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Crane Rigger Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Safety Manager

Hilliard, OH · On-site

$101.92 - $147.88/hr

This role offers the opportunity to oversee safety during trenching and excavation, crane and rigging operations, heavy equipment activities, medium‑voltage electrical installations, and generator ...

Selects crane(s), lifting hardware, and equipment necessary for safe work execution of medium, heavy, and critical lifts. * Provides operational and technical direction to rigging crews and to ...

Layout and select equipment, prepare basic lift and rigging plans with load-out lists * Become proficient in 3D Liftplanner software * Record activities, contacts and all sales transactions utilizing ...

Layout and select equipment, prepare basic lift and rigging plans with load-out lists * Become proficient in 3D Liftplanner software * Record activities, contacts and all sales transactions utilizing ...

Sales Technician

Columbus, OH · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Layout and select equipment, prepare basic lift and rigging plans with load-out lists * Become proficient in 3D Liftplanner software * Record activities, contacts and all sales transactions utilizing ...

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Crane Rigger information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$18

$26

$35

How much do crane rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for crane rigger in Columbus, OH is $26.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $30.10 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crane Rigger jobs in Columbus, OH?

The most popular types of Crane Rigger jobs in Columbus, OH are:

What job categories do people searching Crane Rigger jobs in Columbus, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Crane Rigger jobs in Columbus, OH are:

What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Crane Rigger jobs?

Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Crane Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Crane Rigger job openings in Columbus, OH 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 $54,635 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Crane Operator - Columbus, OH

MEI Rigging & Crating

Columbus, OH • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:
The Crane Operator is responsible for operating a mobile crane to lift, move, position, reposition loads, and unload crane accessories from trailer or support vehicles. Team collaboration is important as the Operator works with and receives direction from riggers and/or site supervision via verbal or hand signals to determine required load movement and will work as a ground crew depending on the tasks being performed. Operators also allow appropriate safety procedures and maintain logs of vehicle repair status and working hours (FMCSA).
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operate various types of cranes: All Terrain, Rough Terrain, Crawlers, Industrial, Hydraulic Trucks, Conventional Trucks, and Boom Trucks.
  • Hydraulic Truck Crane Operators - operate diesel powered cranes which are mounted on truck type chassis, to lift material, objects, or personnel into place.
  • Drives crane to work site and properly sets up per the manufacturer's operators manual and company rules regarding cribbing/matting, cribbing blocks or mats as required to perform job requirements of customer.
  • Direct activities of oilers, truck drivers or helpers in assembly and disassembly of the equipment.
  • Place cribbing blocks and/or pads, moves levers and foot pedals to rotate super structure, raise and lowers boom to raise and lower cables.
  • May operate crane according to signals from oiler or helper may bolt, pin boom sections together to modify boom lengths.
  • Performpre- and post-trip inspections along with daily and monthly equipment inspections.
  • Perform routine maintenance.
  • Carry tools for running repairs.
  • Properly barricades counterweight tail swing and working radius.
  • Take complete charge of all safety pertaining to assembly, disassembly, and operation of crane. Wears PPE safety equipment.
  • Understand and can fill out job ticket for customer to accept responsibility forjobsiteand billing.
  • Drive truck to worksites and unloads truck.
  • Brief travel is expected. Normally nothing longer than a week.
  • Any other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):
  • High SchoolDiploma or Equivalent
  • Minimum of two years of Crane Operation experience
  • Working knowledge of rigging,cranes, andcommercial moving and storage
  • Proficient knowledge of Excel, Word and Outlook
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language.
  • Must possess a current NCCCO, TLL (TSS is also preferred), or equivalent crane operator certification.
  • Knowledgeable in OSHA regulations and ANSI standards in crane operations
  • Minimum of a CDL - B license required; CDL-A License preferred.
  • Must be able to pass a drug test, background check, and DOT physical/fit for duty test.
  • CDL A License preferred.
  • LBC/LBT would be helpful but not required.
  • Prefer candidates with proficient oral and written communication skills, technical skills, and functional skills.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to climb, stand; walk; sit; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to adjust straps, move equipment and perform daily duties; reach with hands and arms; push feet to operate crane; pull handles and grasp equipment; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The Crane Operator is subject to possible exposure to extreme year-round outdoor environmental conditions and may also be subject to working weekends and holidays.
Additional Requirements:
Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI's customers have come to expect.
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a Crane Operator and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the job, as necessary.
MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.