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Head Rigger Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Safely rigging and lifting materials as part of repair work * Moving materials using hand carts and ... Standing, walking, kneeling, and crouching-sometimes working above head level or on a ladder

Head Rigger information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$22

$31

How much do head rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for head rigger in Michigan is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.10 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 is a Head Rigger?

A Head Rigger is a skilled professional responsible for overseeing the installation, maintenance, and operation of rigging systems in settings such as theaters, concerts, film sets, or construction sites. They lead a team of riggers to safely move, lift, and secure heavy equipment, scenery, or lighting. The Head Rigger ensures that all rigging activities comply with safety regulations and that equipment is properly inspected and maintained. Their expertise helps prevent accidents and ensures smooth operations during productions or installations.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Rigger jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Rigger jobs in Michigan? For Head Rigger jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Rigger jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Head Rigger jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Head Rigger jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Head Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Rigger job openings in Michigan as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,165 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
THEATRE TECHNICIAN

THEATRE TECHNICIAN

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site

$17 - $26.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Central Michigan University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

454th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
S-3743
Position Number
00150
Type of Recruitment
External
Position Title
THEATRE TECHNICIAN
Position Summary
This position will act as the head carpenter and scene shop supervisor for a 5-show season within the Theatre and Dance department, ensuring all safety policies and procedures for the scene shop and venue are followed. The theatre technician also supervises and mentors paid and volunteer student workers in the scene shop and during load-in of scenic elements, and during light hangs and focuses and sound system installation.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience that equates to four years in Theatre or theatrical carpentry.
Experience with scenic carpentry and rigging.
Ability to read construction drawings.
Basic knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound equipment, and systems.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Theatre.
Three years of professional theatrical carpentry experience.
Experience with various sound systems in performance.
Experience managing and mentoring university students in a theatre shop.
Duties & Responsibilities
Mentors and supervises students in scenic carpentry, rigging, lighting hang and focus, and sound installation.
Serves as the head carpenter and shop supervisor for a multiple show season within the Theatre and Dance department.
Ensures that all safety policies and procedures for the scene shop and venue are followed.
Maintains and repairs the scene shop and all scene shop equipment.
Works with the technical director to make recommendations on equipment and materials to be purchased.
Maintains and repairs rigging, lighting and sound equipment, and systems at multiple on campus venues.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
This position will remain open until filled. The university reserves the right to close the recruitment process once a sufficient applicant pool has been identified.
Employee Group
Supervisory Technical
Staff Pay Level
5
Pay Range
$17.00 - $26.50 per hour, estimated salary between $17.00 - $19.00 per hour
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
Theater & Dance
Position Status
Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status
Part-Time
FTE
0.5
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
Mon-Fri, 20 hours per week
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
About the Department: The Department of Theatre and Dance is a growing, vibrant and passionate community of dedicated and creative individuals, with a long history. Our graduates are engaged professionally across the nation in all manner of endeavors.
To learn more about the department, visit the department website.
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes

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