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Master Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations. * Installs or repairs ships' rigging such as mast on ...

Air Combat Command

$70K - $82K/yr

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Master Rigger certification and at least 3 years of experience in AFE is highly desirable. Qualifications CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: Position requires ...

Edison Chouest Offshore

OS Rigger (Vessel)

Golden Meadow, LA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Report any shortcomings, inaccuracies, or conflicts in any portion of the MS to the Master Marine ... Assembles rigging to lift and move equipment or material on board the vessel * Gives direction to ...

Edison Chouest Offshore

OS Rigger (Vessel)

Golden Meadow, LA

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Report any shortcomings, inaccuracies, or conflicts in any portion of the MS to the Master Marine ... Assembles rigging to lift and move equipment or material on board the vessel * Gives direction to ...

Edison Chouest Offshore

OS Rigger (Vessel)

LA · On-site

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

Report any shortcomings, inaccuracies, or conflicts in any portion of the MS to the Master Marine ... Assembles rigging to lift and move equipment or material on board the vessel * Gives direction to ...

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Master Rigger information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do master rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for master 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a master rigger?

To thrive as a Master Rigger, you need extensive knowledge of rigging techniques, safety regulations, load calculations, and usually a certification such as NCCCO or equivalent. Familiarity with rigging hardware, hoists, cranes, and specialized lifting equipment is essential, along with the ability to read technical drawings and blueprints. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective team communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient handling of heavy loads, minimizing risk and ensuring successful project completion.

What is the difference between Master Rigger vs Rigger?

AspectMaster RiggerRigger
CertificationsOSHA certifications, specialized rigging licensesOSHA certifications, basic rigging training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilities, heavy lifting projectsConstruction sites, shipping yards, event setups
ResponsibilitiesOversees complex rigging operations, supervises rigging teamsPerforms rigging tasks under supervision, sets up lifting equipment

Master Riggers typically have advanced certifications and oversee complex lifting operations, while Riggers perform the hands-on setup and basic rigging tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial settings, but Master Riggers hold more responsibility and specialized credentials.

What is a master rigger?

Master Riggers are highly skilled professionals responsible for lifting, moving, and positioning heavy objects using cranes, hoists, and other rigging equipment. They plan and oversee complex rigging operations, ensuring safety and precision at every step. Master Riggers often work in industries like construction, shipping, entertainment, and manufacturing, where moving large structures or machinery is required. Their expertise ensures that heavy loads are handled safely and efficiently, preventing accidents and equipment damage.

What are common challenges master riggers face when coordinating lifts on complex job sites?

Master Riggers frequently encounter challenges such as limited space, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need to manage multiple teams and equipment simultaneously. Effective communication and precise planning are essential to coordinate safely with crane operators, engineers, and site supervisors. Additionally, Master Riggers must ensure all lifting gear is inspected and certified, and that safety protocols are strictly followed to prevent accidents and delays. Staying up-to-date with regulations and adapting quickly to changes on-site are also key aspects of the role.
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Master Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Master Rigger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Rigger

Tidewater Staffing

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Riggers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Hampton, VA shipyards.
Job Duties

  • Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Installs or repairs ships’ rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
  • Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.


JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging):

  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.


JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging):

  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
  • Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
  • Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.


JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging):

  • Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
  • Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship’s sides.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splicing natural ropes.
  • Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Use of hand tools.
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About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992

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