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Production Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Austal USA

Rigger - SDCA

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35.25/hr

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Production Department Foremen and Supervisors, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives ...

Austal USA

Rigger - SDCA

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$35.25/hr

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Production Department Foremen and Supervisors, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives ...

Austal USA

Rigger - SDCA

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35.25/hr

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Production Department Foremen and Supervisors, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives ...

Bass Pro Shops

Rigger (Full Time)

Manteca, CA · On-site

$21 - $24.71/hr

The Rigger uses mechanical and power tools to install and connect motors and accessories on boats ... Supports a strong commitment to world class customer service and ensures a pleasant and productive ...

Austal USA

Rigger - SDCA-San Diego,California

Bonita, CA · On-site

$35.25/hr

Crane and Rigging Manager SUPERVISES: N/A AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must be technically ... Production Department Foremen and Supervisors, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives ...

Incessantrain

Rigging Artist 1

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

$60 - $95/hr

... production-ready. Main Responsibilities * Develop anatomically accurate rigs for human and ... Troubleshoot and resolve complex rigging and animation issues * Collaborate with animators ...

LA28 (Web)

Manager, Rigging

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This position works cross-functionally with venue design, overlay, production, and engineering teams, as well as external vendors, to ensure rigging requirements are integrated into venue delivery ...

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All JobsProduction Rigger JobsProduction Rigger Jobs in California

Production Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do production rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 is a production rigger?

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?

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.

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 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.

Is being a production rigger a good career?

Production riggers are responsible for setting up and securing equipment such as lighting, scenery, and rigging systems in entertainment, construction, or event production environments. The role often requires physical strength, technical skills, and safety certifications, and can offer steady employment with opportunities for advancement. However, it can involve long hours, physical labor, and working at heights or in challenging conditions.

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:

Production Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Rigger - SDCA

Austal USA

San Diego, CA • On-site

$35.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Austal USA rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

REPORTS TO: Crane and Rigging Manager
SUPERVISES: N/A
AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Must be technically proficient in tasks, work processes, and safe use of rigging equipment
  • Will be held accountable for completion of daily work assignments including the completion and signatures for work completion and quality
  • Will maintain cleanliness and organization on assigned job sites
  • Be responsible for selection and utilization of proper lifting gear
  • Set up crane hoisting equipment
  • Will be expected to work any assigned shift
  • May be assigned tasks that are outside the normal craft assignments
  • Monitor the job site for compliance with quality, safety, and environmental and health regulations
  • Will be expected to demonstrate the ability to apply practices which satisfy regulatory requirements and industry wide established guidelines to carry out instructions or directions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Also, will be expected to be able to identify and then resolve small problems which arise while carrying out day-to-day tasks

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma/GED, or 5 years Maritime experience
  • One year minimum work experience as a rigger in a shipyard environment or similar industry
  • Must be willing to participate in continuous improvement by way of on-the-job training for less experienced co-workers
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of equipment used in rigging operations, including but not limited to lifting and moving equipment
  • Must have knowledge of shipyard terminology such as general ship structure and vessel layout
  • Must have a thorough knowledge of USA Standard hand signals
  • Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, divide and measure using the metric system
  • Must demonstrate acceptable proficiency by participating in and successfully completing the Austal USA Overhead Crane/Rigging training course which will include both written and functional examinations
  • Must demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence and memos, write simple correspondence, and effectively present information in one-on-one or small group situations

TOOLS: Will be expected to acquire basic tools on a list which will be provided by the Crane/Rigging Manager
DIRECTION EXERCISED: N/A
DISCRETION EXERCISED: N/A
LIAISES WITH: Production Department Foremen and Supervisors, Health, Safety and Environmental representatives
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
  • Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check

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. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.
Specific physical requirements include the following:
  • Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel.
  • Perform prolonged standing.
  • Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis.
  • Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis.
  • Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis.
  • Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis.
  • Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps).
  • Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts.
  • Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead).
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment.
  • Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles.
  • Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment.
  • Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards.
  • Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures.
  • Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time.
  • Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands.
  • Able to utilize adequate visual skills.
  • Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down.
  • Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters whole performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
SAFETY
Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.
COMPENSATION
Pay rate is $35.25.
Equal Employment Commitment
Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.
Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.

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