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Stage Rigger Salary Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Stage Rigger Salary information

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

To thrive as a Stage Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, safety standards, and mechanical systems, often supported by experience or a certification in rigging or entertainment technology. Familiarity with rigging hardware, load calculation software, and safety equipment like harnesses is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating complex setups and ensuring on-site safety. These skills and qualities are crucial for safely constructing and operating stage setups, preventing accidents, and ensuring successful live events.

What are some common challenges faced by stage riggers during live event setups?

Stage riggers often face the challenge of working in high-pressure environments where tight deadlines and last-minute changes are common, especially during live event setups. They must ensure that all rigging equipment is safely installed and meets strict safety standards, often while coordinating with lighting, audio, and stage design teams. Navigating confined or elevated spaces and adapting to varying venue layouts are also typical hurdles. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to quickly address unexpected issues while maintaining safety and efficiency.

What is the average salary of a stage rigger?

The average salary for a stage rigger varies depending on experience, location, and the type of events they work on. In the United States, stage riggers typically earn between $15 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. Union stage riggers or those working on large-scale productions may earn higher wages. Overtime, travel, and specialized certifications can also impact total earnings.

What is the difference between Stage Rigger Salary vs Lighting Technician Salary?

AspectStage Rigger SalaryLighting Technician Salary
Average Annual Salary$40,000 - $60,000$35,000 - $55,000
Required CertificationsRigging certifications, OSHA safety trainingLighting certifications, electrical safety training
Work EnvironmentOn-stage, backstage, event venues, theatersOn-stage, event venues, theaters, production studios
Industry UsageUsed in live events, theater, concertsUsed in live events, theater, concerts

While both Stage Riggers and Lighting Technicians work in live event environments and require safety certifications, Stage Riggers typically focus on installing and maintaining rigging systems, whereas Lighting Technicians specialize in lighting setup and operation. Salary differences are generally modest, reflecting their overlapping work environments and industry roles.

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Infographic showing various Stage Rigger Salary job openings in New Jersey as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% Internship, 6% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 66% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, and 20% Remote job distribution.
Theatre Technician

Theatre Technician

The Lawrenceville School

Lawrence Township, NJ • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary: Theatre Technicians will be responsible for supporting the lighting, scenery, costumes, and technical needs required of production events in the Kirby Arts Center on an on-call basis throughout the academic school year. Applicants should specify the skill sets and experience within the various areas of technical theatre that they bring to this position.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Scenic carpentry and set construction skills, including lumber cutting, pneumatic and hardware fastening, and assembly
  • Stage rigging for flying components, as necessary, within scope of electrics and scenery production needs
  • Scenic art and painting
  • Costume fabrication, sewing, and alterations, in support of the needs of a given production
  • Assisting with lighting hang, focus, and strike for productions for theatre and dance productions
  • Assisting with scenery load-in, scenic notes, and strike for productions for theatre and dance productions
  • Training of high school students, alongside Performing Arts faculty, in proper technical theatre technique, skills, and safety
  • General maintenance of lighting stock and equipment, as necessary
  • General maintenance of scenery and painting stock and equipment, as necessary
  • Other duties related to theatre production and technical needs in the Performing Arts Department, as necessary

Requirements
  • A combination of training, education, and/or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Theater or related field
  • 1 - 3 years experience related to technical systems used in support of stage productions and related events
  • Principles of sounds transmission and amplification, stage lighting and stage machinery
  • Application of principles, safety protocols, and theory of electricity and stage carpentry
  • Practical knowledge, use, and repair of stage equipment and tools as related to production work in carpentry, painting, electrics, costuming, and stage operations
  • Experience with contemporary stage operations conducted in large public assembly facilities designed for multi-purpose uses.
  • Work from drawings, specifications, and oral requests to achieve desired modifications
  • Work long hours accommodating a work schedule to the requirements of load-ins, load-outs, tech days, performances, and rehearsals

Work Characteristics and Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Lift lighting equipment.
  • Lift stage bricks for the counterweight system.
  • Climb ladders.
  • Safely operate a Genie lift.
  • Climb safely through front-of-house catwalks.
  • Assist with the movement of stage scenery, pit covers, soft goods, and lighting equipment.

The Lawrenceville School is a diverse and inclusive community and makes all employment decisions without regard for an individual's race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, sex, pregnancy, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability (including AIDS and HIV related illness), genetic information, refusal to provide genetic information, refusal to submit to genetic testing, ancestry, familial status, marital status, domestic partnership status, civil union status, atypical cellular or blood trait, military service, application for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Lawrenceville School will also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable law.
The Lawrenceville School conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Eligible employees receive a competitive benefit package that includes health insurance coverage, paid leave and retirement plan options and many other valuable programs.
Salary Description
$24.00 per hour