1

Event Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Candidates with prior live event experience and open availability are preferred but we will train ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

This position also provides on-site support for special events as needed. Specific Duties: * Manage ... Ensure safety standards for equipment operation and rigging are followed and oversee and ...

Apply Early

This position also provides on-site support for special events as needed. Specific Duties: * Manage ... Ensure safety standards for equipment operation and rigging are followed and oversee and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Event Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do event rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in the entertainment, aerospace, or industrial sectors, with specialized roles such as theatrical riggers, aerospace riggers, or heavy lift riggers earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to operate complex rigging equipment in high-risk environments.

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

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 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.

Which job is best for a 40 year old woman?

An event rigger can be a suitable job for a 40-year-old woman, as it often involves physical activity, teamwork, and working in dynamic environments. Experience, skills, and certifications in rigging, safety, or equipment handling can enhance job prospects in this field.

What does a rigger do for a job?

An event rigger is responsible for installing, securing, and operating equipment such as lighting, sound, and stage structures for events. They use tools like hoists, pulleys, and safety gear, and often require certifications and knowledge of safety standards. Rigging work is performed in various environments, including theaters, concerts, and large-scale productions.

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 are Event Riggers?

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.

How much do Riggers make a month?

Event riggers typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially when working overtime or on large-scale events.
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 cities in California are hiring for Event Rigger jobs? Cities in California with the most Event Rigger job openings:
Performing Arts Technician III (Performing Arts Technician) - Green Music Center

Performing Arts Technician III (Performing Arts Technician) - Green Music Center

California State University

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$4.6K - $6.7K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

224th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Performing Arts Technician III (Performing Arts Technician) - Green Music Center
Job no: 558829
Work type: Staff
Location: Sonoma
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Theatre Arts, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Application Process
This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Thursday, July 9th.
Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications.
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of Production at the Green Music Center, with additional lead work direction from show related stage manager, the Performing Arts Technician provides live lighting support including setup/rigging of lights, wiring and focus of lights and programming/operating lighting consoles. Incumbent also provides live audio support including wiring of the stage, patching audio and assisting with the rigging and wiring of both the indoor and outdoor PAs. Incumbent provides live video support including setup and operating video equipment and streaming equipment. The types of events include performances by world-class artists, touring companies, faculty/staff/and student performances, as well as rental events. Additional duties include amplified sound setup for live performances, rigging, professional audio & video recording, load-in, setup & strike, load-out, utilizes lighting, video and audio software and hardware for recording and postproduction. In addition, the incumbent serves as a stagehand and assists with stage changes both before and during the performance. This position requires frequent work on nights and weekends, often past midnight.
Work Environment:
Duties will take place at the Green Music Center however additional duties may be performed in various locations on the Sonoma State University campus, or at University events off campus, including working both indoors and outdoors to support and participate in university activities and events. As a non-exempt employee, any request for overtime will be specified and pre-approved by Appropriate Administrator. The work schedule is variable and depends on the needs tied to support for performance and events at Sonoma State University. Overtime, weekend, and evening hours will be required and specified only by the supervisor to meet operational needs, often with support needed past midnight. The incumbent must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such levels as is determined by the Appropriate Administrator.
Key Qualifications
This position requires ten years of responsible and related experience providing live lighting, video and audio services for indoor and outdoor concerts, live entertainment events and activities such as performing arts organizations, theatre and dance companies, and music organizations or an equivalent combination of education and experience. In depth knowledge of lighting consoles required. Detailed knowledge and experience of live lighting, video, rigging of lighting hardware, stage wiring and patching, rigging projection screens, drapery, running and connecting power cables, and related equipment. Knowledge of stage etiquette desired. Membership in professional Audio/Theatrical organizations desired.
The incumbent must successfully complete a pre-placement exam.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full time, exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period. Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 19 ($6,606).The CSU Classification Step Range for this position is $4,626 - $6,739 per month (step 1 - step 20).
This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.
A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.
For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.
Supplemental Information
About Sonoma State University:
Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.
Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting:
The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Employment Eligibility & Conditions:
CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.
Education Code 89521 - Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).
Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.
Application Process & Accommodations:
For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.
Annual Reports & Safety Information:
Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report (https://clery.sonoma.edu/annual-security-report) includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.
Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.
Advertised: Jun 25 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What California State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


California State University logo

About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US