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Stage Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Stage Rigger information

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$13

$25

$36

How much do stage rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for stage rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Stage Rigger vs Lighting Technician?

AspectStage RiggerLighting Technician
CredentialsRigging certifications, OSHA safety trainingLighting certifications, electrical safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, theaters, concert venuesTheaters, concert halls, live event venues
Industry UsageEvent production, theater, touringEvent production, theater, touring

While both roles are essential in live event production, a Stage Rigger primarily focuses on installing and securing rigging systems, whereas a Lighting Technician specializes in setting up and operating lighting equipment. Understanding their distinct responsibilities helps clarify their roles in ensuring safe and successful productions.

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 regulations, and mechanical systems, often supported by relevant certifications like ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program). Familiarity with rigging hardware, lifting equipment, and sometimes computer-aided design (CAD) software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise installation of stage equipment, which is crucial for successful and hazard-free live events.

How much do riggers earn?

Stage riggers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized knowledge of rigging equipment and safety protocols tend to earn higher wages.

What are stage riggers?

Stage riggers are professionals responsible for safely installing, operating, and dismantling the equipment used to support lighting, scenery, audio, and other elements in stage productions. They work with ropes, pulleys, motors, and trusses to suspend and move equipment above and around a stage. Stage riggers ensure that all rigging is secure and meets safety standards, often working at significant heights and under tight deadlines. Their work is critical to the success and safety of concerts, theater shows, and other live events.

How much do riggers make a month?

Stage riggers typically earn between $2,000 and $4,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and specialized tools may earn higher wages, especially when working on large-scale events or productions.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in the entertainment industry, such as theatrical or film riggers, or in industrial settings like oil and gas or construction, where specialized skills and certifications are required. These roles typically offer higher wages due to the complexity, risk, and technical expertise involved.

How to get into stage rigging?

To become a stage rigger, gain experience in theater, construction, or technical production, and learn to operate rigging tools and equipment such as hoists, trusses, and safety gear. Many riggers start as apprentices or stagehands, and obtaining certifications like OSHA safety training can improve job prospects. Practical skills, attention to safety, and understanding load calculations are essential in this field.

What are some common challenges a Stage Rigger might face during live events, and how can they be addressed?

Stage Riggers often work under tight timelines and must adapt quickly to last-minute changes in event setups, which can include unexpected weather conditions or venue restrictions. Ensuring safety while working at heights and handling heavy equipment is a significant challenge, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with lighting, sound, and production teams is essential for smooth coordination. Riggers can address these challenges by staying organized, participating in regular safety training, and maintaining clear communication with all crew members throughout the event setup and breakdown.
What are popular job titles related to Stage Rigger jobs in California? For Stage Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stage Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Stage Rigger jobs in California are:
Stage Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stage Rigger job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Stagehand, Part Time (Less than 23 hours/week)

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

Highland, CA • On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Reporting to the Event Center Crew Chief, the Stagehand ensures a successful event by maintaining and performing the technical aspects as needed for production. This individual performs as a team player and completes various tasks as directed to support the event from start to completion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Participates in all aspects of production events inclusive of but not limited to load in, set up, performance, strike, and load out as well as various assignments as required by the event.
2. Assists audio, lighting, and video as directed by leadership. Maintains and repairs sound, light and stage equipment as needed and directed. Secures and maintains house backline and supplies. Maintains curtains, drapes, risers and other staging items.
3. Operates heavy machinery, if certified, including forklifts, boom lifts, scissor lifts and other equipment typically used at a live entertainment facility.
4. Sets up and tears down flooring, portable chairs, barricades, staging, tables and other furnishings and equipment.
5. Operates and cares for stage areas in a safe, clean manner. Ensures stage trash is taken out; stage is swept and set up for next show when possible.
6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the e?cient operation of the department.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's Degree in related field preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of tour and stage production experience required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)
  • Strong background in technical live entertainment practices inclusive of sound, video, lighting and rigging strongly preferred.
  • Experience in stage lighting, pro audio systems and basic video systems required.
  • Previous experience operating a forklift preferred.
  • Experience loading and packing large scale tour productions
  • Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Must possess proficiency in all Microsoft applications.
  • Must possess superior interpersonal communication and organizational skills

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS
  • At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
  • Authorized Driver: Role requires operation or driving of Tribe-owned vehicles or driving patron vehicles. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS - ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • Primary work environment is in a live entertainment venue within a resort and casino setting.
  • Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
  • Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
  • Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
  • Sedentary work: involves standing most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
  • Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
  • Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
  • Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.
  • Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
  • Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
  • Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
  • The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.
As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!

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