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Parachute Rigger Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA (NOW HIRING)

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$10.9K

$47.5K

$72K

How much do parachute rigger jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for parachute rigger in Ridgecrest, CA is $47,470.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $54,600.00 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 in military or commercial sectors can earn higher wages, and overtime or shift work may increase total compensation.

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 are Parachute Riggers?

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.

Is Parachute Rigger a hard job?

Parachute riggers perform detailed inspections, packing, and maintenance of parachutes, requiring precision, attention to detail, and knowledge of safety standards. The job involves physical work and adherence to strict procedures, and often requires certification and training, making it a challenging but manageable profession for those with technical skills. The difficulty depends on individual aptitude and experience with safety protocols and equipment handling.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Parachute riggers typically do not earn $2000 a day; their pay is usually hourly or salary-based. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily often include specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, corporate executives, or certain high-level consultants, which require advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience. These roles are often in industries like healthcare, finance, or technology and may involve long hours or high responsibility.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying parachute rigger jobs are typically found in the military, aerospace, or government sectors, where riggers may work as senior or master riggers with specialized certifications. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills, and security clearances, resulting in higher salaries compared to standard parachute rigging positions.
Infographic showing various Parachute Rigger job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,470 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
CBA Aircraft Mechanic III - (H60) Maintenance Controller - NTWP Naval Test Wing China Lake, CA

CBA Aircraft Mechanic III - (H60) Maintenance Controller - NTWP Naval Test Wing China Lake, CA

Vertex Aerospace

China Lake, CA

$53.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Direct, coordinate and monitor all maintenance/material actions necessary to retain or restore aircraft, material, equipment or components to a serviceable condition with a minimum expenditure of resources in the most efficient practical manner. Shall have supervisory authority to direct work centers and personnel to accomplish specific maintenance actions as required to accomplish the mission. The Maintenance Control Representatives shall have an in-depth working knowledge of the CNAFINST 4790.2 (series) and all applicable T/M/S technical publications, which apply to their applicable T/M/S specific aircraft as well, have a working knowledge of the Special Projects / Flight Clearances / Interim Flight Clearances, which are applicable to their assigned T/M/S aircraft. They must have a working knowledge of the Aircraft Modification Instruction (VX-30/31 INST 13050/1 Series) process.   These personnel will Release Aircraft Safe for Flight, monitor maintenance SCIR documentation via the NALCOMIS system, review Aircraft Weight and Balance forms for accuracy, direct scheduled/unscheduled maintenance actions to meet operational tasking identified by the Government/flight schedule, brief aircrew prior to FCF, review aircrew documentation of aircraft FCF performance, request cannibalization authorization from GMR when required, coordinate Depot Level Inspection/Repair actions, assign workload priorities, manage awaiting maintenance and material status, manage T/M/S Aircraft configuration, screen, maintain and sign Aeronautical Equipment Service Records, Aircraft Logbooks, liaison with Quality Assurance, liaison with Projects Coordinator, understand Navy Working Capital Fund concept, notify Government Oversight QAR’s of all Flight Critical, Safety of Flight, and mandatory QA inspections, monitor high time components, establish supply priorities, and coordinate work center maintenance tasking to meet daily Flight Schedule and Ground Test Requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

*Candidates must have been released from military service with an Honorable Discharge to meet minimum qualifications.

  • Proficiency in the use of the Internet, personal computers, word processing, spreadsheet and graphics/presentation software, and other commonly used electronic communication tools.
  • Prior military Personnel with Aviation Ordnance, Parachute Rigger, and Aviation Maintenance Administration ratings will not be accepted to fill VX-31 Maintenance Control billets.
  • Possess an extensive background in the field of aircraft maintenance and material support with a minimum of 15 years of experience with 10 years of the last 15 years in direct aircraft maintenance repair, inspection, and modification.
  • Of the ten years of experience in aircraft maintenance, six years shall be in a supervisory position that included responsibility for assigning program workloads as well as duties for entire shifts.
  • High school graduate or equivalent, plus successful completion of related military or commercial courses.
  • Capable of writing with clarify and technical accuracy.
  • Ability to obtain/maintain secret security clearance.

      Benefits include the following:

      • Healthcare coverage
      • Retirement plan
      • Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits
      • Wellness programs
      • Paid time off, including holidays.
      • Learning and Development resources
      • Employee assistance resources
      • Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time and may be modified at the discretion of the company, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.

      Pay - $53.61