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Event Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Event Stagehand San Jose

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

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 ...

Audio Technician

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Installation, operation, and removal of audio systems for live events, corporate events, concerts, bands, DJs and more. * Corporate Presentation Audio * Signal Flow * Audio System Rigging * Digital ...

Installation, operation, and removal of audio systems for live events, corporate events, concerts, bands, DJs and more. * Corporate Presentation Audio * Signal Flow * Audio System Rigging * Digital ...

Lighting Technician

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Event/Production/Hospitality. * Experience driving 16-24 ft. trucks * Staging, Draping, Rigging, or Power Distribution Experience. bb * On-call / event based work. * 4 hour minimums per shift. * 5 ...

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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 Jun 9, 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 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.

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.
What cities in California are hiring for Event Rigger jobs? Cities in California with the most Event Rigger job openings:
Event Stagehand San Francisco

Event Stagehand San Francisco

RHINO STAGING

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Do you love being around live entertainment?ย If you have a strong work ethic, a "can-do" attitude and want to play a role in setting the stage for some of the most successful events in our industry, we have a great opportunity for you!

We're hiringย General & Skilled Stagehands to support concert tours, festivals, and other live events in the greater San Francisco area, including the iconic Castro Theatre. We provide labor to many large and small local venues and work with some of the biggest production companies in the business.ย 

Work Schedule:

These are seasonal, on-call, as needed (W-2) positions. Hours will vary; including nights, weekends and holidays and there is no minimum guarantee of hours per week, month, etc.ย 

Candidates with prior live event experience and open availability are preferred but we will train well-qualified applicants.

Rhino Staging was founded in 1991 with a simple philosophy of doing things right and treating people well. This recipe for success has enabled us to become the leading provider of the safest, most proficient, professional stage crews for live events nationwide. Weโ€™ve pioneered many positive changes in the entertainment industry over the years and will continue to do so through our commitment to integrity, safety and professional development.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to push, pull and lift at least 50 lbs. as required for equipment handling.
  • Ability to consistently walk, stand, bend, stoop & twist as required for on-site tasks.

Other Requirements:

  • Reliable source of transportation to get to and from event sites in a timely manner
  • Must understand general industry terms and fundamental principles
  • Must be willing to work varying stagehand level roles.
  • Must be willing to work indoors or outdoors under varying weather conditions
  • Must be willing to work cohesively with teammates and supervisors
  • Mustย wear appropriate attire and footwear for concert / corporate events as outlined in Rhino policies
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English to ensure the safe execution of tasks and coordination with crew and clients*
  • Must be 18 yrs of age or older
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Previous experience in a similar role is a plus
  • Open availability is preferred

If you feel you would be a great fit for this position and align with our mission to be the best at what we do, we invite you to submit an application.ย  (Incomplete applications may not be considered.)

The compensation information displayed on each job posting reflects the range for new hire rates for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors including job-related skills, experience and relevanteducation or training.

This position is not eligible for stocks and/or stock options.

Rhino Admin, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact hr@rhinostaging.com.

We participate in E-Verify. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to www.uscis.gov and click on the "E-Verify" logo.

*Essential Communication Functions: The role requires the ability to receive, understand, and respond to safetycritical instructions in dynamic, highrisk environments. Crew members must communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers while working around heavy equipment, elevated structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken English, written English, ASL, textbased systems, visual cues, or other reasonable accommodations. Certain tasks occur in fastmoving contexts where only immediate verbal comprehension in English is operationally feasible because no alternative communication method can be used without creating delay or increasing safety risk. The employee must be able to perform these essential communication functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, using any effective method applicable to the task.