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Entertainment Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rigging Specialist : set up & operates all aspects of theatrical rigging systems (manual and ... Master of Ceremonies, 1/2 years experience in entertainment industry Sports Staff: Sports or ...

Rigging Specialist : set up & operates all aspects of theatrical rigging systems (manual and ... Master of Ceremonies, 1/2 years experience in entertainment industry Sports Staff: Sports or ...

Prior experience installing theatrical or entertainment rigging systems. * Experience safely troubleshooting and maintaining all aspects of rigging. * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety training or ...

Bachelor's degree in engineering, theater/live entertainment, or related field * Experience working ... Working knowledge of rigging systems, equipment, and structural coordination principles

Bachelor's degree in engineering, theater/live entertainment, or related field * Experience working ... Working knowledge of rigging systems, equipment, and structural coordination principles

Regional Installer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Prior experience installing theatrical or entertainment rigging systems. * Experience safely troubleshooting and maintaining all aspects of rigging. * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety training or ...

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Entertainment Rigger information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do entertainment rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entertainment rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Entertainment Riggers during live events, and how are they typically addressed?

Entertainment Riggers often encounter challenges such as tight installation schedules, adapting rigging plans to changing venue specifications, and ensuring safety while working at heights. These challenges are typically managed through thorough pre-event planning, clear communication with production teams, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Riggers also participate in regular safety briefings and collaborate closely with lighting, audio, and stage crews to ensure smooth and secure setups during live events.

How to become an entertainment rigger?

To become an entertainment rigger, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or apprenticeships in rigging, rigging safety, and equipment operation. Gaining experience with tools like hoists, pulleys, and safety harnesses, along with obtaining certifications such as OSHA rigging or fall protection, is essential for working safely in live event or production environments.

How much do entertainment riggers make?

Entertainment riggers typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and experience in handling large-scale productions can command higher wages.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in the entertainment industry, such as theatrical or concert riggers, or specialized industrial riggers working on large-scale projects. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and can offer higher wages due to the complexity and risk involved.

What are Entertainment Riggers?

Entertainment Riggers are skilled professionals responsible for safely installing, securing, and operating rigging systems used to suspend lighting, audio equipment, scenery, and other elements in theaters, concerts, film sets, and live events. They ensure that all overhead equipment is properly supported and meets safety standards. Riggers also collaborate closely with designers, stagehands, and production teams to facilitate smooth setup and breakdown of events, often working at heights and under tight deadlines. Their expertise is critical to both the safety of performers and crew, and the success of the production.

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

To thrive as an Entertainment Rigger, you need expertise in structural mechanics, safety protocols, and equipment handling, often supported by certifications such as ETCP or OSHA. Familiarity with rigging hardware, load calculation software, and fall protection systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe and efficient installation and operation of staging and aerial equipment in live entertainment environments.

What is the difference between Entertainment Rigger vs Stagehand?

AspectEntertainment RiggerStagehand
CredentialsRigger certifications, safety trainingBasic labor or technical training
Work EnvironmentEvent venues, theaters, concert hallsEvent setups, theaters, live shows
Industry UsageSpecialized in rigging and safetyGeneral stage setup and support

Entertainment Riggers focus on installing and maintaining rigging systems safely, requiring specialized certifications. Stagehands handle broader stage setup tasks, often with less specialized training. While both work in live event environments, riggers have a more technical and safety-focused role compared to stagehands.

What is an entertainment rigger?

An entertainment rigger is a professional responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating rigging systems used in live events, theater productions, and concerts. They work with equipment such as hoists, pulleys, and safety gear, often requiring knowledge of load calculations and safety standards. Rigging skills and certifications are essential for ensuring the safe setup of stage equipment and scenery.
More about Entertainment Rigger jobs
What states have the most Entertainment Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Entertainment Rigger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entertainment Rigger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entertainment Rigger jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entertainment Rigger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Live Event & Production Crew Positions - Stagehand/Rigger/Heavy Machine Operator/Scaffolding Climber

Rockforce

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

ABOUT ROCK FORCE
RockForce is the trusted team setting the stage for the greatest moments in live events. With a legacy built on the unification of nine industry leaders, we bring decades of expertise to seamlessly execute concerts, festivals, sporting events, live broadcasts, award shows, and corporate activations.
Through integrated event production, workforce solutions, innovative technologies, and payroll services, RockForce delivers precision, efficiency, and reliability at every scale.
Our people are the magic-united by passion and skill, we operate as one unstoppable force to ensure every event is executed with professionalism, care, and an unwavering commitment to safety and compliance.
Join us as we head into one of the most exciting eras in the live entertainment industry!
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking motivated, safety-conscious individuals to join our live event labor team. Positions include Stagehands, Riggers, Heavy Machine Operators, and Scaffolding Climbers. These roles are essential to the successful execution of concerts, corporate events, festivals, and large-scale productions. Candidates should be reliable, adaptable, and ready to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas
Stagehand Responsibilities
  • Assist with loading/unloading trucks and moving gear into venues.
  • Assemble and disassemble staging, risers, platforms, and barricades.
  • Set up and strike lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements under department leads.
  • Handle cable management, power distribution, and equipment placement.
  • Provide on-the-ground support for riggers, technicians, and production managers.
  • Follow all venue and company safety guidelines.

Stagehand Qualifications
  • Prior experience in live events or theater production preferred but not required.
  • Able to lift and carry heavy equipment (50lbs+).
  • Push/pull heavy cases and stand for long periods.
  • Comfort working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Rigger Responsibilities
  • Safely install and dismantle rigging systems including motors, trusses, chain hoists, and hardware.
  • Perform climbing duties to secure loads, attach equipment, and ensure even weight distribution.
  • Inspect and maintain rigging equipment for compliance with safety standards.
  • Operate rigging control systems during load-ins, shows, and load-outs.
  • Coordinate with production teams to determine rigging plots and load requirements.
  • Enforce fall protection and OSHA-compliant safety practices at all times.

Rigger Qualifications
  • Previous rigging experience in live events, concerts, or theater required.
  • Knowledge of knots, load calculations, rigging hardware, and safe practices.
  • Ability to climb, work safely at heights, and use fall arrest systems.
  • Familiarity with hoists, motors, trusses, and rigging software (preferred).
  • ETCP certification or OSHA 10/30 training a plus.

Heavy Machine Operator
  • Safely operate MEWPs, Straight Mast Forklifts, and Telescopic Forklifts in accordance with safety standards and venue requirements.
  • Assist with the loading, unloading, positioning, and movement of staging, truss, lighting, audio, and scenic equipment.
  • Work closely with production crews, stagehands, and supervisors to support event timelines.
  • Conduct pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and report any mechanical or safety concerns.
  • Maintain a safe, organized work area and follow all company, venue, and OSHA safety guidelines.

Heavy Machine Qualifications
  • Previous experience operating MEWPs and forklifts in a production, warehouse, construction, or live event environment preferred.
  • Valid equipment certifications or ability to obtain certification as required.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Scaffolding Climber Duties
  • Safely climb structures, trusses, and venue grids to perform overhead work.
  • Install and secure rigging equipment, motors, and cabling at heights.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and maintenance of overhead systems.
  • Ensure compliance with fall protection and safety protocols.

Scaffolding Climber Qualifications
  • Proven climbing experience (entertainment rigging, rope access, or related field).
  • Must be comfortable working at significant heights for extended periods.
  • Knowledge of fall arrest systems, PPE, and safety regulations.
  • ETCP Rigging Certification or equivalent training preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to work in various environments, including indoor and outdoor venues.
  • Fast-paced and high-energy work environment, requiring adaptability and problem-solving.

Location:
Central NJ (key locations include New Brunswick and Freehold)
WHY ROCKFORCE
We don't just staff events - we build careers. RockForce is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing the best talent in the business. Our crews benefit from:
  • Competitive Wages
  • Eligible employees may participate in comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as a 401(k) plan, once qualification requirements are met.
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement

This commitment makes RockForce an employer of choice in the live event industry.
LET'S BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER!
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
RockForce strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.
We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, RockForce will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, RockForce also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact Human Resources to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. We will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. RockForce reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. RockForce may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.