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Event Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent ... No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral ...

Crane Operator/Rigger Mechanic PBF Energy Inc. (NYSE:PBF) is one of the largest independent ... No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral ...

Identify risks and escalate issues related to rigging design, logistics, and installation * Assist in test events and operational readiness planning to confirm systems are safe and functional

... rigging and placement. * Manage relationships with sub-rental vendors of A/V equipment, ensuring ... Communicate with the event crew via phone or in-person to ensure seamless event execution. * Review ...

... rigging and placement. * Manage relationships with sub-rental vendors of A/V equipment, ensuring ... Communicate with the event crew via phone or in-person to ensure seamless event execution. * Review ...

Event Production Lead

Costa Mesa, CA

$20 - $27.25/hr

Job Summary The Event Production Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and ... Act as technical liaison between various show services (power, data, rigging) - Deep technical ...

Event Production Lead

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Job Summary The Event Production Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and ... Act as technical liaison between various show services (power, data, rigging) - Deep technical ...

Event Production Lead

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Job Summary The Event Production Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and ... Act as technical liaison between various show services (power, data, rigging) - Deep technical ...

Maintain a working knowledge of stage-building methods, rigging capabilities, and venue standards across a range of event and experiential spaces. * Strong spatial and 3D design sensibility, with an ...

Maintain a working knowledge of stage-building methods, rigging capabilities, and venue standards across a range of event and experiential spaces. * Strong spatial and 3D design sensibility, with an ...

Spatial Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Maintain a working knowledge of stage-building methods, rigging capabilities, and venue standards across a range of event and experiential spaces. [SKILLS YOU WILL NEED ] * Strong spatial and 3D ...

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Event Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do event rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for event rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an event rigger?

Event Riggers are skilled professionals responsible for safely installing, securing, and dismantling equipment such as lighting, audio systems, and stage elements at events and venues. They use specialized tools and follow strict safety protocols to attach equipment to ceilings, trusses, or other structures. Event Riggers play a vital role in ensuring that all suspended elements are securely fastened and meet safety regulations, which helps prevent accidents during concerts, theater productions, conferences, and other large gatherings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an event rigger?

To thrive as an Event Rigger, you need a strong understanding of rigging principles, safety standards, and experience with lifting and securing stage equipment, often supported by relevant certifications like ETCP or OSHA. Proficiency in using hoists, trusses, load calculation software, and personal protective equipment is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and seamless setup and dismantling of event structures, minimizing risks and ensuring successful events.

What are some common challenges faced by event riggers when working on large-scale productions?

Event Riggers often encounter tight timelines and evolving event requirements, which can make load-in and setup periods particularly challenging. Coordinating safely with lighting, audio, and staging teams in busy, high-traffic environments requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Additionally, adapting rigging plans to the unique structural and safety constraints of each venue is essential, making flexibility and technical expertise key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Event Rigger vs Stagehand?

AspectEvent RiggerStagehand
CredentialsCertifications in rigging, OSHA safety trainingBasic safety training, sometimes rigging knowledge
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, event venues, outdoor setupsTheater stages, concert venues, live event spaces
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, rental firmsTheater companies, concert promoters
Common Search & ComparisonEvent Rigger vs Stagehand

While both roles work in live event settings, Event Riggers specialize in installing and securing complex structures and equipment, often requiring rigging certifications. Stagehands assist with various stage setup tasks, including lighting, props, and general support. The main difference lies in rigging expertise and responsibilities, with Event Riggers focusing on safety-critical rigging tasks and Stagehands providing broader stage support.

What are popular job titles related to Event Rigger jobs in California?

For Event Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Event Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Event Rigger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Event Rigger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Event Rigger job openings:

Infographic showing various Event Rigger job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Event Lead Rigger, Audio Visual - Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Dana Point, CA โ€ข On-site

Encore
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistanceย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$25.50 - $33/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform rigging activities including advancing, supervising, and executing event rigging plots.

  • Coordinate, supervise, and assist rigging team members during events, ensuring safety and proper equipment use.

  • Act as liaison with clients, obtain signoff, and report damages or safety concerns to venue or management.


Job description

Position Overview
Responsible for performing rigging activities in a Hospitality or convention center environment while upholding safety and quality standards per all trade, Encore/property guidelines and SOPs. Act as primary contact for venue's clients during rigging load ins/outs. Perform hands-on rigging as well as the supervision of rigging team members during events. Reports to Rigging Manager/Senior Rigging Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Rigging
โ€ข Advance, supervise, and execute event rigging plots as necessary.
โ€ข Gather and organize all rigging tools and equipment per event needs.
โ€ข Confirm carpet protected as required by local conditions.
โ€ข Coordinate and assign rigging related tasks to crew.
โ€ข Supervise crew building truss as needed.
โ€ข Establish hang-point, connect hoist and attachments to permanent rigging points, connect GAC Flex spanset attachments to truss as per Encore SOPs, connect/run and dress motor cables, run cable picks, ensure safety of scenic elements to hang-points and proper use of all truss protection equipment, inspect all cabling tie-offs.
โ€ข Check that all truss bolts are tight, and pieces of flown equipment are safetied to truss.
โ€ข Support other trades needing help raising gear through use of motor or lift, and check work for safety.
โ€ข Remain on site until all motors have been raised to trim, final safety check has been performed, and client acknowledges completion of rigging.
Equipment Compliance
โ€ข Use all equipment, including personnel lifts according to manufacture specification, and local conditions.
โ€ข Visually inspect all hardware in use including motors and personnel lifts on an on-going basis.
โ€ข Escalate any problems with equipment or hardware to the Rigging Manager.
โ€ข Assist other technical trades with coordination efforts to execute show plot in harmony with all floor activity.
Client Relations
โ€ข Act as liaison between rigging crew and venue or on-site client.
โ€ข Obtain necessary and appropriate client signoff.
โ€ข Report any damages to the appropriate venue representative or the DET/Operations Manager.
โ€ข Double check future call times with client at the close of each show call and report back changes to Rigging Manager.
Safety
โ€ข Secure and maintain proper lift and/or working at height certifications as necessary.
โ€ข Responsible for all rigging labor efforts and overhead safety during an event, which may include removing personnel who are acting in an unsafe manner.
โ€ข Follow all manufacturer specifications and local conditions when using personnel lifts.
โ€ข Riggers must go through Encore's Working at Height program, or be SPRAT certified prior to making any temporary rigging points or any points outside of a protected lift of any kind.
โ€ข Inspect all rigging equipment prior to and following all rigging events.
โ€ข Ensure the power phasing of motor controller is appropriate to prevent limit switches from being defeated.
โ€ข Inspect all motors at trim to verify chain is in bag and will not run out.
โ€ข Verify all elements are securely fastened and checked for safety.
โ€ข Be knowledgeable and practice safe rigging operations in accordance with Encore's Rigging SOPs.
โ€ข Use experience and other learning opportunities in the field to work towards ETCP certification.
Project Management
โ€ข Work with vendors and clients in verifying loads applicable to their production are in accordance with venue loading capabilities.
โ€ข Review/produce detailed rigging plot, identify any possible rigging obstacles or safety concerns and review with Rigging Services team to recommend possible solutions.
โ€ข Work with Rigging Manager, DET and hotel teams to identify and coordinate storage and show flow opportunities.
โ€ข Support the Rigging Manager in all inventory and organizational efforts with equipment.
โ€ข Coordinate scheduling efforts with Rigging Manager/DET/DOS and discuss load-in/out efforts and hanging order with the Rigging Manager or Regional Rigging Manager.
โ€ข Ensure pre-use inspection has been completed on all lifts before beginning any rigging.
โ€ข Complete any paperwork as assigned, i.e., rigging report, incident report, any other reports as assigned.
โ€ข Maintain Hospitality Rigging environment while supervising crew, including Encore, vendor or union rigging labor, maintaining, supporting, and mentoring crews on Encore and trade standards, including but not limited to workplace and rigging safety and professional conduct and appearance.
Staff Development
โ€ข Supervise the Riggers and external workers during rigging events and provide input on the scheduling and performance management of these team members.
โ€ข Mentor team members in the field to improve their rigging skills.
โ€ข Assist Rigging Manager in identifying potential rigging team members and help prepare them in the field to take Encore Rigging Training class.
Maintenance
โ€ข Provide ongoing visual safety inspection of all hardware in use including truss, motors, lighting, sound, projection, and personnel lifts.
โ€ข Escalate any problems with hardware and recommend solutions to resolve issues to supervisor.
Job Qualifications
โ€ข High school diploma or equivalent
โ€ข 1+ year of onsite rigging experience
โ€ข Qualified-Basic Rigging certification
โ€ข MEWP Certification
โ€ข ETCP Certification is preferred
โ€ข MEWP operation experience
โ€ข Ground rigging experience
โ€ข High rigging with harness experience
โ€ข Previous experience supervising a rigging team
Competencies
Deliver World Class Service
โ€ข Hospitality
โ€ข Ownership
Do The Right Thing
โ€ข Demonstrates Self-Awareness
Drive Results
โ€ข Ensures Accountability
See The Big Picture
โ€ข Decision Quality
โ€ข Manages Complexity
Value People
โ€ข Collaborates
Work Environment
Hotel
Work is performed in a hotel/convention center environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple hotel locations. Working times will include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual hotel or a representation of hotels in that city or area.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.