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Head Rigger Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Well Head Plumbing * Tank installation and repairs * Structural steel platforms and catwalk installation * General site cleanup * Rigging and setting of equipment; 400Bbl tanks, GPUs, combustors ...

Well Head Plumbing * Tank installation and repairs * Structural steel platforms and catwalk installation * General site cleanup * Rigging and setting of equipment; 400Bbl tanks, GPUs, combustors ...

Operates coiled tubing control console including Blow-Out Preventer (BOP), Injector Head, Coil ... Role models onsite safe and expedient service delivery including crane, rigging, and lifting ...

Head Rigger information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do head rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for head rigger in Pennsylvania is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $29.86 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs in Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Rigger jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Rigger jobs in Pennsylvania? For Head Rigger jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Rigger jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Head Rigger jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Head Rigger jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Head Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Rigger job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,244 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Assistant Head Carpenter, Miller Theater

KIMMEL CENTER INC.

Philadelphia, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Title: Assistant Head Carpenter, Miller Theater

Department: Production

Reports to: Ensemble Arts Philly Director of Production and Miller Theater IATSE Union Steward

Status: Union

Summary:

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts (POEA) is seeking a qualified individual for the unionized stagehand position of Assistant Head Carpenter at the Miller Theater. The individual in this position is a member of a close-knit team who support production activities at the Miller Theater.


Essential Functions:

  • Assist with load-in, setup, rehearsal, performance, and load-out of presentations in the Miller Theater
  • Supervise and help lead the extra IATSE crew during load-in, rehearsal, performance and load-out for presentations in the Miller Theater
  • Oversee the safe installation, operation, maintenance and repair of staging, scenery, rigging, and mechanical systems
  • Review, interpret and implement technical drawings, ground plans, and rigging plots
  • Operate and maintain all in-house theatrical equipment in the Miller Theater
  • Maintain and monitor appropriate materials, equipment, tools and supplies as required for production support
  • Ability and willingness to work across all departments during non-yellow card attractions
  • Work within all theatrical disciplines and attend to a wide range of duties as assigned
  • Participate in long term project planning along with management; Develop and specific goals necessary to maintain and improve the department’s capabilities
  • Assist with ensuring that all tenant installations conform to applicable fire and safety regulations, especially as regards the maintenance of fire lanes, and clear access to fire exits and emergency supplies


Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Substantial experience with a variety of musical and staged attractions in one or more active, large scale metropolitan venues
  • Significant experience with scenery, rigging, and carpentry in a theatrical environment
  • Proficiency with counterweight fly systems, stage automation, and lifts
  • Working knowledge of and ability to troubleshoot theatrical rigging systems and stage machinery
  • Strong knowledge of safe rigging practices and OSHA standards
  • Working knowledge of theatrical video systems and equipment
  • Working knowledge of theatrical lighting systems and equipment
  • Familiarity with knot tying, hand/power tools, and scenic construction methods
  • Position requires leadership skills and the ability to work as a member of a diverse team while supporting one another to accomplish common goals
  • Ability to work independently and in support of a department lead
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable interacting with all staff, management, artists, and the public in a professional manner
  • Ability to anticipate potential problems and provide solutions
  • Ability to attend to numerous projects concurrently; the ability to respond positively, effectively, and quickly to shifting priorities


Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

  • Affiliation with I.A.T.S.E. union, Local 8 is required after hiring.
  • Position will require movement and placement of theatrical objects, including prolonged durations of standing as well as pushing, pulling, and lifting items greater than 50lbs
  • Position will require work at heights and on ladders & lifts
  • Position will require work indoors, outdoors, and in intermittently noisy spaces
  • Work schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Resume and cover letter are required when applying for this position. 


About The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly (POEA) brings together one of the world’s preeminent orchestras with the iconic venues that have anchored Philadelphia’s cultural life for nearly 170 years. As owner and operator of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and the programming partner for the historic Forrest Theatre, POEA serves as a cornerstone of the city’s artistic and civic identity, welcoming one million people annually to a vibrant constellation of stages across Center City.

Representing both the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and a dynamic roster of resident partners and visiting artists, POEA presents more than one-thousand events annually that represent a wide range of programming, including Broadway, classical, comedy, theater, jazz, dance, and family presentations, reflecting and serving the breadth of the region’s communities. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, deep commitment to diverse communities, and expanding digital platforms, POEA acts as a convener and civic partner—bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and creating an expansive, inclusive future for the arts in Philadelphia and beyond.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, veteran or disability status.

Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted. POEA strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws.