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Rigging Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Staffing

Rigger

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$23.25 - $30/hr

Shipyard Rigger LEAD Staffing Location: Hampton Roads, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required) About the Role We are seeking an experienced Shipyard Rigger to ...

LEAD Staffing

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

Shipyard Rigger LEAD Staffing Location: Hampton Roads, VA Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required) About the Role We are seeking an experienced Shipyard Rigger to ...

Lead Staffing

Rigger

National City, CA

$24.50 - $31.75/hr

Rigger (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time $26.00-$28.00 1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm) Lead Marine is currently looking to hire Riggers for the Shipyard Industry here in San Diego.

LEAD Staffing

Rigger

National City, CA

$24.50 - $31.75/hr

Rigger (San Diego, CA) Lead Marine San Diego, CA, USA Full Time $26.00-$28.00 1st Shift (6:00am-2:30pm) Lead Marine is currently looking to hire Riggers for the Shipyard Industry here in San Diego.

West Marine

Rigging Supervisor

Honolulu, HI · On-site

The manager will assess lead times and coordinate workflow to optimize resource utilization ... Ensure that rigging staff embody the brand's values and deliver exceptional service Duties ...

Superior Rigging

Field Rigging Supervisor

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Lead and supervise rigging crews on assigned projects * Oversee daily rigging operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive performance * Coordinate field resources, personnel, and equipment ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Rigger Foreman

Lebanon, IN · On-site

$23 - $29.75/hr

Supervise and lead rigging crews on heavy industrial projects * Assign daily work and coordinate manpower and equipment * Conduct pre-task planning and ensure crews understand lift plans and ...

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Rigging Lead information

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$2K

$2.9K

$4.9K

How much do rigging lead jobs pay per month?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average monthly pay for rigging lead in the United States is $2,904.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,333.33 and $3,166.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Rigging Lead, you need strong expertise in character and mechanical rigging, anatomy, and deformation, typically supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, scripting languages like Python, and experience with asset management systems are crucial. Leadership, problem-solving, and clear communication are vital soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with animators and modelers. These abilities ensure efficient production workflows, high-quality assets, and effective teamwork in demanding visual effects or animation projects.

What is the difference between Rigging Lead vs Rigging Supervisor?

AspectRigging LeadRigging Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees rigging teams, ensures technical accuracy, and manages daily rigging tasksManages multiple rigging teams, sets project goals, and oversees overall rigging operations
CredentialsExperience in rigging, technical skills, certifications in rigging or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with additional leadership or supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site, in film, TV, or stage productions, or in industrial settingsOn-site or office-based, overseeing multiple projects or teams in similar industries

The main difference is that a Rigging Lead focuses on direct technical oversight and daily rigging tasks, while a Rigging Supervisor manages multiple teams and broader project goals. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the Supervisor has a higher-level management scope.

What are Rigging Leads?

Rigging Leads are specialized professionals in the animation, visual effects, or gaming industries responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of rigs—digital skeletons and controls that allow 3D models to move in realistic ways. They lead a team of rigging artists, collaborate with animators and modelers, and ensure that character and object rigs are efficient, flexible, and meet the creative needs of a project. Rigging Leads also solve technical challenges, establish best practices, and may contribute to tool development or workflow improvements.

What are some common challenges faced by a Rigging Lead when overseeing a team on large animation or VFX projects?

As a Rigging Lead, one of the main challenges is ensuring that all character and prop rigs are both technically robust and artist-friendly, especially when managing a diverse team with varying experience levels. Balancing the demands of animators for flexibility and the technical constraints of the pipeline can require creative problem-solving. Additionally, coordinating with other departments, such as modeling and animation, to address feedback and implement new features under tight deadlines is a frequent aspect of the role. Effective communication and leadership are key to maintaining high-quality results across the team.
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Rigging Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rigging Lead job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,858 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Rigging Department Head - Clearwing

Rigging Department Head - Clearwing

Clair Global

Phoenix, AZ

$23 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Clair Global rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 65 rated media

Job description

Function:

The Rigging Department Head oversees the rigging dept in prep, operation, and maintenance of entertainment rigging equipment and ensures the successful prep of all shows and rentals. The ideal candidate is an experienced technician with excellent interpersonal skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Forecast warehouse staffing needs
  • Assist in the development and implementation of new standards, improvements, training, and efficiencies within the department.
  • Work with Operations to double check gear lists for accuracy and communicate inventory discrepancies.
  • Keep accurate inventory counts of all rigging equipment within the inventory system
  • Maintain, inspect, and assist in repairing motors, lifts, motor distros, truss and other rigging items
  • Assist in keeping accurate records of all certifications and work done on rigging equipment
  • Pull, prep and pack rigging gear for all projects
  • Be the onsite rigging lead for specified shows as needed.
  • Assist clients/other technicians via phone, email, or in person to troubleshoot rigging problems effectively.
  • Reports and safety concerns back to Operations and Warehouse Manager
  • Enter and maintain project documentation

Competencies:

  • Appropriate show etiquette.
  • Works well with timelines and deadlines.
  • Self-motivated and passionate with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Works well individually and as a team.
  • Professional interaction: tactful, positive, effective communicator (verbal and written).
  • Ability to troubleshoot
  • Excellent attention to detail.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Five (5) years' experience in entertainment rigging production standards preferred.
  • Working knowledge of rigging equipment in Clair
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • OSHA 30 preferred
  • Lead a large crew and understands union/house rules.
  • Current knowledge of industry standards and technology
  • Certified in CM Hoists Preferred as well as knowledge of Stagemaker Hoists
  • Knowledgeable in Tomcat, Tyler, and Thomas truss systems
  • Willingness to travel (occasionally on short notice)

Physical Working Conditions:

  • Regularly bend, twist, stretch, push, pull and carry, lift 50-75 lbs.
  • Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Walk up and down stairs or ladders and comfortable with heights.
  • Work in various temperatures and outdoor weather conditions.
  • Work "on-call" as needed including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Work long hours and overtime as required.

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