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Head Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rigging Coordinator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Rigging Department Head/Warehouse Manager FLSA Status: Full-Time: Hourly Non-Exempt Hours: 8:00-5:00 pm ET, may include evening/weekends SUMMARY : Delivering on "The Prestige Way"; upholding our Core ...

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Head 420 Coach

Nantucket, MA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Intimate knowledge of 420 rigging, technique, and tuning * Travel Program is similar to traveling with a college team, and requires maturity and responsibility from the individual traveling with the ...

Production Tester Assistant

Midland, TX

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Rigging up portable separator and heater * Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs. * Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level. * Hammer unions from ...

Rigging up portable separator and heater * Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs. * Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level. * Hammer unions from ...

Rigging up portable separator and heater * Lift chicksan bundles weighing ± 65 lbs. * Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level. * Hammer unions from ...

Rigging up portable separator and heater * Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs. * Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level. * Hammer unions from ...

Production Tester Assistant

Pecos, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Rigging up portable separator and heater * Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs. * Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level. * Hammer unions from ...

Rigging up portable separator and heater * Lift chicksan bundles weighing 65 lbs. * Attach chicksan bundle to wellhead, entailing lift from ground level to above head level. * Hammer unions from ...

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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 3, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Live Event & Production Crew Positions - Stagehand/Rigger/Heavy Machine Operator/Scaffolding Climber

Rockforce

Miami, FL • On-site

$22 - $75/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

ABOUT ROCK FORCE
RockForce is the trusted team setting the stage for the greatest moments in live events. With a legacy built on the unification of nine industry leaders, we bring decades of expertise to seamlessly execute concerts, festivals, sporting events, live broadcasts, award shows, and corporate activations.
Through integrated event production, workforce solutions, innovative technologies, and payroll services, RockForce delivers precision, efficiency, and reliability at every scale.
Our people are the magic-united by passion and skill, we operate as one unstoppable force to ensure every event is executed with professionalism, care, and an unwavering commitment to safety and compliance.
Join us as we head into one of the most exciting eras in the live entertainment industry!
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking motivated, safety-conscious individuals to join our live event labor team. Positions include Stagehands, Riggers, Heavy Machine Operators, and Scaffolding Climbers. These roles are essential to the successful execution of concerts, corporate events, festivals, and large-scale productions. Candidates should be reliable, adaptable, and ready to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas
Stagehand Responsibilities
  • Assist with loading/unloading trucks and moving gear into venues.
  • Assemble and disassemble staging, risers, platforms, and barricades.
  • Set up and strike lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements under department leads.
  • Handle cable management, power distribution, and equipment placement.
  • Provide on-the-ground support for riggers, technicians, and production managers.
  • Follow all venue and company safety guidelines.

Stagehand Qualifications
  • Prior experience in live events or theater production preferred but not required.
  • Able to lift and carry heavy equipment (50lbs+).
  • Push/pull heavy cases and stand for long periods.
  • Comfort working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Rigger Responsibilities
  • Safely install and dismantle rigging systems including motors, trusses, chain hoists, and hardware.
  • Perform climbing duties to secure loads, attach equipment, and ensure even weight distribution.
  • Inspect and maintain rigging equipment for compliance with safety standards.
  • Operate rigging control systems during load-ins, shows, and load-outs.
  • Coordinate with production teams to determine rigging plots and load requirements.
  • Enforce fall protection and OSHA-compliant safety practices at all times.

Rigger Qualifications
  • Previous rigging experience in live events, concerts, or theater required.
  • Knowledge of knots, load calculations, rigging hardware, and safe practices.
  • Ability to climb, work safely at heights, and use fall arrest systems.
  • Familiarity with hoists, motors, trusses, and rigging software (preferred).
  • ETCP certification or OSHA 10/30 training a plus.

Heavy Machine Operator
  • Safely operate MEWPs, Straight Mast Forklifts, and Telescopic Forklifts in accordance with safety standards and venue requirements.
  • Assist with the loading, unloading, positioning, and movement of staging, truss, lighting, audio, and scenic equipment.
  • Work closely with production crews, stagehands, and supervisors to support event timelines.
  • Conduct pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and report any mechanical or safety concerns.
  • Maintain a safe, organized work area and follow all company, venue, and OSHA safety guidelines.

Heavy Machine Qualifications
  • Previous experience operating MEWPs and forklifts in a production, warehouse, construction, or live event environment preferred.
  • Valid equipment certifications or ability to obtain certification as required.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.

Scaffolding Climber Duties
  • Safely climb structures, trusses, and venue grids to perform overhead work.
  • Install and secure rigging equipment, motors, and cabling at heights.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and maintenance of overhead systems.
  • Ensure compliance with fall protection and safety protocols.

Scaffolding Climber Qualifications
  • Proven climbing experience (entertainment rigging, rope access, or related field).
  • Must be comfortable working at significant heights for extended periods.
  • Knowledge of fall arrest systems, PPE, and safety regulations.
  • ETCP Rigging Certification or equivalent training preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Ability to work in various environments, including indoor and outdoor venues.
  • Fast-paced and high-energy work environment, requiring adaptability and problem-solving.

Location:
Miami, FL
WHY ROCKFORCE
We don't just staff events - we build careers. RockForce is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing the best talent in the business. Our crews benefit from:
  • Competitive Wages
  • Eligible employees may participate in comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, as well as a 401(k) plan, once qualification requirements are met.
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement

This commitment makes RockForce an employer of choice in the live event industry.
LET'S BUILD SOMETHING TOGETHER!
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
RockForce strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.
We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, RockForce will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, RockForce also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact Human Resources to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. We will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. RockForce reserves the right to change or modify the employee's job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship. RockForce may require an employee to perform duties outside his/her normal description.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.