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Parachute Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Parachute Rigger information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$47.2K

$71.6K

How much do parachute rigger jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for parachute rigger in California is $47,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $54,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do parachute riggers make?

Parachute riggers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certification level, and work environment. Experienced riggers with specialized skills or working for military or commercial operations can earn higher wages, sometimes exceeding $70,000 annually.

What is the difference between Parachute Rigger vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectParachute RiggerAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Parachute Rigger CertificateFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
Work EnvironmentAirports, parachute manufacturing, military basesAirlines, maintenance hangars, repair stations
Industry UsageMilitary, recreational, commercial parachutingAviation, commercial and private aircraft maintenance

Parachute Riggers focus on packing, inspecting, and repairing parachutes, often working in parachuting or military environments. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians perform repairs and inspections on aircraft, ensuring safety and compliance. While both roles require FAA certifications and work in aviation-related settings, their specific duties and certifications differ significantly.

What does a parachute rigger do?

Parachute riggers pack, unpack, inspect, and repair parachutes and other parachute equipment, such as lines, fabric, and backpacks. You usually find parachute riggers in the armed forces, but they also work in civilian aviation, particularly for small prop planes or skydiving companies. As a parachute rigger, you must understand how to manage and repair the parachute fabrics and hardware, as well as the regulations related to packing up a parachute. Some job duties may vary between military and civilian positions, but all parachute riggers must perform extensive quality assurance and testing to ensure that everyone who uses the parachutes they pack is safe when they make their jumps.

What is a parachute rigger?

Parachute Riggers are specialized professionals trained to inspect, repair, pack, and maintain parachutes and related equipment to ensure they function safely and reliably. They work with various types of parachutes used in military, sport, and emergency applications. Their responsibilities also include conducting safety checks, replacing worn components, and sometimes providing training on parachute use. Parachute Riggers must be detail-oriented and often require certification to perform their duties legally.

How hard is it to become a parachute rigger?

Becoming a parachute rigger requires completing a specialized training program, which typically lasts several months and includes hands-on experience. Candidates must also pass written and practical exams and obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration or relevant authority, making it a process that demands technical skill and attention to detail.

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

To thrive as a Parachute Rigger, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a solid understanding of aerodynamics, often supported by specialized training and FAA certification. Familiarity with sewing machines, inspection tools, and parachute packing procedures is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work under pressure set outstanding riggers apart. These skills ensure the safety and functionality of parachute equipment, which is critical for the lives of users.

What are some common challenges parachute riggers face during their daily responsibilities?

Parachute Riggers often encounter challenges such as maintaining meticulous attention to detail under time constraints, as improper packing or inspection can lead to serious safety risks. They must also keep up with rigorous documentation and adhere to strict regulatory standards, which can be demanding. Additionally, Riggers frequently work in environments where teamwork is essential, coordinating closely with pilots, jumpers, and maintenance staff to ensure all equipment is safe and ready for use.

What are the most commonly searched types of Parachute Rigger jobs in California?

The most popular types of Parachute Rigger jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Parachute Rigger jobs in California?

For Parachute Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Parachute Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Parachute Rigger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Parachute Rigger jobs?

Cities in California with the most Parachute Rigger job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Parachute Rigger jobs in CA?

For Parachute Rigger jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Parachute Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,174 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Senior Build and Integration Technician

Inversion

Vista, CA • On-site

$47 - $61/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth
Who We Are:
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space.
Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform - one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach.
Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds.
Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space-based defense and logistics.
What You'll Do
As a Senior Build & Integration Technician at Inversion, you will play a critical role in the assembly and manufacture of flight vehicles, test articles, and ground support equipment that are critical to our next-generation reentry vehicles. You will have an opportunity to work on and develop skills across all aspects of Inversion. Daily responsibilities could include fluid component testing, pressure testing, metal fabrication, electrical installation and troubleshooting, hydraulic diagnostics, fluid system fabrication, lifting and rigging, welding, machine operation, and more. If you're known to be a generalist who can make or build anything, this is the role for you.
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • 5+ years of experience in aerospace, military, or automotive testing, fabrication, or a related field.
  • Professional experience in debugging and conducting basic electrical tests.
  • Track record of attention to detail, good craftsmanship, and taking pride in your work.
  • Track record of safe work habits.
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Must be able to stoop, bend, crawl, and maneuver in tight spaces.
  • Ability to work non-standard shifts, overtime, and weekends as required.
  • Position may require extended work hours and weekend work.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience using work orders, inventory requests, schematics, and drawings.
  • The ability to provide valuable critiques of work orders/workflow to make continuous improvement in the company.
  • Experience working with and learning new data acquisition software products.
  • Demonstrated experience in working in a fast-paced and constantly adapting environment.
  • Capable of being self-sufficient with little guidance.
  • Prior experience working in startups and small independent teams.
  • Experience working with parachute design fundamentals, including working with relevant design tooling and CAD (e.g., NX, Creo, Solidworks, etc.).

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
The California annual base salary for this role is currently $47-61 an hour. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.
ITAR Compliance:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
Inversion collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. If you are a US Job Applicant see the CCPA Privacy Policy Noticefor further details.