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Rigging Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bechtel

Lead Field Engineer - Rigging

Cheyenne, WY

$97K - $127K/yr

The Lead Rigging Field Engineer is based to Bechtel Equipment Operations, Inc. reports to Project Field Engineer at the project site. The Lead Rigging Engineer provides operational and technical ...

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 ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Rigger Foreman

Lebanon, IN

$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 ...

Boston Ship Repair

Rigging Dept Craft Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

The Boston Shipyard is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Rigging Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of rigging operations. This role is critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Rigger Foreman

Lebanon, IN

$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 ...

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 ...

Lead Staffing

Rigger Improver

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Responsibilities * Assist with rigging operations involving shipboard equipment, machinery, and structural components. * Inspect, select, and properly use wire rope, chain falls, slings, shackles ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Rigger General 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 ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Rigger General 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 Jul 23, 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.

Which job is best for a 40 year old woman?

A Rigging Lead role involves overseeing the setup and safety of equipment, often requiring physical strength, technical skills, and experience. Age is generally not a barrier if the individual has relevant skills and certifications, and many roles value experience and reliability over age. Suitable jobs depend on personal interests, skills, and physical ability, with opportunities available across various industries.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Rigging Lead in industries like construction, entertainment, or manufacturing can earn around $4,000 weekly with extensive experience and specialized skills. High-paying roles often require certifications, physical stamina, and knowledge of safety protocols, but they typically do not require a college degree.

What is a lead rigger job description?

A lead rigger is responsible for overseeing the planning, installation, and maintenance of rigging systems used to lift and move heavy equipment or scenery in industries like film, theater, or construction. They coordinate rigging teams, ensure safety standards are met, and often have expertise in rigging tools, hardware, and safety certifications. The role requires strong leadership, technical knowledge, and the ability to troubleshoot complex rigging setups.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigging jobs are often in specialized fields such as offshore oil and gas, aerospace, or large-scale entertainment productions, where riggers with advanced certifications and extensive experience can earn six-figure salaries. Lead riggers or senior rigging supervisors in these industries typically command the highest wages due to the complexity and risk involved.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. 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.
Shift Supervisor - Rigging & Lifting

Shift Supervisor - Rigging & Lifting

AST SpaceMobile

Midland, TX

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

The Shift Supervisor - Rigging & Lifting, is responsible for directing all rigging and lifting activities during their assigned shift. Serving as the designated Lift Director, this role leads a five-person rigging team and ensures safe, compliant, and precise execution of lifts involving sensitive or high-value equipment. The supervisor coordinates with production, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to established standards across all lifting operations.

Key Responsibilities

Rigging & Lifting Oversight:

  • Serve as the Lift Director for the assigned shift.
  • Supervise all rigging and lifting operations involving sensitive or high-value equipment.
  • Review and validate lift plans, load paths, and equipment setups before each lift.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, and internal safety procedures.

Team Leadership:

  • Lead, mentor, and support a five-person rigging team.
  • Assign daily tasks, allocate manpower, and ensure operational readiness.
  • Conduct team meetings, pre-lift briefings, and shift safety discussions.
  • Provide performance feedback and support employee skill development.

Safety & Compliance:

  • Enforce proper rigging techniques, PPE usage, and lifting protocols.
  • Conduct inspections of rigging gear, tag out unsafe items, and maintain equipment readiness.
  • Participate in incident reviews and contribute to corrective action planning.

Coordination & Communication:

  • Communicate lift requirements, timing, and risk considerations with production and maintenance teams.
  • Coordinate with engineering on lifting needs related to special tooling, assemblies, or sensitive components.
  • Document lift activities, equipment usage, and shift reports for the Rigging/Lifting Manager.

Training & Development:

  • Support ongoing training initiatives for rigging personnel.
  • Assist with evaluating team competency, certifications, and development needs.
  • Promote continuous improvement in safety, execution quality, and rigging best practices.

Qualifications

Education

  • High school diploma required.
  • Technical training in rigging or lifting operations preferred.

Experience

  • 3-5 years of rigging or lifting experience in manufacturing, aerospace, construction, or similar industrial environment.
  • Prior team lead or supervisory experience preferred.

Certifications

  • Rigging certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO Rigger Level I or II, or equivalent).
  • Signalperson certification a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience conducting critical lifts or working with sensitive/high-value equipment.
  • Working knowledge of crane operations, lift planning, and rigging hardware.

Soft Skills

  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Ability to read lift plans, engineering drawings, and risk assessments.
  • High attention to detail and strong situational awareness.
  • Commitment to safety and procedural compliance.

Technology Stack

  • MS Office Suite
  • Ability to interpret digital drawings and lift-plan documents
  • Experience with maintenance or lifting-equipment tracking tools (preferred)

Physical Requirements

  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work in shop-floor environments with noise, temperature variation, and active lifting operations.
  • Ability to work near cranes, hoists, and rigging equipment.

This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed based on business demands.

Apply