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Local Union Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rigger Foreman

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.50/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Valley Forge, PA · On-site

$24 - $30.75/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Bensalem, PA · On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Norristown, PA · On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Media, PA · On-site

$24 - $30.75/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Somerdale, NJ · On-site

$23.50 - $30.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Sicklerville, NJ · On-site

$23.50 - $30.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Willingboro, NJ · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Paulsboro, NJ · On-site

$23.50 - $30.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Marlton, NJ · On-site

$24.50 - $31.50/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Riverton, NJ · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Camden, NJ · On-site

$24.25 - $31.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Willingboro, NJ · On-site

$24 - $31/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Clayton, NJ · On-site

$22.50 - $29.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Lebanon, IN

$23 - $29.75/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

Rigger Foreman

Sewell, NJ · On-site

$22.75 - $29.25/hr

Candidates must be local or willing to relocate for the duration of the project. Key ... Must be affiliated with a union * Prior leadership or foreman experience preferred * Strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

Local Union Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do local union rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for local union 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 Local Union Riggers?

Local Union Riggers are skilled tradespeople who specialize in safely moving, lifting, and positioning heavy equipment or materials, typically as part of a labor union. They work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, shipping, and entertainment, ensuring that large objects are transported or installed securely. Being part of a union means they benefit from collective bargaining agreements, which provide standardized wages, safety protocols, and benefits. Local Union Riggers are trained to use cranes, hoists, pulleys, and other rigging equipment, and they often work closely with other trades on complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Local Union Riggers on the job site, and how can they be addressed?

Local Union Riggers often encounter challenges such as coordinating lifts in tight or hazardous spaces, adhering to strict safety protocols, and communicating effectively with other trades on busy job sites. Addressing these challenges involves thorough planning, regular safety training, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors and team members. Union riggers benefit from a strong support network, structured apprenticeship programs, and ongoing education to keep skills sharp and stay updated on best practices.

What is the difference between Local Union Rigger vs Non-Union Rigger?

AspectLocal Union RiggerNon-Union Rigger
CredentialsUnion certifications, OSHA trainingVaries, often on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentUnion job sites, regulated conditionsPrivate or independent projects, less regulated
Employer & Industry UsageUnion construction companies, industrial sectorsPrivate contractors, freelance work

Local Union Riggers typically hold union certifications and work on unionized job sites with regulated conditions, whereas Non-Union Riggers may have varied credentials and work in less regulated environments. The choice often depends on the project type and employer preferences.

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

To thrive as a Local Union Rigger, you need expertise in load calculation, rigging techniques, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, typically supported by OSHA certifications or equivalent training. Familiarity with rigging hardware, hoisting machinery, and inspection systems is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills set outstanding riggers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and successful collaboration on complex lifting operations.
Infographic showing various Local Union Rigger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Event Lead Rigger, Audio Visual - Gaylord Opryland

Event Lead Rigger, Audio Visual - Gaylord Opryland

Encore

Nashville, TN • On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Encore Global rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 161 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 34 rated event venues


Job description

Position Overview
Responsible for performing rigging activities in a Hospitality or convention center environment while upholding safety and quality standards per all trade, Encore/property guidelines and SOPs. Act as primary contact for venue's clients during rigging load ins/outs. Perform hands-on rigging as well as the supervision of rigging team members during events. Reports to Rigging Manager/Senior Rigging Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Rigging
• Advance, supervise, and execute event rigging plots as necessary.
• Gather and organize all rigging tools and equipment per event needs.
• Confirm carpet protected as required by local conditions.
• Coordinate and assign rigging related tasks to crew.
• Supervise crew building truss as needed.
• Establish hang-point, connect hoist and attachments to permanent rigging points, connect GAC Flex spanset attachments to truss as per Encore SOPs, connect/run and dress motor cables, run cable picks, ensure safety of scenic elements to hang-points and proper use of all truss protection equipment, inspect all cabling tie-offs.
• Check that all truss bolts are tight, and pieces of flown equipment are safetied to truss.
• Support other trades needing help raising gear through use of motor or lift, and check work for safety.
• Remain on site until all motors have been raised to trim, final safety check has been performed, and client acknowledges completion of rigging.
Equipment Compliance
• Use all equipment, including personnel lifts according to manufacture specification, and local conditions.
• Visually inspect all hardware in use including motors and personnel lifts on an on-going basis.
• Escalate any problems with equipment or hardware to the Rigging Manager.
• Assist other technical trades with coordination efforts to execute show plot in harmony with all floor activity.
Client Relations
• Act as liaison between rigging crew and venue or on-site client.
• Obtain necessary and appropriate client signoff.
• Report any damages to the appropriate venue representative or the DET/Operations Manager.
• Double check future call times with client at the close of each show call and report back changes to Rigging Manager.
Safety
• Secure and maintain proper lift and/or working at height certifications as necessary.
• Responsible for all rigging labor efforts and overhead safety during an event, which may include removing personnel who are acting in an unsafe manner.
• Follow all manufacturer specifications and local conditions when using personnel lifts.
• Riggers must go through Encore's Working at Height program, or be SPRAT certified prior to making any temporary rigging points or any points outside of a protected lift of any kind.
• Inspect all rigging equipment prior to and following all rigging events.
• Ensure the power phasing of motor controller is appropriate to prevent limit switches from being defeated.
• Inspect all motors at trim to verify chain is in bag and will not run out.
• Verify all elements are securely fastened and checked for safety.
• Be knowledgeable and practice safe rigging operations in accordance with Encore's Rigging SOPs.
• Use experience and other learning opportunities in the field to work towards ETCP certification.
Project Management
• Work with vendors and clients in verifying loads applicable to their production are in accordance with venue loading capabilities.
• Review/produce detailed rigging plot, identify any possible rigging obstacles or safety concerns and review with Rigging Services team to recommend possible solutions.
• Work with Rigging Manager, DET and hotel teams to identify and coordinate storage and show flow opportunities.
• Support the Rigging Manager in all inventory and organizational efforts with equipment.
• Coordinate scheduling efforts with Rigging Manager/DET/DOS and discuss load-in/out efforts and hanging order with the Rigging Manager or Regional Rigging Manager.
• Ensure pre-use inspection has been completed on all lifts before beginning any rigging.
• Complete any paperwork as assigned, i.e., rigging report, incident report, any other reports as assigned.
• Maintain Hospitality Rigging environment while supervising crew, including Encore, vendor or union rigging labor, maintaining, supporting, and mentoring crews on Encore and trade standards, including but not limited to workplace and rigging safety and professional conduct and appearance.
Staff Development
• Supervise the Riggers and external workers during rigging events and provide input on the scheduling and performance management of these team members.
• Mentor team members in the field to improve their rigging skills.
• Assist Rigging Manager in identifying potential rigging team members and help prepare them in the field to take Encore Rigging Training class.
Maintenance
• Provide ongoing visual safety inspection of all hardware in use including truss, motors, lighting, sound, projection, and personnel lifts.
• Escalate any problems with hardware and recommend solutions to resolve issues to supervisor.
Job Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ year of onsite rigging experience
• Qualified-Basic Rigging certification
• MEWP Certification
• ETCP Certification is preferred
• MEWP operation experience
• Ground rigging experience
• High rigging with harness experience
• Previous experience supervising a rigging team
Competencies
Deliver World Class Service
• Hospitality
• Ownership
Do The Right Thing
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
Drive Results
• Ensures Accountability
See The Big Picture
• Decision Quality
• Manages Complexity
Value People
• Collaborates
Work Environment
Hotel
Work is performed in a hotel/convention center environment with moderate exposure to outdoor temperatures and to dirt, sand and/or dust. The working conditions will vary between moderately quiet to noisy volumes. Team members will use high-end audio-visual equipment and electrical components and will be exposed to heights via lifts and ladders. Team members may be asked to work in multiple hotel locations. Working times will include irregular hours and on-call status including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Team members must adhere to appearance guidelines as defined by Encore based on an individual hotel or a representation of hotels in that city or area.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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