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Head Rigger Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Bluewater Technologies Group

AUDIO TECHNICIAN

Wixom, MI · On-site

Audio Department Head Office Location: Wixom, MI Who We Are: Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc ... Work collaboratively with Audio, Video, Lighting, LED, Scenic, Rigging, Production, and other teams ...

Bluewater Technologies Group

AUDIO TECHNICIAN

Wixom, MI · On-site

Audio Department Head Office Location: Wixom, MI Who We Are: Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc ... Work collaboratively with Audio, Video, Lighting, LED, Scenic, Rigging, Production, and other teams ...

Campbell Press Repair

Be Seen First

CNC Machinist III

Lansing, MI · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

... in safety & rigging. · Ability to work overtime as needed. · Must be self-motivated with the ... head-on. We believe that actions truly do speak louder than words; we say what we do and do what we ...

Campbell Press Repair

Be Seen First

CNC Machinist III

Lansing, MI · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

... in safety & rigging. · Ability to work overtime as needed. · Must be self-motivated with the ... head-on. We believe that actions truly do speak louder than words; we say what we do and do what we ...

All JobsHead Rigger JobsHead Rigger Jobs in Michigan

Head Rigger information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$22

$31

How much do head rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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?

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 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:

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Cities in Michigan with the most Head Rigger job openings:

Head Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Rigger job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,165 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

AUDIO TECHNICIAN

Wixom, MI • On-site

Bluewater Technologies Group
See more jobs at Bluewater Technologies Groupexternal

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain professional audio systems during live events and productions.

  • Prepare, test, and configure audio equipment such as microphones, speakers, mixing consoles, and signal processing gear prior to events.

  • Support cross-departmental collaboration by assisting with audio setup, system tuning, and technical support during live events.

Job description

 

Position Title: Audio Technician

Team: Live Events

Manager: Audio Department Head

Office Location: Wixom, MI


Who We Are:

Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc., founded in 1985, is the only woman-owned business of its kind, bringing together multiple industry-leading teams under one roof. Our mission is simple: unlock the potential of spaces. That potential might mean helping organizations communicate more clearly, operate more efficiently, or even monetize their environments in new ways. From large-scale events and brand activations to workplace environments and permanent installations, we transform spaces into places that connect, inspire, and perform.

At Bluewater, you’ll find planners, makers, and innovators working side by side—blending creativity, technology, and strategy to deliver experiences that matter. Rooted in our EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Collaboration— and Fun!), we’re driven by a shared purpose: to make people smile. 


Role Summary:

As a technician at Bluewater, the primary goal is to move a project successfully from the pre-production phase, to show site, and through post-production efforts. This requires strong cross-departmental communication, collaboration, technical execution, and problem solving.

The Audio Technician – Live Events plays a key role in delivering exceptional audio experiences across a wide variety of live events and experiential productions. Bluewater’s work extends beyond traditional meetings and ballroom environments and may include corporate events, general sessions, entertainment, concerts, trade shows, exhibits, outdoor events, branded experiences, mobile tours, and custom experiential activations.

The Audio Technician’s primary technical discipline is audio, with responsibility for the preparation, setup, operation, tuning, troubleshooting, and strike of professional audio systems. Depending on the size and complexity of the production, the technician may work independently or under the direction of an Audio Engineer, Lead Technician, or Production Manager.

While this position specializes in audio, Bluewater’s technical staff operates as one technical team. Technicians are expected to work collaboratively across technical disciplines and assist Audio, Video, Lighting, LED, Scenic, Rigging, and other production teams as needed to successfully execute the overall project. Success in this role requires a team-first mindset, adaptability, strong technical fundamentals, and a willingness to step outside of one’s primary discipline when the needs of the project require it.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

 

Pre-Production & Shop Preparation

  • Review project documentation, equipment lists, system diagrams, schedules, and other production information to understand project requirements. 
  • Prepare, test, configure, and pack audio equipment including microphones, wireless systems, loudspeakers, mixing consoles, intercom systems, playback equipment, cabling, and signal processing equipment. 
  • Verify equipment functionality and completeness prior to departure for show site. 
  • Assist with equipment preparation, staging, loading, and unloading at Bluewater facilities and event locations. 
  • Identify equipment issues, shortages, or potential technical concerns and communicate them to the appropriate project or department leadership. 
  • Participate in pre-production testing, system builds, rehearsals, and other preparation activities as required. 

 

On-Site Setup & Execution

  • Install and position PA systems, monitors, microphones, wireless systems, communications systems, playback equipment, consoles, cabling, and related audio infrastructure according to production requirements. 
  • Assist with front-of-house and monitor setups, system tuning, console patching, signal distribution, and system testing. 
  • Operate live sound reinforcement systems during rehearsals, presentations, performances, activations, and live events as assigned. 
  • Support RF coordination, frequency scanning, deployment, and monitoring of wireless microphone and communication systems. 
  • Monitor system performance and sound quality throughout an event and make appropriate adjustments to maintain clear, consistent, and professional audio. 
  • Troubleshoot audio systems and signal flow quickly and effectively in live production environments. 
  • Provide professional technical support to presenters, performers, clients, stage crews, and other production personnel. 
  • Adapt audio systems and technical approaches to a variety of environments, including ballrooms, convention centers, exhibit halls, outdoor spaces, temporary structures, mobile environments, and custom experiential activations. 
  • Maintain clean, organized, and professional work areas, cable paths, equipment locations, and backstage environments. 

 

Cross-Departmental Production Support

  • Work collaboratively with Audio, Video, Lighting, LED, Scenic, Rigging, Production, and other teams to support the successful execution of each project. 
  • Assist outside of the audio discipline when needed, including general equipment handling, load-in, setup, cable management, show-site support, strike, and load-out. 
  • Recognize that successful event execution is a shared responsibility and proactively assist other members of the technical team when primary audio responsibilities allow. 
  • Approach each project with a one-team mindset, understanding that technical specialties define areas of expertise but do not create boundaries between departments. 
  • Communicate technical challenges, schedule concerns, equipment needs, and potential project risks to the appropriate project leadership. 
  • Maintain a professional, solutions-oriented attitude in fast-paced production environments where priorities and requirements may change. 

 

Strike & Post-Production

  • Safely disconnect, disassemble, pack, and load audio and other production equipment following an event. 
  • Inventory returned equipment and identify missing, damaged, or malfunctioning items. 
  • Report equipment damage and operational issues through established Bluewater processes. 
  • Assist with equipment check-in, cleaning, testing, maintenance, and proper storage following events. 
  • Support the broader technical team during strike and load-out until overall project responsibilities are complete. 

 

Safety, Equipment Care & Professional Standards

  • Operate equipment safely and professionally in accordance with Bluewater, venue, manufacturer, and applicable safety standards. 
  • Maintain awareness of safe work practices related to electrical distribution, overhead equipment, cable management, lifting, material handling, and active production environments. 
  • Take ownership of Bluewater equipment while in the shop, in transit, and on show site, helping ensure equipment is properly handled, protected, and maintained. 
  • Maintain current knowledge of professional audio equipment, technology, workflows, and industry best practices. 
  • Represent Bluewater professionally when interacting with clients, venues, vendors, freelancers, and other production partners. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Deliver a high level of client service while maintaining focus on safety, quality, teamwork, and successful project execution. 

 

Skills/Qualifications:

  • 2–4 years of professional live event, production, touring, entertainment, or related audio experience preferred. 
  • Strong working knowledge of professional audio systems, including digital mixing consoles, microphones, wireless systems, loudspeakers, signal processing, communications systems, and audio distribution. 
  • Experience with modern digital mixing platforms such as Yamaha CL/QL series, Avid, DiGiCo, or similar professional consoles. 
  • Experience with professional wireless systems such as Shure, Sennheiser, or similar platforms. 
  • Working knowledge of audio signal flow, routing, gain structure, patching, and system troubleshooting. 
  • Familiarity with line array systems, PA deployment, system tuning, time alignment, and measurement tools such as SMAART preferred. 
  • Experience with RF management and professional wireless intercom systems such as Clear-Com or Riedel is a plus. 
  • Ability to read and interpret equipment lists, system diagrams, production schedules, floor plans, and other event documentation. 
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain calm, organized, and solutions-focused in fast-paced live production environments. 
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. 
  • Demonstrated willingness to work across technical disciplines and contribute wherever needed to support the overall production. 

Professional and client-focused approach when interacting with clients, presenters, performers, venues, vendors, and production partners. 

Why Join Us :

  • Play a strategic role in strengthening collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence across the organization.
  • Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing support for certifications and leadership development.
  • Thrive in a collaborative, People-Centric culture built on our EPIC values: Excellence, Passion, Integrity, and Collaboration - while Having Fun!
  • Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid work policy, with a balance of in-office collaboration and work-from-home days designed to support productivity, teamwork, and work-life balance.


Physical Demands: 


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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during long event setup, rehearsal, show, and strike days. 
  • Ability to frequently lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally assist with heavier equipment using appropriate team-lifting techniques or material-handling equipment. 
  • Ability to push, pull, position, and maneuver production equipment, road cases, carts, speakers, cable trunks, and other event-related equipment. 
  • Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, and work in various positions while installing, operating, troubleshooting, and removing production equipment. 
  • Ability to safely climb and work from ladders or elevated work surfaces as required for equipment installation and cable routing. 
  • Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks including coiling and running cable, connecting equipment, loading and unloading cases, and assembling production systems. 
  • Ability to safely work in active event and production environments that may include moving equipment, temporary structures, elevated noise levels, theatrical lighting, and limited workspace. 
  • Ability to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments and tolerate changing conditions such as heat, cold, rain, dust, and varying noise levels when required by the eve