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Scaffold Rigger Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rope Access I w/NDT

Joliet, IL · On-site

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

... and rigging, maneuvers, climbing and rescue/hauling * High School Diploma or equivalent * Some ... on scaffolding and high places in excess of 100 feet, exposure to high heat, extreme cold, or ...

Rope Access Insulator

Joliet, IL · On-site

$28.37 - $45.67/hr

... and rigging, maneuvers, climbing and rescue/hauling * High School Diploma or equivalent * Some ... on scaffolding and high places in excess of 100 feet, exposure to high heat, extreme cold, or ...

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Scaffold Rigger information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$37

How much do scaffold rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for scaffold rigger in Chicago, IL is $26.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.75 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are riggers and scaffolders the same?

Scaffolders and riggers are different roles within construction; scaffolders assemble and dismantle scaffolding, while riggers install and secure heavy equipment and structural components. Both require safety training and may need certifications, but their skills and tasks differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Scaffold Rigger, you need strong knowledge of scaffold assembly, safety regulations, and manual handling, often supported by relevant certifications such as OSHA or CISRS. Proficiency with scaffolding systems, rigging equipment, and safety harnesses is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for safe and efficient work on site. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the structural integrity of scaffolds, minimize accidents, and maintain a safe working environment.

What are some common challenges Scaffold Riggers face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Scaffold Riggers often encounter challenges such as working at heights, handling heavy materials, and adapting to varying weather conditions. Ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed and making use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can mitigate risks. Additionally, clear communication with team members helps coordinate complex lifts and assembly tasks, preventing accidents and ensuring efficiency. Ongoing training and awareness of site-specific hazards are also crucial for overcoming day-to-day challenges in this role.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically in the oil and gas, petrochemical, or industrial construction sectors, where riggers with specialized skills, certifications, and experience can earn higher wages. Supervisory or lead rigging positions also tend to offer higher salaries due to increased responsibility. Advanced knowledge of crane operation, safety standards, and rigging equipment can further boost earning potential.

What are Scaffold Riggers?

Scaffold Riggers are skilled tradespeople responsible for assembling, dismantling, and securing scaffolding systems used in construction, maintenance, and repair projects. Their work ensures that scaffold structures are safe for workers to use at various heights. Scaffold Riggers follow strict safety protocols, interpret blueprints, and use specialized equipment to build stable work platforms. They also inspect and maintain scaffolding to comply with safety regulations and prevent accidents.

What is the difference between Scaffold Rigger vs Scaffold Supervisor?

AspectScaffold RiggerScaffold Supervisor
CertificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certifications, supervisory training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial settingsConstruction sites, overseeing multiple riggers
Job RoleAssembles, disassembles, and inspects scaffoldingSupervises scaffold installation, enforces safety protocols

While both roles involve working with scaffolding, a Scaffold Rigger focuses on the physical assembly and safety of scaffolding structures, whereas a Scaffold Supervisor oversees the entire scaffolding operation, ensuring safety compliance and coordinating team efforts.

Do scaffolders make good money?

Scaffold riggers typically earn competitive wages, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled scaffolders who work in demanding environments or hold specialized certifications can earn higher pay, and the job often includes overtime and hazard pay due to safety requirements. Overall, it is considered a well-paying trade within the construction industry.

What are rigger scaffolder jobs?

Rigger scaffolders are workers responsible for assembling, disassembling, and maintaining scaffolding structures used in construction, maintenance, and industrial projects. They must understand safety protocols, use specialized tools, and often require certifications such as OSHA training. These jobs typically involve working at heights and in various environmental conditions.
What are popular job titles related to Scaffold Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL? For Scaffold Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scaffold Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Scaffold Rigger jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Rope Access I w/NDT

$21.63 - $34.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Acuren rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 105 rated laboratories


Job description

Position Summary

Acuren is seeking Rope Access I that hold NDT certificaitons to support operations in Joliet, IL. THIS WILL BE A MOSTLY EMBEDDED ROLE WITH MINIMAL CALLOUT. (LOCAL APPLICANTS ONLY)

Responsibilities
  • Perform specific job functions per the direction of the Rope Access Supervisor or a Level II/III Rope Access Technician
  • Inspect and validate rope access equipment and systems for safety and compliance prior to use.
  • Assist in preparing and setting up rope access equipment and systems as directed by the Lead RAT
  • Identify potential worksite hazards and promptly report unsafe conditions to the Rope Access Level III/ Supervisor
  • Record results of inspections as directed by the Lead RAT
  • Safely ascend, descend, and maneuver on ropes using standard rope access techniques.
  • Assist in basic rescue operations under the supervision of higher-level rope access technicians
  • Maintain current certifications and training records in compliance with IRATA or SPRAT requirements
  • Assist other technicians as required
  • Other work duties as assigned.
Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • NDT Certifications (RT, MT, PT, UT, VT, PMI any combination)
  • Physical capability to perform strenuous work at heights
  • Ability to follow directions and procedures
  • Demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and grow, with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
  • Physically and mentally fit with a strong mechanical aptitude
  • Strong awareness of safety and quality standards
  • Strong work ethic and dependable
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Ability to regularly work overtime
  • Adaptable to changing schedules with willingness to travel regularly, including last minute and overnight travel
  • Must have valid driver's license
  • Must be 18 years of age or older

EDUCATION:

  • IRATA/SPRAT Level 1 Certification required including proficiency in theoretical knowledge, equipment and rigging, maneuvers, climbing and rescue/hauling 
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Some college preferred
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical, dental, and supplemental insurance
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Pay Transparency: As per applicable state law the job posting pay range is $21.63-$34.13/hr depending on experience and applicable certifications.
Working Conditions
  • Extreme cold and extreme heat environmental conditions, in and near hazards to include proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places in excess of 100 feet, exposure to high heat, extreme cold, or exposure to chemicals, in conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
  • Travel may be required.

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS & DEMANDS:

  • Ability to withstand physically demanding tasks in various environmental conditions including extreme temperatures, heights, and limited visibility for extended periods of time
  • Navigate industrial environments using rope systems and climbing equipment, requiring strong lower body mobility, balance and mental strength for continuous concentration
  • Meet occupational vision and hearing requirements to safely perform essential job functions
  • Maintain physical stamina for prolonged standing, bending, and maneuvering in confined spaces
  • Physical endurance such as climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting regularly.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly, 60+ pounds on occasion
  • Frequent mobility is required in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, small, enclosed rooms, line pipes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia
  • Withstand loud noise and able to work long workdays of up to 16 consecutive hours in one day.
  • Physical stamina for extended periods of rope suspension
  • Manual dexterity for technical rope work and tool handling, with regular stress to hand and fingers
Company Overview

Acuren is a trusted, single source provider of technology-enabled asset protection solutions used to evaluate the structural integrity of critical energy, industrial and public infrastructures. Committed to delivering a Higher Level of Reliability, Acuren provides an unrivaled spectrum of capabilities including inspection, traditional and advanced NDE/NDT, failure analysis, rope access, materials engineering, field engineering, reliability engineering, drones, robotics, V-Deck and condition-based monitoring services.

Our work is critical to the integrity and safety of industrial firms, including petroleum refinery, pipeline, power generation, pulp & paper, mining, pharmaceutical, aerospace and automotive industries. Acuren employs over 4,000 dedicated professionals supporting the mechanical integrity and inspection programs of the world's largest industrial segments.

Acuren is a market leader. Our formula for success is straightforward: be capable locally, with certified and well-equipped personnel supported by trained, experienced leaders. Continuing to build on a strong heritage of safety, quality and professionalism, Acuren strives to maintain incident free work environments, pursues advanced technical developments, and supports reliability programs that are valued by clients and employees. #LI-BE1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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