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Lead Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rigger-Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger Trainee

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger - Columbus, GA

Columbus, OH · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger - Columbus, GA

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger - Columbus, GA

Opelika, AL · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger - Columbus, GA

Auburn, AL · On-site

$20.25 - $26.25/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger - Columbus, GA

Lagrange, GA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman): * HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions. * Three to five ...

Rigger Foreman

Paulsboro, NJ · On-site

$23.50 - $30.25/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Valley Forge, PA · On-site

$24 - $30.75/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Bensalem, PA · On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Riverton, NJ · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.50/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Norristown, PA · On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Riverton, NJ · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Marlton, NJ · On-site

$24.50 - $31.50/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

Rigger Foreman

Bryn Mawr, PA · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

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Lead Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do lead rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Rigger, you need expertise in rigging techniques, load calculations, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant rigging certifications. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, hoists, slings, and industry-standard safety systems (e.g., OSHA regulations) is crucial. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help ensure safe and efficient teamwork on complex projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for preventing accidents, managing crews effectively, and delivering reliable results in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges Lead Riggers face when coordinating large-scale projects, and how can they be addressed?

Lead Riggers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, last-minute equipment changes, and ensuring the safety of both crew and equipment during complex setups. Effective communication with production teams and thorough pre-planning are key to overcoming these obstacles. Utilizing up-to-date rigging software and adhering strictly to safety protocols also helps maintain timelines and minimize risks. Building a strong, collaborative team and conducting regular safety briefings are industry best practices that support successful project execution.

What are Lead Riggers?

Lead Riggers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the setup, operation, and safety of rigging systems used to move and secure heavy equipment, structures, or scenery, especially in industries like construction, entertainment, and events. They supervise rigging teams, ensure all lifting operations comply with safety regulations, and coordinate closely with other departments to execute complex lifts or installations. A Lead Rigger must have extensive knowledge of rigging techniques, load calculations, and equipment, as well as strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Lead Riggers and similar skilled trades can earn around $3,000 or more per month through experience and specialized skills, often without requiring a college degree. These roles typically involve working in construction, entertainment, or industrial settings and may require certifications or apprenticeships. High-demand trades like electrical work, plumbing, or crane operation also offer similar earning potential without a degree.

What is the difference between Lead Rigger vs Rigger?

AspectLead RiggerRigger
CredentialsCertifications in rigging, safety, and sometimes specialized equipmentBasic rigging certifications or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role on construction sites, film sets, or industrial projectsHands-on rigging work in similar environments
ResponsibilitiesOversees rigging teams, plans rigging operations, ensures safety compliancePerforms rigging tasks, sets up equipment, assists in lifting operations

The main difference between a Lead Rigger and a Rigger is that the Lead Rigger has supervisory responsibilities, planning, and safety oversight, while a Rigger focuses on executing rigging tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the Lead Rigger manages teams and coordinates operations.

More about Lead Rigger jobs
What states have the most Lead Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Rigger jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Rigger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Rigger-Chattanooga, TN

MEI Industrial Solutions

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


MEI Industrial Solutions rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Rigger

Set-up, assemble, or disassemble job-specific rigging that includes selecting proper gear and equipment based on the size, weight, dimensions, and area of movement that is necessary to safely secure machinery, tools, and equipment for relocation and/or transportation. Control, manipulate, fabricate, and repair rigging and support structures. Requires the use of hand, flag, and/or verbal signals to communicate to operators and others. Riggers may drive a commercial vehicle, perform maintenance or welding/fabrication functions, assist in warehouse activities, or perform other tasks as necessary when not rigging.

Visually inspect and test rigging materials to ensure safety and reliability.

Align, level, and anchor machinery or equipment.

Use hand and/or power tools to attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare for moving. May also secure machinery or equipment to prevent movement.

Select appropriate gear such as cables, pulleys, vices, winches, etc. according to load weights and sizes, work area, and job specifications.

Be aware of obstacles, surrounding structures, barriers or objects and the location of other people.

Signal or verbally communicate with workers and others engaged in hoisting, suspending, and moving loads to ensure the safety of workers and materials.

Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, heavy equipment and/or machinery.

Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, and/or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

Install ground rigging for yarding lines utilizing chokers and logs, other tools as necessary.

Assist in fabrication, set up, and repair of rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.

Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.

Dismantle, inspect, clean, organize and store rigging equipment after use.

Run, operate, maneuver, navigate, or drive vehicles or mechanized equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, ariel lifts.

Minimum Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

  • HS diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Able to take direction and closely follow instruction.
  • Visualize or predict the outcome of the job by using deductive and inductive reasoning.
  • Ability to use precision measuring tools and equipment including hand, power, and pneumatic tools. Must be able to read or use a tape measure, levels, calipers & gauges, use welding and cutting tools, as necessary.
  • Correctly estimate weight-bearing ability of tools and equipment.
  • Read blueprints, schematics, or technical manuals as required.
  • Familiar with various hand or flag signals including the use and meaning.
  • Willing to learn, know, and follow safety requirements, including the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment.
  • Valid driver's license: CDL and/or endorsements may be required for certain positions.

Advanced Position Requirements (Rigger 3; Lead Rigger 1, 2, 3, or 4; Rigging Foreman):

  • HS diploma or equivalent necessary; higher education preferred for advanced Rigger positions.
  • Three to five years of rigging or directly relatable experience. Additional years' experience preferred for advanced Rigger positions.
  • Ability to supervise the work of others and manage their time efficiently.
  • Knowledge of employee life-cycle processes including hiring/firing, and employee relations or employment changes.
  • Advanced use of or knowledge in jack skating, leveling tools, dollies, etc.
  • Able to instruct, guide, and/or mentor others in safety protocol and standard rigging practices.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: This is very physical, hands-on work. A Rigger must be able to perform General Physical Activities activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials up to 50 pounds. Must have the ability to work off the ground at varying heights, and not be affected by moving machinery or parts. Willing and able to work in a non-temperature-controlled environment and/or outdoors in all types of weather, and over uneven ground or terrain.

Additional Requirements: Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI's customers have come to expect.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a Rigger and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of Rigger, as necessary.

MEI is an Equal Opportunity, M/F/Disabled/Vet Preferred Employer.