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Stage Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Event Stagehand Oakland

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $30/hr

If you have a strong work ethic, a "can-do" attitude and want to play a role in setting the stage ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Stagehand

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$20.85/hr

Operates specialized audio, lighting, video and rigging equipment * Uses specialized programs and equipment in live productions * Setup and Strike of Events * Implements and ensures that all ...

Operates specialized audio, lighting, video and rigging equipment * Uses specialized programs and equipment in live productions * Setup and Strike of Events * Implements and ensures that all ...

Stagehand

Stockton, CA ยท On-site

$20.85/hr

Operates specialized audio, lighting, video and rigging equipment * Uses specialized programs and equipment in live productions * Setup and Strike of Events * Implements and ensures that all ...

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Stage Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do stage rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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.

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.

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.

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 job categories do people searching Stage Rigger jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Stage Rigger jobs in California are:
Event Stagehand Oakland

Event Stagehand Oakland

RHINO STAGING

Alameda, CA โ€ข On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Do you love being around live entertainment?ย If you have a strong work ethic, a "can-do" attitude and want to play a role in setting the stage for some of the most successful events in our industry, we have a great opportunity for you!

We're hiringย General & Skilled Stagehands to support concert tours, festivals, and other live events in the greater Oakland area, including the Greekย Theatre at UC Berkeley.ย We provide labor to many large and small local venues and work with some of the biggest production companies in the business.ย 

Work Schedule:

These are seasonal, on-call, as needed (W-2) positions. Hours will vary; including nights, weekends and holidays and there is no minimum guarantee of hours per week, month, etc.ย 

Candidates with prior live event experience and open availability are preferred but we will train well-qualified applicants.

Rhino Staging was founded in 1991 with a simple philosophy of doing things right and treating people well. This recipe for success has enabled us to become the leading provider of the safest, most proficient, professional stage crews for live events nationwide. Weโ€™ve pioneered many positive changes in the entertainment industry over the years and will continue to do so through our commitment to integrity, safety and professional development.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to push, pull and lift at least 50 lbs. as required for equipment handling.
  • Ability to consistently walk, stand, bend, stoop & twist as required for on-site tasks.

Other Requirements:

  • Reliable source of transportation to get to and from event sites in a timely manner
  • Must understand general industry terms and fundamental principles
  • Must be willing to work varying stagehand level roles.
  • Must be willing to work indoors or outdoors under varying weather conditions
  • Must be willing to work cohesively with teammates and supervisors
  • Mustย wear appropriate attire and footwear for concert / corporate events as outlined in Rhino policies
  • Must be able to communicate effectively in English to ensure the safe execution of tasks and coordination with crew and clients*
  • Must be 18 yrs of age or older
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Previous experience in a similar role is a plus
  • Open availability is preferred

If you feel you would be a great fit for this position and align with our mission to be the best at what we do, we invite you to submit an application.ย  (Incomplete applications may not be considered.)

The compensation information displayed on each job posting reflects the range for new hire rates for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors including job-related skills, experience and relevanteducation or training.

This position is not eligible for stocks and/or stock options.

Rhino Admin, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact hr@rhinostaging.com.

We participate in E-Verify. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, go to www.uscis.gov and click on the "E-Verify" logo.

*Essential Communication Functions: The role requires the ability to receive, understand, and respond to safetycritical instructions in dynamic, highrisk environments. Crew members must communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers while working around heavy equipment, elevated structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken English, written English, ASL, textbased systems, visual cues, or other reasonable accommodations. Certain tasks occur in fastmoving contexts where only immediate verbal comprehension in English is operationally feasible because no alternative communication method can be used without creating delay or increasing safety risk. The employee must be able to perform these essential communication functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, using any effective method applicable to the task.