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Parachute Rigger Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

... Parachute rigger experience or equivalent hands-on rigging background. What We Offer You will work side by side with experts in emerging technology, gaining exposure to cutting edge ideas and ...

... Parachute rigger experience or equivalent hands-on rigging background. What We Offer You will work side by side with experts in emerging technology, gaining exposure to cutting edge ideas and ...

Parachute Rigger information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$10.2K

$44.4K

$67.3K

How much do parachute rigger jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for parachute rigger in Tucson, AZ is $44,384.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,800.00 and $51,100.00 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 Tucson, AZ? The most popular types of Parachute Rigger jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Parachute Rigger jobs in Tucson, AZ? For Parachute Rigger jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Parachute Rigger jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Parachute Rigger jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
Infographic showing various Parachute Rigger job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,384 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL AND FLIGHT EQUIPMENT REPAIRER (RIGGER) TRAINING LEADER

US Department of the Air Force

Tucson, AZ

$70K/yr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the 68th Rescue Squadron Formal Training Unit (FTU) Premeditated Parachute Programs instructor responsible for planning, designing, instructing, evaluating and maintaining continuity for parachute rigger and aerial delivery training courses and associated instructional materials.Qualifications:CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: Position requires access to firearms. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence may not occupy this position in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended 30 Sep 96. Employee must sign DD Form 2760, Qualification to Possess Firearms or Ammunition.
In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-4800 - General Equipment Maintenance Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
The screen out element for this position is the Ability To Do the Work of an AIRCRAFT SURVIVAL AND FLIGHT EQUIPMENT REPAIRER (RIGGER) TRAINING LEADER without More than Normal Supervision
JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of a wide range of principles and practical methods, techniques, and tools of instruction to teach a variety of students with a range of differences such as diverse ages, backgrounds, learning styles, and levels of interest.
  2. Knowledge and proficiency in the performance of maintenance and repair of Premeditated Parachute Systems (PPS) associated with maintenance and repair of aircraft survival and flight equipment.
  3. Knowledge of training program requirements, administration, policies, and procedures to provide instruction, guidance and training to users and maintainers of systems/equipment.
  4. Skilled in the removal, replacement, rigging, and adjustment of aircraft systems and components.
  5. Ability to establish program objectives and to assess progress toward their achievement.
  6. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to perform stand-up instruction, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
PHYSICAL EFFORT: Routine work requires constant physical exertion. Typical repack require bending, kneeling, pulling, and stuffing parachute canopies into deployment bags for up to 8 hours per day. Frequently lift and carry items that weigh up to 65 pounds independently and occasionally push or pull heavier items up to 250 pounds with assistance. Requires use of vertical lift storage, parachute drying tower systems, cranes, and forklifts. Recovery of airdrop systems is part of the formal training course. Recovering these systems from the ocean or lake required extreme physical exertion while wearing maritime safety equipment and recovering from a maritime vessel. Cargo parachute systems weigh up to 250 pounds and combat expendable platforms weigh up to 600 pounds. These systems are routine for each course and require multiple people to build and rig these systems.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed both indoors in classrooms and outdoors at training site locations in hot, cold, and inclement weather. Exposed to high noise levels when working on flight lines, fumes, dirt, dust, and grease. Subject to possible burns, chemical irritations, shocks, bruises, cuts, and strains. May be required to use and wear protective clothing or gear, such as goggles, gloves, or shields.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER