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Theatrical Rigger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Rigger

Chester, VA

$22 - $28.50/hr

Manipulates rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets. g.Selects gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to ...

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Rigger

Roanoke, VA

$23.50 - $30.50/hr

Manipulates rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets. g.Selects gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to ...

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Rigger

Madison Heights, VA

$23.25 - $30.25/hr

Manipulates rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets. g.Selects gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to ...

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Crane Operator

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

Set up crane for heavy lift, Plan, specify and position rigging equipment for accomplishing work in ... theater, while modernizing to meet evolving threats • Experienced partner providing seamless ...

Director of Production

Manassas, VA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Ensures seamless delivery in venues with advanced production systems, including large-scale rigging and theatrical infrastructure; * Maintains proactive communication and alignment across production ...

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Theatrical Rigger information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do theatrical rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatrical rigger in Virginia is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are theatrical riggers?

Theatrical riggers are specialized professionals who are responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the rigging systems used in theaters and other performance venues. They handle the ropes, cables, pulleys, and other equipment necessary to safely move scenery, lighting, curtains, and sometimes even performers during live productions. Their work ensures that stage elements can be moved smoothly and securely, contributing to both the artistic and safety aspects of a production. Theatrical riggers must have a strong understanding of physics, safety protocols, and the technical requirements of stagecraft.

What are some common challenges theatrical riggers face during live productions, and how are they typically addressed?

Theatrical riggers often encounter challenges such as working in tight or elevated spaces, adapting to last-minute changes in set design, and ensuring all rigging is both safe and efficient under time constraints. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough pre-show planning, regular safety inspections, and close collaboration with stage managers, lighting technicians, and other crew members. Strong communication and adaptability are essential, as unexpected adjustments may need to be made quickly to keep the production running smoothly.

How to become a stage rigger?

To become a theatrical stage rigger, individuals typically need to gain experience in theater or construction, learn to operate rigging tools and equipment, and understand safety protocols. Many pursue relevant training or apprenticeships, and obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training can improve job prospects.

What is a theatre rigger?

A theatrical rigger is a professional responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating the equipment used to hang and move scenery, lighting, and other stage elements in a theater. They use tools like hoists, pulleys, and rigging hardware, often working at heights and requiring safety certifications. Their work ensures the safe and efficient setup of stage productions.

How much do entertainment riggers make?

Entertainment riggers typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled riggers with certifications and experience working on large productions can earn higher wages, especially in major entertainment hubs or for specialized tasks.

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

To thrive as a Theatrical Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, safety regulations, and stage mechanics, often supported by relevant training or certification such as ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program). Familiarity with chain hoists, truss systems, load calculation software, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient installation and movement of scenic elements, contributing to successful and risk-free live productions.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are often in the entertainment industry, such as head riggers for large touring productions or film productions, where salaries can exceed $80,000 annually. Experienced riggers with specialized skills, certifications, and the ability to work in high-risk environments tend to earn the most.

What is the difference between Theatrical Rigger vs Stagehand?

AspectTheatrical RiggerStagehand
CredentialsCertifications in rigging, safety trainingGeneral labor or event setup training
Work EnvironmentTheatrical venues, theaters, concert hallsEvent venues, theaters, live shows
Industry UsageSpecialized in rigging and safety for scenery and lightingAssists with setup, teardown, and general stage tasks

While both roles work in live event settings, Theatrical Riggers focus on installing and maintaining rigging systems safely, requiring specialized certifications. Stagehands perform broader stage setup and support tasks, often with less specialized rigging training. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and required skills in the entertainment industry.

What are popular job titles related to Theatrical Rigger jobs in Virginia? For Theatrical Rigger jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Theatrical Rigger jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Theatrical Rigger jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Theatrical Rigger jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Theatrical Rigger job openings:

$22 - $28.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Summary: Assembles rigging to lift and move equipment or material in manufacturing plant, shipyard, or on construction project by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1.Has practical knowledge of Regulatory Compliance with local, state, and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations, CSE, Inc. Rules and Regulations and Site-Specific Rules and Regulations.

a.Works within AISC Certification Procedures.

b.Familiar with and enforces strict compliance with all QA/QC and Safety procedures.

c.Trained to safely operate forklifts, JLG type man-lifts, scissor-lifts and similar equipment.

2.Assumes responsibility of organizing, planning and prioritizing rigging work

a.Familiar with supervisory personnel, job activity to be performed, hazard communication program, safety rules and regulations, and emergency action procedures.

b.Maintains contact with supervisor to receive instructions.

c.Aligns, levels, and anchors machinery; Attaches loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools. Attaches pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.

d.Controls movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chain falls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

e.Dismantles and stores rigging equipment after use.

f.Fabricates and sets up repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools. Manipulates rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.

g.Selects gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

h.Signals or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in order to ensure safety of workers and materials.

i.Tests rigging to ensure safety and reliability.

j.Tilts, dips, and turns suspended loads to maneuver over, under, and/or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

k.Installs ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and then to the lines.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Preferred one to two years related experience and/or training.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid driver's license. Must meet all CSE MVR criteria.

Other Qualifications Must be able to travel. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles and outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

CSE offers competitive wages, vacation/personal time, medical, dental, vision, and other competitive benefits, including a 401k plan.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are also essential to an effective appraisal system and related promotion, transfer, layoff, and termination decisions. Well-constructed job descriptions are an integral part of any effective compensation system.

All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.