Riggers set up and maintain the equipment, cables, and rigging systems that move and support heavy loads on job sites. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Riggers inspect equipment, structures, and materials to ensure they are safe and ready for use. You handle and move heavy objects using rigging systems, cables, and pulleys. You perform physical work in various conditions, often communicating with supervisors and team members to coordinate lifts and movements. You identify potential hazards and problems before they become dangerous. Your work requires knowledge of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and production processes. Attention to detail keeps everyone on the job site safe.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Riggers earn a median of $62,640 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 2,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most riggers start with a high school diploma or equivalent. From there, you enter on-the-job training where you learn rigging techniques, equipment operation, and safety standards under experienced workers. Some positions may require formal apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with paid hands-on experience. You will develop skills in monitoring equipment, critical thinking about load calculations, and active listening to supervisor instructions. The preparation level is moderate, meaning you can move into this role relatively quickly while building expertise over time.
Most riggers come up through apprenticeships or direct entry with on-the-job training. The path depends on your local job market and whether you prefer structured classroom time alongside work. Use Pathly can map the rigger path that fits you to map out your next steps, and keep your school counselor or a career advisor in the loop as you explore.
You do not need a license to work as a rigger, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are drawn to hands-on, practical work. You like solving real problems with tools and systems. You work well with others and take safety seriously.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).