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Production Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... products. West Marine is a Drug-Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Duties ... quality rigging solutions. โ€ข Assist in the installation of rigging products as needed. โ€ข ...

Production Worker DSW

San Carlos, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Support crane setup, rigging, and pre-operation inspections * Assist with core stacking and ... Quality of production support work * Reliability and attendance * Productivity and support of ...

Production Worker

La Mirada, CA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Report defective or substandard material, supplies or products * Maintain facility, work area ... Experience in rigging and lifting preferred * Must be able to lift or pull a minimum of 50 pounds

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Production Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do production rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for production rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the 4 types of rigging?

In production rigging, the four main types are static rigging, which involves fixed supports; adjustable rigging, allowing for movement and repositioning; suspension rigging, used to hang objects or performers; and lifting rigging, designed for hoisting heavy loads. Rigging professionals select the appropriate type based on the load, environment, and safety requirements, often using specialized tools and adhering to safety standards.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in specialized industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or large-scale construction, where riggers with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn higher wages. Supervisory or lead rigging positions typically offer the highest salaries within the field, especially when working in hazardous environments or requiring specialized skills with heavy equipment and complex setups.

How much do riggers make a month?

Production riggers typically earn between $3,000 and $6,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially in industries like entertainment, construction, or event production.

What are the typical challenges a Production Rigger faces when working on live events or film sets?

Production Riggers often encounter tight deadlines and last-minute changes when setting up equipment for live events or film shoots. Coordinating with lighting, sound, and staging teams requires strong communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving plans. Safety is a consistent priority, as riggers must ensure that all suspended equipment is secure and complies with regulations, even under pressure. Working at heights and in varying weather conditions can also add to the complexity of the job, making physical fitness and attention to detail essential.

What are Production Riggers?

Production Riggers are skilled professionals responsible for setting up, securing, and operating rigging equipment used to move, lift, or suspend stage scenery, lighting, sound equipment, and other elements in theater, film, television, and live events. They ensure that all equipment is safely and efficiently installed according to design specifications, often working closely with lighting and production teams. Riggers must have a strong understanding of safety protocols and structural integrity to prevent accidents and ensure smooth production operations.

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

To thrive as a Production Rigger, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of rigging techniques, often supported by relevant certifications such as OSHA or ETCP. Familiarity with rigging hardware, load calculation software, and safety systems is typically required. Attention to detail, communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise setup and operation of equipment in live events or production environments.

Is a rigger a hard job?

Production riggers often work in physically demanding environments, handling heavy equipment and working at heights, which can be challenging. The job requires technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work under pressure, making it physically and mentally demanding but manageable with proper training and experience.

What is the difference between Production Rigger vs Stage Rigger?

AspectProduction RiggerStage Rigger
CertificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certifications
Work EnvironmentFilm sets, television productions, live eventsTheatrical stages, concert venues, live performances
Industry UsageFilm, TV, event productionTheatre, concerts, live shows

Both Production Riggers and Stage Riggers require similar certifications and safety training. Production Riggers typically work on film and television sets or live event productions, focusing on rigging equipment for cameras and lighting. Stage Riggers mainly work in theatres and concert venues, setting up scenery, lighting, and stage equipment. While their skills overlap, their work environments and specific tasks differ based on industry needs.

What are popular job titles related to Production Rigger jobs in California? For Production Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Production Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Production Rigger jobs in California are:
PAT Theatre Technician PX (Lighting, Sound/Video, Flyman/Rigger, and/or Stage Manager)

PAT Theatre Technician PX (Lighting, Sound/Video, Flyman/Rigger, and/or Stage Manager)

Antelope Valley College

Lancaster, CA โ€ข On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Salary: $22.00 - $26.00 Hourly
Location : 3041 W. Avenue K, Lancaster, CA
Job Type: Professional Expert
Job Number: RN20-57
Department: Theatre Productions
Opening Date: 06/17/2021
Closing Date: Continuous
RANGE: Placement on the applicable salary schedule is commensurate with education.
ANTICIPATED START DATE: Establishing a Pool
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Letter of Intent
Current Resume
List of References
WORK SCHEDULE: PX/STH - Monday - Work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays, depending upon performance schedules. (Exact work schedule to be determined by supervisor based on department needs and college hours of operation.) Temporary employees may only work up to 25 hours a week (not to exceed 100 hours per month), total not to exceed 999 hours for a total of 100 days. (Days are counted regardless of # of hours worked per day)
DESCRIPTION
Under the work direction of the Performing Arts Theatre Manager/Technical Director or other assigned supervisor.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
LIGHTING:
Typical duties under the work direction of the Performing Arts Theatre Manager or other assigned supervisor.
  • Sets up and operates theatrical/stage lighting equipment including light Hang & Focus, circuiting, cabling, operating a Spot during rehearsals and performances for various theatre, opera, meetings, choral and music concerts, dance, variety shows and other college and outside rental events.
  • Hangs basic light plot with three-color wash, specials and creates a House Light plot.
  • Ensures that lighting equipment is in proper clean working condition.
  • Reads light plots provided by producers and adapts and restores House plot.
  • Designs and implements lighting for a variety of events.
  • Operates a variety of lighting consoles and writes cues into board.
  • Provides House Light Plot and instrument inventory to producers.
  • Orders expendables and other needed materials for theatre lighting operations.
  • Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment being used.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

SOUND / VIDEO:
Typical duties under the work direction of the Performing Arts Theatre Manager or other assigned supervisor.
  • Sets up sound reinforcement, including microphones, cable and monitors, for rehearsals and performances for various theatre, opera, meetings, choral and music concerts, dance, variety shows and other college and outside rental events.
  • Operates sound/video equipment, playback; writes cues and records event as necessary.
  • Operates mixing console to maintain appropriate audio-levels (including Meyer Acoustic system).
  • Operates Projector for screenings and presentations.
  • Coordinates and provides sound/video related services for activities.
  • Ensures that audio equipment is in proper working condition for assigned performances/events.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

FLYMAN / RIGGER:
Typical duties under the work direction of the Performing Arts Theatre Manager or other assigned supervisor.
  • Coordinates and/or directs the safe setup, installation, use and maintenance of rigging equipment, including the J.R. Clancy Scenic Control fly system, used during scheduled events.
  • Coordinates and/or directs the delivery, set up, operation, dismantling and striking of rigging and rigging equipment needed for scheduled events.
  • Rigs all scenery.
  • Operates the fly rail.
  • Hangs points, call bridles and ties knots.
  • Hangs soft goods and hard set pieces.
  • Operates rigging equipment during load-ins, shows and load-outs.
  • Assists outside company riggers to install and Strikes equipment.
  • Identifies any additional rigging equipment that may be required.
  • Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment being used.
  • Always adheres to safety standards for rigging equipment and uses safe working methods.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
STAGE MANAGER:
Typical duties under the work direction of the Performing Arts Theatre Manager or other assigned supervisor.
  • Overall duties will include stage management, ensuring smooth and efficient rehearsals and execution of performances.
  • Assists in the coordination and direction of the work of technical crew, set-up and strike and work assignments.
  • Acts as a liaison between the various crews involved in backstage production.
  • Coordinates, oversees, and/or directs the set-up of stages.
  • During the rehearsal process, records all of the blocking, lighting cues, prop usage, costume changes, and entrances of the performers.
  • Makes dressing room assignments.
  • Creates and maintains metrics reports for each work call.
  • Communicates with the front-of-house manager regarding house open, show start and resumption of show after intermission.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • LEVEL 1: Any combination of experience and/or education equal to a minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of theatrical experience in the field of expertise.
  • LEVEL 2: Any combination of experience and/or education equal to a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of theatrical experience in the field of expertise.
  • LEVEL 3: Any combination of experience and/or education equal to a minimum of more than five (5) years of theatrical experience in the field of expertise.
Please note:
  • List of reference: Verifiable Employment references, must include:
    • Employer name
    • Supervisor contact information (name, email and/or phone number)
    • What level of duties was performed and
    • Dates employed
KNOWLEDGE OF:
  • Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques in specific area of expertise above (i.e., lighting, sound, flyman/rigger, and/or stage management) with emphasis on live events.
  • Hanging and focusing instruments; programming cues into lighting boards; and other lighting design practices.
  • Appropriate backstage health, safety, and operational standards
ABILITY TO:
  • Follow established backstage health, safety, and operational practices and procedures.
  • Manage time effectively and handle workload in an accurate and efficient manner.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Advise and interact effectively with technical and non-technical workers, faculty, students, outside renters and volunteers.
  • Cross-train in other Theatre Tech assignments.
  • Work with frequent interruptions while maintaining strong detail orientation, be flexible and adaptable under varied conditions and requirements, and maintain composure/perform well under time pressures.
  • Work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays, depending upon performance schedules.
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
  • Ability to exert physical effort, such as walking, climbing, standing, reaching, pulling, lifting 50 lbs., bending and twisting.
  • Ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception for communicating with others
  • Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

OTHER INFORMATION
APPLICATION PROCESS
This position requires the following documents to be attached to your online application in order to be considered:
  • Application
  • Current resume
  • Letter of intent that addresses minimum and desirable qualifications.
  • List of references
Applications with incomplete information (i.e., statements such as "see resume") or missing documents will not be considered.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
  • Each recruitment is conducted independently from others; therefore, interested parties need to submit separate complete application packages for each position they apply.
  • Applicants may be subject to passing an examination (written/technical), as appropriate to the requirements of the position.
  • Residency within a reasonable geographical area of the college may be necessary.
  • Travel expenses for pre-employment interviews and employment processing will not be authorized.
  • Short Term Hourly (Temporary) Employees and Professional Experts: May work up to 25 hours a week (not to exceed 100 hours per month), total not to exceed 999 hours for a total of 100 days. (Days are counted regardless of the number of hours worked per day).
VISA
AVC does not sponsor visas.
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you have, any questions or concerns/if you require accommodations for the application process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources Office at (661) 722-6311.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Antelope Valley Community College District (AVC) is committed to employing administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success. AVC recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.
AVC is committed to hiring processes that support equal opportunity, diversity, and provide equitable consideration for all candidates as required in federal and state laws and regulations. To find out more about AVC, please visit our website at avc.edu.
Annual Security Report is provided by Antelope Valley College for prospective students and employees. A copy of this report is available at http://www.avc.edu/administration/police
01
What area of expertise do you have?
  • Lighting
  • Sound/Video
  • Flyman/Rigger
  • Stage Manager

02
How many years of experience do you have in your area of expertise?
  • Level 1: One (1) to two (2) years
  • Level 2: three (3) to five (5) years
  • Level 3: more than five (5) years

Required Question