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Head Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Event Rigger - Fontainebleau

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Reports to Lead Rigger or Rigging Coordinator. Key Job Responsibilities Rigging • Gather and ... your head): 1-2 hours per day • Climbing: 2-3 hours per day • Grasping: 1-2 hours per day ...

Event Rigger - Westin Bonaventure

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25.75 - $33.50/hr

Reports to Lead Rigger or Rigging Coordinator. Key Job Responsibilities Rigging • Gather and ... your head): 1-2 hours per day • Climbing: 2-3 hours per day • Grasping: 1-2 hours per day ...

Hiring Marine Riggers

San Diego, CA

$25.50 - $33/hr

... reaching above head at shoulder level or below to rig equipment, continuous manual dexterity ... Rigger Knowledge -Riggers should have experience and previous work history to support the rate of a ...

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the ...

$34 - $50/hr

Join us as we head into one of the most exciting eras in the live entertainment industry! We are seeking experienced and safety-focused Riggers to support live events and large-scale productions.

OS Rigger (Vessel)

LA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Edison Chouest Offshore is looking for licensed OS Riggers. In addition to the below ... Required to be able to lift at least 25 pounds from the floor to head * Required to demonstrate 90 ...

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Head Rigger information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do head rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for head 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 a Head Rigger faces when leading a team on large-scale productions?

A Head Rigger often encounters challenges such as coordinating complex rigging setups under tight deadlines, ensuring all team members adhere to strict safety protocols, and adapting plans in real-time to accommodate last-minute changes in production requirements. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as the Head Rigger must collaborate closely with designers, technical directors, and other departments to ensure seamless integration of rigging with lighting, audio, and scenic elements. Proactively addressing these challenges helps maintain a safe work environment and ensures the success of the production.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Head Rigger in industries like construction, entertainment, or shipping can earn around $4,000 weekly through experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as OSHA or rigging licenses. High-paying rigging roles often require physical skill, safety knowledge, and the ability to work in demanding environments, but they typically do not require a college degree.

What is the difference between Head Rigger vs Rigger?

AspectHead RiggerRigger
CertificationsOSHA certifications, rigging licensesOSHA certifications, rigging licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, entertainment industry, industrial settingsConstruction sites, entertainment industry, industrial settings
ResponsibilitiesOversees rigging operations, supervises riggers, plans complex rigging tasksPerforms rigging tasks, sets up equipment, assists in lifting operations

The main difference between a Head Rigger and a Rigger is that the Head Rigger supervises and plans rigging operations, while the Rigger executes the rigging tasks under supervision. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Head Rigger holds a leadership position with additional responsibilities.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically in the oil and gas, construction, or industrial sectors, where specialized skills and certifications such as OSHA or NCCER are required. These roles often involve working in challenging environments and may include supervisory or project management responsibilities, leading to higher compensation. Experienced riggers with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn significantly higher wages, especially in remote or high-risk locations.

What is a head rigger?

A head rigger is a professional responsible for overseeing the setup, inspection, and operation of rigging systems used to lift and move heavy objects, often in entertainment, construction, or industrial settings. They coordinate with crew members, ensure safety standards are met, and typically have skills in rigging techniques, safety protocols, and equipment operation. Certification in rigging and experience with relevant tools are often required for this role.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs and CFOs, specialized medical professionals like neurosurgeons, and successful entrepreneurs. Certain highly skilled roles in finance, law, and technology, especially with bonuses or profit sharing, can also achieve this level of income. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and significant responsibility.

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

To thrive as a Head Rigger, you need comprehensive knowledge of rigging systems, safety standards, and mechanical principles, typically backed by experience and relevant certifications like ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program). Mastery of rigging hardware, automated systems, and safety inspection tools is essential for managing complex setups. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring safe operations. These abilities are vital to guarantee the safety of crew and performers, maintain equipment integrity, and deliver flawless event or production execution.
More about Head Rigger jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Rigger jobs? Cities with the most Head Rigger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs? The most popular types of Rigger jobs are:
What states have the most Head Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Rigger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Head Rigger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Head Rigger jobs are:
Infographic showing various Head Rigger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Rigger

$32.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Austal USA rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 433 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

**Now paying up to $32.75/hr**
REPORTS TO: Crane and Rigging Manager
SUPERVISES: N/A
AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Must be technically proficient in tasks, work processes, and safe use of rigging equipment
  • Will be held accountable for completion of daily work assignments including the completion and signatures for work completion and quality
  • Will maintain cleanliness and organization on assigned job sites
  • Be responsible for selection and utilization of proper lifting gear
  • Set up crane hoisting equipment
  • Will be expected to work any assigned shift
  • May be assigned tasks that are outside the normal craft assignments
  • Monitor the job site for compliance with quality, safety, and environmental and health regulations
  • Will be expected to demonstrate the ability to apply practices which satisfy regulatory requirements and industry wide established guidelines to carry out instructions or directions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Also will be expected to be able to identify and then resolve small problems which arise while carrying out day-to-day tasks

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma/GED, or 5 years Maritime experience
  • One year minimum work experience as a rigger in a shipyard environment or similar industry
  • Must be willing to participate in continuous improvement by way of on-the-job training for less experienced co-workers
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of equipment used in rigging operations, including but not limited to lifting and moving equipment
  • Must have knowledge of shipyard terminology such as general ship structure and vessel layout
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of USA Standard hand signals
  • Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and measure using the metric system
  • Must demonstrate acceptable proficiency by participating in and successfully completing the Austal USA Overhead Crane/Rigging training course which will include both written and functional examinations
  • Must demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence and memos, write simple correspondence, and effectively present information in one-on-one or small group situations

TOOLS: Will be expected to acquire basic tools on a list which will be provided by the Crane/Rigging Manager
DIRECTION EXERCISED: N/A
DISCRETION EXERCISED: N/A
LIAISES WITH: Production Department Foremen and Supervisors, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
  • Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.
Specific physical requirements include the following:
Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel. Perform prolonged standing. Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis. Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis. Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis. Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis. Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps). Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts. Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead). Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment. Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles. Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment. Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards. Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures. Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time. Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands. Able to utilize adequate visual skills. Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down. Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters whole performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
SAFETY
Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.
Equal Employment Commitment
Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.
Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.

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