ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ship Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

Rigger

Norfolk, VA

$38K - $56K/yr

Installs or repairs ships' rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment. * Move barges and ...

The Hinckley Company

Marine Rigger

Southwest Harbor, ME

$22.50 - $29/hr

Fabricate, install and repair ship's rigging, such as stepping and unstopping masts, antenna rigs, boat handling gear, and winch and windlass rigging. Installs masts, booms, hooks, swivels, shackles ...

The Hinckley Company

Marine Rigger

Southwest Harbor, ME · On-site

$22.50 - $29/hr

Fabricate, install and repair ship's rigging, such as stepping and unstopping masts, antenna rigs, boat handling gear, and winch and windlass rigging. Installs masts, booms, hooks, swivels, shackles ...

The Hinckley Company

Marine Rigger

Southwest Harbor, ME · On-site

$22.50 - $29/hr

Marine Boat Rigger Essential Duties: • Fabricate, install and repair ship's rigging, such as stepping and unstopping masts, antenna rigs, boat handling gear, and winch and windlass rigging. • ...

The Hinckley Company

Marine Rigger

Southwest Harbor, ME · On-site

$22.50 - $29/hr

Marine Boat Rigger Essential Duties: • Fabricate, install and repair ship's rigging, such as stepping and unstopping masts, antenna rigs, boat handling gear, and winch and windlass rigging. • ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA

$22 - $28.25/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Suffolk, VA

$22.75 - $29.50/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$22.25 - $28.50/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Chesapeake, VA

$21.50 - $28/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Newport News, VA

$21 - $27.25/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Virginia Beach, VA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Norfolk, VA

$23.25 - $30/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

NASSCO

Rigger J1 - J4

Carrollton, VA

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and ... We are looking for Riggers . The hours are 06:00 - 11:15 / 1200 - 1445. Shift : ALL Security ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsShip Rigger Jobs

Ship Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do ship rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship rigger 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 are ship riggers?

Ship riggers are skilled workers responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the rigging on ships, such as ropes, cables, and chains that support masts, sails, and other equipment. They ensure that all rigging is safe and functional, which is crucial for the operation and safety of a vessel. Ship riggers may work on both modern and traditional ships, and sometimes assist with loading cargo or moving heavy equipment using hoists and cranes. Their work requires knowledge of knots, splicing, and the mechanical aspects of rigging systems.

What is the difference between Ship Rigger vs Crane Operator?

AspectShip RiggerCrane Operator
CertificationsRigger certification, OSHA safety trainingCrane operator license, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentShipyards, docks, offshore vesselsConstruction sites, ports, industrial settings
Job FocusAssembling, maintaining, and operating rigging equipment for shipsOperating cranes to lift and move heavy materials
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, offshoreConstruction, logistics, shipping

Both Ship Riggers and Crane Operators work in environments involving heavy lifting and require safety certifications. However, Ship Riggers focus on rigging setup and maintenance for ships and offshore structures, while Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes to move materials in various industries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Ship Rigger during vessel maintenance and repair projects?

Ship Riggers often encounter challenges such as working in confined or elevated spaces, handling heavy and cumbersome rigging equipment, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Safety is a major concern, as the work involves lifting and securing large components using ropes, cables, and pulleys, often at significant heights. Close coordination with other crew members and departments is essential to ensure efficient workflow and to address unexpected issues that may arise during maintenance or repairs.

What is the highest paying Rigger job?

The highest paying rigging jobs are often in specialized sectors such as industrial, theatrical, or offshore rigging, with offshore oil riggers typically earning the most due to the demanding environment and hazardous conditions. These roles often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to operate complex lifting equipment, leading to higher wages compared to standard rigging positions.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Ship riggers typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily rates are more common in specialized fields like certain high-level consultants, executive contractors, or skilled trades such as offshore drilling or high-risk construction projects. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and working in demanding environments, with pay rates varying based on project scope and location.

Do riggers get paid well?

Ship riggers typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized knowledge in crane or heavy lifting operations tend to earn higher pay. Overall, the compensation for riggers is generally considered good within the construction and maritime sectors.

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

To thrive as a Ship Rigger, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of rigging techniques, and physical fitness, often supported by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with hoisting equipment, hand and power tools, and adherence to safety regulations are essential, with certifications like OSHA maritime safety being advantageous. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills that help ensure safe and efficient operations. These abilities are critical for maintaining vessel safety, minimizing accidents, and supporting smooth maritime operations.

What does a Rigger do on a ship?

A ship rigger is responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating the rigging systems that support and move cargo, equipment, and sails on ships. They work with ropes, cables, pulleys, and hoists, often using tools like winches and cranes, and must follow safety protocols in a maritime environment. Rigging skills are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ship loading, unloading, and handling procedures.
More about Ship Rigger jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Rigger jobs? Cities with the most Ship Rigger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ship Rigger jobs? The most popular types of Ship Rigger jobs are:
What states have the most Ship Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Rigger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Rigger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Rigger jobs are:
Ship Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Rigger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 26% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Rigger

Rigger

Tidewater Staffing

Norfolk, VA

$38K - $56K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Riggers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, Portsmouth, VA, and Hampton, VA shipyards.
Job Duties

  • Fabricates, installs and repairs rigging and weight handling gear on ships.
  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and order heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, levers and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Lays out and handles lines on cleats or bollards and hauls in ships with capstans when assisting dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Installs or repairs ships’ rigging such as mast on antenna wires, small boat handling gear, shipboard cranes, winches, windless, replenishment and weight handling equipment.
  • Move barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Thorough knowledge of shackles, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, steamboat jacks, hydraulic jacks, turnbuckles, rollers, chainfalls, clamps, swivels, crane signals, shipboard nomenclature, forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes, tying knots, use of electric, pneumatic and hand powered tools.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.


JOURNEYPERSON 3 (Rigging):

  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ship.
  • Selects and attaches chainfalls, jacks, rollers, lever and/or pulleys according to types of loads being moved.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads, controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats and yard boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA standards.


JOURNEYPERSON 2 (Rigging):

  • Attaches hoists and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts and other heavy loads aboard ships.
  • Signals cranes or other equipment to move loads.
  • Controls movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces, handles lines on cleats or bollards when assisting the dock master in the ship dry docking operations.
  • Moves barges and derricks with tug boats.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splice natural and synthetic ropes tying knots.
  • Use if electric, pneumatic and hand tools.
  • Operate forklifts and aerial lifts.


JOURNEYPERSON 1 (Rigging):

  • Assist in attaching hoist and pulling gear to lift, move, remove, install or position machinery, equipment, structural parts or other loads abroad ship.
  • Assist in the movement of equipment through narrow openings or in confined spaces.
  • Assist in line handling operations, assist in the erection of staging in tanks, above decks, on mast, yardarms and ship’s sides.
  • Works in engine rooms, boiler rooms, aloft or in confined spaces as required.
  • Knowledge of shackles, chainfalls, natural, synthetic and wire ropes, turnbuckles, rollers, clamps and crane signals.
  • Splicing natural ropes.
  • Tying knots operate forklifts and aerial lifts.
  • Use of hand tools.
Tidewater Staffing logo

About Tidewater Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Virginia Beach, VA, US

Year founded

1992

View All Tidewater Staffing Jobs

Apply