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Rigger Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HII

$57K - $62K/yr

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, is offering a $500 sign-on bonus to welder trainee hires. In addition, NNS is offering $500 in relocation bonus to rigger ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working ... Rigging * Cabling and bracing * Removal of hazardous trees * Tree identification * Properly ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Irwin, PA

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

As an Arborist Climber Trainee, you will be an integral member of a tree care crew working ... Rigging * Cabling and bracing * Removal of hazardous trees * Tree identification * Properly ...

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Rigger Trainee information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do rigger trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for rigger trainee in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rigger trainee?

Rigger trainees are entry-level workers who assist experienced riggers in setting up and moving heavy equipment, materials, or machinery, often on construction sites, shipyards, or in the entertainment industry. They learn how to safely attach loads, operate lifting devices, and follow safety protocols under supervision. Rigger trainees gain practical skills on the job, preparing them for more advanced roles as they progress in their careers. Training typically includes both hands-on experience and classroom instruction focused on safety and rigging techniques.

What are the typical responsibilities of a rigger trainee during a project?

As a Rigger Trainee, you can expect to assist in preparing and setting up lifting equipment, inspecting rigging gear for safety, and helping to move heavy loads under the supervision of experienced riggers. Your daily tasks may include attaching loads to cranes, following detailed instructions, and ensuring all safety protocols are observed. You'll also learn how to read lift plans and signals, gradually taking on more complex duties as you gain experience. Collaboration with crane operators, site supervisors, and fellow riggers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations.

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

To thrive as a Rigger Trainee, you need a basic understanding of rigging principles, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rigging hardware, hand tools, and safety systems, as well as OSHA or NCCER certifications, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of heavy loads and preventing workplace accidents.

What is the difference between Rigger Trainee vs Rigger?

AspectRigger TraineeRigger
CertificationsBasic safety and rigging certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced rigging certifications, specialized licenses
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, industrial settingsActive rigging sites, construction, industrial, or maritime environments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with rigging tasks, learning safety protocolsPerforming rigging, lifting, and securing loads independently

In summary, a Rigger Trainee is in the learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications under supervision, while a Rigger is an experienced professional responsible for executing rigging tasks independently in various industrial settings.

How to become a rigger trainee with no experience?

To become a rigger trainee, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and should seek entry-level positions or apprenticeships in construction, manufacturing, or entertainment industries. Gaining knowledge of rigging tools, safety procedures, and basic physical fitness is important, and some employers may require or prefer certifications such as OSHA safety training. On-the-job training is common, and gaining experience with lifting equipment and understanding load calculations can improve prospects.

How to get experience as a rigger trainee?

To gain experience as a rigger trainee, individuals typically start by completing relevant safety and rigging training courses, which may lead to entry-level positions in construction, manufacturing, or entertainment industries. On-the-job training under experienced riggers is essential to develop skills in equipment setup, load calculations, and safety protocols. Obtaining certifications such as OSHA or NCCER can also improve job prospects and practical knowledge.
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Rigger Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rigger Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Lifting & Transportation Trainee (Knoxville Branch)

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Barnhart rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 175 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

Join a Team That Builds, Lifts, and Moves America

At Barnhart, we don't just move equipment - we solve complex challenges that power industries across the country. As a Lifting & Transportation Trainee, you'll enter a structured program designed to build your skills from the ground up and launch a long-term career in the crane and rigging industry.

What You'll Do

This role is designed to give you full exposure to Barnhart operations, making it an ideal entry point for someone who wants to grow into a long-term career in heavy lift and transport. In this role, you will:

  • Participate in a 2-year rotational training program across shop, yard, and field operations
  • Gain hands-on experience working with cranes, rigging equipment, and heavy transport systems
  • Rotate through areas like fabrication, load testing, and job site operations (3-6 months per rotation)
  • Learn to support real-world projects across industries such as energy, construction, and infrastructure
  • Build technical skills in a fast-paced, safety-driven environment

Why You'll Love This Role

  • Competitive Pay + Weekly Pay Schedule
  • Permanent, full-time role
  • 401(k) program with company match up to 10% of pay
  • Family medical, dental and vision insurance is available after 90 days of employment
  • Paid time off and other benefits
  • Barnhart CARES family care and community service opportunities
  • Opportunity to work on industry-leading equipment
  • Long-term growth opportunities
  • Join a company with a strong safety-first, team-driven culture

What You Bring

Required:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work safely in a hands-on, technical environment
  • Willingness to travel and commit to the full training program

Preferred:

  • Mechanical aptitude or background (shop, equipment, etc.)
  • Interest in cranes, rigging, or heavy equipment

PURPOSE - Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.

MINDS OVER MATTER - Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.

NETWORK - Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry's strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.

CULTURE - Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the "One TEAM." We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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