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Offshore Rigger Jobs in Hampton, VA (NOW HIRING)

Offshore Rigger information

See Hampton, VA salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do offshore rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for offshore rigger in Hampton, VA is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $29.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offshore rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Offshore Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging techniques, mechanical aptitude, and a valid offshore survival and rigging certification. Familiarity with lifting equipment, cranes, winches, and compliance with safety management systems like LOLER and HSE standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness are key soft skills for ensuring safety and coordination in challenging offshore environments. These skills and qualifications are vital to safely execute complex lifting operations and prevent accidents on offshore platforms.

What are some common challenges faced by offshore riggers and how can they be managed effectively?

Offshore Riggers often encounter challenges such as harsh weather conditions, strict safety protocols, and the need for effective communication within diverse teams. Managing these challenges requires a strong focus on teamwork, adaptability, and adherence to safety procedures. Regular training and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues help ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently, while also fostering a supportive work environment. Staying proactive about learning and safety can make the role both safer and more rewarding.

How much does an offshore rigger get paid?

Offshore riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced workers and those with specialized certifications earning higher wages. Overtime, hazard pay, and allowances for remote work environments can increase total compensation.

What is an offshore rigger?

Offshore Riggers are specialized workers responsible for assembling, installing, and maintaining the rigging equipment used on offshore oil and gas platforms, ships, and other marine environments. Their job typically involves setting up cranes, hoists, pulleys, and other lifting devices to move heavy materials safely. Offshore Riggers ensure loads are secured properly, follow strict safety protocols, and often work in challenging conditions at sea. They play a vital role in supporting drilling, construction, and maintenance operations on offshore sites.

What does an offshore rigger do?

The job duties of an offshore rigger are to monitor, inspect, move, or operate heavy equipment and machinery on an oil rig. One offshore rigger may set up and monitor drill activities and move heavy equipment related to drilling and extraction. Another may inspect and maintain equipment to ensure safe operations. A marine rigger, who also works at sea, handles the rigging responsibilities on a ship. Other positions for an offshore rigger focus on laying cable on the ocean floor or performing maintenance on an existing oil rig.

What is the difference between Offshore Rigger vs Onshore Rigger?

AspectOffshore RiggerOnshore Rigger
Work EnvironmentMarine, oil rigs, offshore platformsConstruction sites, industrial facilities
CertificationsBasic Rigger, Basic Offshore Safety InductionBasic Rigger, OSHA certifications
Job DutiesAssembling, maintaining, and dismantling equipment on offshore platformsBuilding, installing, and maintaining structures on land
Industry UsageOil & gas, maritimeConstruction, manufacturing

Offshore Riggers work primarily on offshore platforms and oil rigs, requiring specialized safety certifications for marine environments. Onshore Riggers operate at land-based construction sites with different safety protocols. Both roles involve rigging and lifting operations but differ mainly in environment and specific safety requirements.

Infographic showing various Offshore Rigger job openings in Hampton, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,612 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

$36 - $57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Oceaneering rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

365th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Oceaneering is seeking a qualified Production Supervisor to lead and support production efforts for the Marine Services Division (MSD) based in Chesapeake, VA. Production Supervisors oversee skilled trades staff and their work in a production environment and ensure compliance with all safety, quality, technical, and housekeeping standards, including adherence to SUBSAFE and other industry requirements. They are responsible for coordinating production efforts and are known for their ability to identify, communicate, and resolve problems as they arise. Frequent overtime may be required. Travel may be required up to 75% of the year.

Oceaneering is a global provider of engineered services and products, primarily to the offshore energy industry. We develop products and services for use throughout the lifecycle of an offshore oilfield, from drilling to decommissioning. We operate the world's premier fleet of work class ROVs. Additionally, we are a leader in offshore oilfield maintenance services, umbilicals, subsea hardware, and tooling. We also use applied technology expertise to serve the defense, material handling, aerospace, science, and renewable energy industries.
Equal Opportunity Employer: 
All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non-merit factor.
Oceaneering Marine Services Division (MSD) has over 30 years of experience providing full-service submarine and surface ship repairs supporting maintenance and alterations aboard commercial and U.S. military vessels. We are SUBSAFE and DDS-SOC certified and perform high-consequence maintenance on assets that operate in demanding environments. 

Required Education:

  • Associate's degree in a mechanical discipline (i.e. Industrial/Marine Technology, Engineering Technology, etc.); or 
  • High School Diploma/GED and an Apprenticeship Diploma in a related skilled trade (i.e. Welding, Machining, Rigging, Electrical work, etc.); or 
  • Minimum four (4) years military experience, preferably in the U.S. Navy.

Required Experience:

  • Minimum 2 years of leadership experience in an industrial environment, preferably in shipbuilding.
  • Minimum six (6) years experience performing hands-on installation, maintenance, or repair on board Navy vessels. 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen who is not a dual citizen of any other country.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Desired:

  • Six (6) years of specialized experience in performing SUBSAFE/Level I material work.
  • Experience performing maintenance, restoration and testing of Submarine Structural Closure's (hatches and watertight doors).
  • Experience working on submarine hull, mechanical/electrical systems, torpedo room, VLS, submarine mast/antenna, or other similar systems preferred.
  • Experience supervising all trades.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics:

  • Demonstrated technical knowledge and proficiency with submarine and/or surface combat weapons systems, launcher systems, or other similar Naval or military system.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Naval ship repair industry and procedures.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with individuals within and outside the organization.
  • Detail-oriented.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Ability to solve problems through critical thinking and willingness to be flexible and find innovative solutions.
  • Leadership and management skills.

Pay Transparency: 

  

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Employee benefits vary by role, however, may include Health and Wellness, Mental Health, Retirement Savings, Life and Disability, Paid Maternity and Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. 

Compensation: $36- $57 an hour 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

  • This position is considered primarily ONSHORE which is characterized as follows.
  • Primarily on board ship during the day and occasionally at night 
  • Frequently working on or near moving equipment and vibrating equipment 
  • When outdoors, humidity is frequently above 90% 
  • Noise is over 85 decibels 
  • Light is intense/glare 
  • Occasional exposure to open fire/flames/sparks 
  • Frequent exposure to airborne dust, fumes, and gases 
  • Includes exposure to contaminants 
  • Requires working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures 
  • Includes exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable
  • Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people 
  • Requires working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/REQUIREMENTS  

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
  • This position is considered MEDIUM work.
  • Provide training and guidance to team members to help them successfully perform their daily job duties.
  • Plan, assign, and direct daily production work.
  • Provide leadership and guidance for employees through regular feedback, annual performance reviews, and frequent two-way communication.
  • Monitor compliance with federal and company safety procedures to ensure the safety of every employee on the job site; including but not limited to usage of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for each assigned task.
  • Identify problems and remove roadblocks for the production team by suggesting innovative solutions and ensuring the necessary resources, materials, or support are available.
  • Resolve technical issues faced by the production team, including the interpretation of drawings, schematics, MIL-STDs, SUBSAFE requirements, production processes, and more.
  • Communicate with customers to provide updates and ensure satisfaction with progress.
  • Ensure production deadlines are met through coordinating scheduling efforts, prioritizing tasks, and monitoring production progress.
  • Monitor and approve timesheet submissions for production team members, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
  • Ensure the team is equipped properly prior to commencing work (e.g. proper PPE, manuals, drawings, tools, QA paperwork, etc.).
  • Verify submission of all required production paperwork (e.g. travel forms, QA Inspection Documentation, Material Purchase Order Requests, etc.).
  • Provide status updates to Project/Program Managers as needed, including during weekly meetings.
  • Ensure proper maintenance of all equipment used by the production team; including tools issued by the tool room.
  • Provide clear pre- and post-shift job briefs to the production team to highlight daily items and discuss any concerns.
  • Monitor materials and tools needed for the job and communicate/escalate delays to minimize the impact to work schedules.
  • Review OII work packages prior to beginning work to ensure the full scope of work is identified for the assigned task, including any special requirements for readings, reinstallations, certifications, or otherwise.
  • Review and/or audit OII work packages as work is completed to ensure all requirements are met.
  • Assist in identifying unsatisfactory work processes and making improvements as appropriate.

Other duties as assigned.


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