ability to adapt quickly to changes such as weather delays, mechanical issues, or client schedule shifts.
  • Clear, confident communication style with crews, management and customers.