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Stagehand Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freelance Lighting Technician

New York, NY

$68.75 - $77.75/hr

Stagehand, rigging, location setups, etc. * Ladder work * Set maintenance and repair * Studio organization and maintenance. * Prep, maintain and support staging and storage facilities * Operate ...

Comfortable climbing & working at heights as required for Rigging. Other Requirements: * Reliable ... Must be willing to work varying stagehand level roles. * Must be willing to work indoors or ...

Comfortable climbing & working at heights as required for Rigging. Other Requirements: * Reliable ... Must be willing to work varying stagehand level roles. * Must be willing to work indoors or ...

STAGEHAND 1. PRODUCTION RIGGER SUMMARY The Production Rigger will be responsible for safely aligning, leveling, and anchoring all equipment and adhering to the weight capacities of rigging points of ...

Must be willing to work varying stagehand level roles. * Must be willing to work indoors or ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

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Stagehand Rigger information

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$10

$19

$27

How much do stagehand rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for stagehand rigger in the United States is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Stagehand Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, often supported by relevant certifications such as ETCP or OSHA. Familiarity with rigging hardware, hoists, counterweight systems, and safety harnesses is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew and ensuring safe operations. These abilities are vital for preventing accidents, ensuring efficient setup and teardown, and delivering successful live events.

What are the typical challenges a Stagehand Rigger faces during live event setups?

Stagehand Riggers often face challenges such as working in tight timeframes, adapting to last-minute changes in production layouts, and collaborating safely with teams in high-pressure environments. Ensuring all rigging meets safety standards while managing heavy equipment overhead requires constant attention to detail and clear communication with lighting, sound, and production crew members. Weather conditions, especially during outdoor events, can also add complexity to rigging tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential skills in this role.

What are stagehand riggers?

Stagehand riggers are professionals responsible for setting up, securing, and operating the rigging systems used in theaters, concerts, and other live events. They handle tasks such as suspending lighting, audio equipment, scenery, and sometimes even performers, ensuring that everything is safely and properly installed overhead. Riggers must have a strong understanding of safety standards and mechanical systems to prevent accidents and ensure smooth event operations. Their work is essential for creating dynamic visual environments on stage and behind the scenes.

What is the difference between Stagehand Rigger vs Stagehand?

AspectStagehand RiggerStagehand
CertificationsOSHA safety training, rigging certificationsBasic safety training, general labor certifications
Work EnvironmentRigging setups, hanging lights, securing equipmentAssisting with equipment setup, moving scenery
Industry UsageConcerts, theater productions, live eventsConcerts, theater, events, and touring

Stagehand Riggers specialize in rigging and securing equipment, requiring specific certifications and working primarily on setup and safety tasks. Stagehands perform general labor tasks like moving equipment and assisting with setups. While both roles are vital in live event production, riggers focus on safety-critical rigging work, whereas stagehands handle broader setup duties.

More about Stagehand Rigger jobs
What cities are hiring for Stagehand Rigger jobs? Cities with the most Stagehand Rigger job openings:
What states have the most Stagehand Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Stagehand Rigger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Stagehand Rigger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Stagehand Rigger jobs are:
Infographic showing various Stagehand Rigger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,374 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Freelance Lighting Technician

Freelance Lighting Technician

Fox

New York, NY

$68.75 - $77.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

Fox News MediaFOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer digital streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the newly announced platform FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for 20 consecutive years, while FBN currently ranks among the top business channels on cable. Owned by FOX Corporation, FOX News Media reaches 200 million people each month.JOB DESCRIPTION

Fox Media is looking for a Freelance Lighting Technician to join our New York Bureau. This role is hands-on and fast-paced, supporting daily broadcast and production needs through expert lighting setup and maintenance. You'll collaborate closely with Lighting Managers, Programmers, Stage Technicians, Directors, and studio crews to help bring our content to life. We're looking for someone creative, adaptable, and excited to work at the intersection of news, entertainment, and live production.

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Support and assist Lighting Director and Stage Tech leads

  • Stagehand, rigging, location setups, etc.

  • Ladder work

  • Set maintenance and repair

  • Studio organization and maintenance.

  • Prep, maintain and support staging and storage facilities

  • Operate specialty equipment (bucket & scissor lifts)

  • Assist with proper stage, scenic and lighting set-ups

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • 1-3 years of lighting/stagehand/production experience

  • Familiarity with ETC lighting consoles and systems

  • Willingness to work overtime and additional shifts to meet the demands of breaking news, programming, and production, specialty scenic or light calls, and/or shift coverage

  • Flexibility in working under the pressures of live programming and time constraints

  • Carpentry skills and familiarity with power tools a plus

  • Understanding of the importance of health and safety procedures

  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds, climb ladders, and work with heavy grip gear for extended periods

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable law.

Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $30.00-38.25 per hour.