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Journeyman Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Riggers

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Rigger Knowledge Riggers should have experience and previous work history to support the rate of a Journeyman Rigger. * Rig materials to be moved onto ship or around the ship yard * Convey ...

Hiring Marine Riggers

San Diego, CA

$25.50 - $33/hr

Rigger Knowledge -Riggers should have experience and previous work history to support the rate of a Journeyman Rigger. -Rig materials to be moved onto ship or around the ship yard -Convey ...

Riggers Location: San Diego, CA Company: NSC Staffing Send resumes to: NSCWest@nscstaffing.com NSC Staffing is seeking experienced Riggers for an ongoing project in San Diego, CA. The ideal candidate ...

The Journeyman I will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to steel erection, fabrication, and installation, including structural steel assembly, welding, and rigging. This ...

Journeyman I - West

Redding, CA · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

The Journeyman I will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to steel erection, fabrication, and installation, including structural steel assembly, welding, and rigging. This ...

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Journeyman Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do journeyman rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for journeyman rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Level 3 riggers make in the US?

Level 3 riggers in the US typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced rigging skills, certifications, and working in high-demand environments can increase earning potential.

What are Journeyman Riggers?

Journeyman Riggers are skilled tradespeople who specialize in lifting, moving, and securing heavy loads using rigging equipment such as ropes, pulleys, cranes, and hoists. They interpret blueprints and plans to safely and efficiently move materials on construction sites, shipyards, factories, or other industrial settings. Journeyman status indicates that a rigger has completed an apprenticeship or equivalent training and possesses the experience and certifications required to perform complex rigging tasks independently. Their expertise is critical for ensuring the safety and success of large-scale lifting and moving operations.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in specialized industries such as oil and gas, construction, or heavy equipment manufacturing, where riggers with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn higher wages. Master riggers or those working on complex projects with specialized tools and safety requirements tend to have the highest salaries in the field.

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

To thrive as a Journeyman Rigger, you need strong mechanical aptitude, a thorough understanding of rigging techniques, and completion of an apprenticeship or relevant certification. Familiarity with rigging hardware, load charts, cranes, and safety systems like OSHA regulations is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient lifting operations and help prevent workplace accidents in high-risk environments.

How much do riggers make a month?

Journeyman riggers typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or construction environments with overtime opportunities.

What are some common challenges faced by Journeyman Riggers on large-scale projects?

Journeyman Riggers often encounter challenges such as coordinating lifts in confined spaces, working with diverse teams, and adapting to rapidly changing site conditions. Safety is paramount, so careful planning and clear communication with crane operators, supervisors, and other trades are essential to prevent accidents. Additionally, riggers must stay updated on equipment certifications and regulations, as well as troubleshoot unexpected issues with load balance or rigging gear during operations.

What is the difference between Journeyman Rigger vs Rigger Apprentice?

AspectJourneyman RiggerRigger Apprentice
CertificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certificationsBasic safety training, entry-level certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilitiesAssisting experienced riggers on similar sites
Experience LevelSeveral years of experience, skilledTraining period, learning on the job
Job ResponsibilitiesPlanning and executing rigging operationsSupporting riggers, learning procedures

The main difference between a Journeyman Rigger and a Rigger Apprentice is experience and responsibility. A Journeyman Rigger is a skilled professional capable of independently planning and executing rigging tasks, while a Rigger Apprentice is in training, assisting experienced riggers to gain necessary skills. Both roles work in similar environments, but the Journeyman has more certifications and responsibilities.

What does a journeyman rigger do?

A journeyman rigger is responsible for installing, maintaining, and dismantling heavy equipment, such as cranes, hoists, and rigging gear, often on construction sites or industrial settings. They use specialized tools and follow safety protocols, typically requiring certification and experience in rigging techniques. Their work involves ensuring loads are safely lifted and secured according to engineering specifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rigger jobs in California? The most popular types of Rigger jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Journeyman Rigger jobs in California? For Journeyman Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Journeyman Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Journeyman Rigger jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Journeyman Rigger jobs? Cities in California with the most Journeyman Rigger job openings:
Infographic showing various Journeyman Rigger job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Riggers

Riggers

Trade Team

San Diego, CA • On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 29 days ago

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Job description

 Job Details

Temp Only

Job Summary

Rigs material to lift, move and position material onto ship or to move around the yard.  Conveys instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers using hand signals, loud speaker or telephone.  Locates, loads/unloads materials and equipment on and off ship and in and out of yard.  Tests and installs rigging equipment, such as cargo booms, elevators, boat davits, booms and portable davits.  Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces.  Selects cables, ropes, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces and cushions according to weight, distribution and size of load to be moved.  Performs other related tasks as assigned, some of which may become essential to the position.


Qualification Standards

Five years experience at ship yards or five years experience as Boatswain Mate Second Class P. O. or above.  High school graduate or equivalent.  Good knowledge of all rigging equipment, ability to test shipboard and yard equipment.  Ability to work at heights and in confined spaces and to access and move around ship safely.

Essential Job Tasks

1.     Rigs materials to be moved onto ship or around the ship yard.                 

2.     Conveys instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers about where to move, lower or    lift equipment.      

3.     Locates, loads and unloads materials on and off ship and in and out of shipyard. 

4.    Tests and installs rigging equipment.             

5.     Sets up tools and equipment at job site an and puts equipment away when finished.

6.     Handles winches, grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines and other equipment.

Materials, Tools Equipment, Work Aids

Wire rope, slings, cables, rope, pulleys, winches, blocks, braces, cushions, nylon slings, chain falls, come-alongs, shackles, other rigging equipment, test gauges and other testing equipment, cargo booms, and protective equipment.

Physical/Mental Involvement

Frequent lifting, carrying, pulling and pushing rigging equipment or material to be rigged.  Climbing and balancing on scaffolds, walking, stooping and crouching to fit equipment into rigging gear, reaching above head at shoulder level or below to rig equipment, continuous manual dexterity, seeing and hearing, crawling through small openings as needed, kneeling.  Ability to give proper hand signals to crane operators and other workers.

Marginal Job Tasks

None identified.

Environmental Factors

Exposed to fumes, dusts, mists, odors, and gases that may cause harm to the respiratory system.  Exposed to constantly moving machines and mechanical parts.  Exposed to high level of constant noise.

Rigger Knowledge

Riggers should have experience and previous work history to support the rate of a Journeyman Rigger.

  • Rig materials to be moved onto ship or around the ship yard            
  • Convey instructions to crane operators and forklift drivers about where to move, lower or lift equipment      
  • Locate, load and unload materials on and off ship and in and out of shipyard         
  • Test and install rigging equipment   
  • Set up tools and equipment at job site and put equipment away when finished
  • Handle winches, grip hoists, pulleys, cables, ropes, mooring lines and other equipment

Requirements:

    • Start onboarding (per Labor Providers Policies/Procedures)
      • DBIDS
      • Ship Access
      • Schedule for High Reach Class
  • Assessment Criteria
  • There is no assessment criteria for this Trade.

PPE

TOOL LIST

NASSCO SUPPLIED TOOLS

Hard Hat

Gloves

Come-a-Long

Safety Glasses

Flashlight

Chain Falls

Ear Plugs

Knife

Loft Rigging Equipment

Respirator

Company Description

We are a staffing agency that hires for shipyard clients.