How much does a Rigger make?
Riggers play a key role in many industries. They earn a decent wage for their work. On average, a Rigger makes about $54,166 each year. This means they earn a solid income for their skills.
Here are some details about Rigger salaries:
- The lowest 10% of Riggers earn around $33,000 a year.
- The next 25% earn between $33,000 and $48,545 a year.
- The middle 50% earn between $48,545 and $69,273 a year.
- The next 10% earn between $69,273 and $79,636 a year.
- The top 10% earn over $79,636 a year.
These numbers show that with experience and skill, a Rigger can earn a good salary. If you're interested in this career, knowing these figures can help you plan your job path.
What are the highest paying cities for a Rigger?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $79,252
In Los Angeles, riggers find ample opportunities in the entertainment and construction sectors. Prominent companies like Warner Bros. and various construction firms require skilled riggers for film sets and building projects.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $71,940
San Francisco offers exciting opportunities for riggers. With companies like Google and Apple needing skilled professionals, riggers can find work in tech and infrastructure projects. The city’s vibrant economy supports steady demand for rigging expertise.
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Las Vegas, NV
Average Salary: $69,668
Las Vegas presents a dynamic environment for riggers. The city’s ongoing construction of hotels and casinos creates consistent work. Companies like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment rely on skilled riggers to manage their projects.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $69,509
Fort Collins offers a mix of agricultural and tech opportunities for riggers. Companies like Bell Flight and various agricultural businesses need riggers to handle equipment. The city’s growing tech sector also provides jobs.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $68,292
Seattle is a hub for riggers, with a strong presence in the maritime and tech industries. Companies such as Boeing and Amazon require riggers for their vast projects. The city’s economy offers stable and diverse job opportunities.
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Odessa, TX
Average Salary: $67,611
Odessa provides steady employment for riggers in the oil and gas sector. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron need skilled riggers to manage heavy equipment. The area’s industrial growth supports consistent job availability.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $61,672
Corpus Christi offers numerous opportunities for riggers in the maritime and industrial sectors. Companies like Nucor Steel and various shipping firms need riggers for their operations. The city’s economy thrives on these industries.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $59,342
Philadelphia provides diverse opportunities for riggers in manufacturing and construction. Companies like Comcast and various construction firms need riggers to manage equipment. The city’s industrial base supports steady job opportunities.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $59,281
Portland offers a blend of environmental and tech opportunities for riggers. Companies like Nike and various green construction firms require riggers for their projects. The city’s unique economy supports a variety of job opportunities.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $58,387
San Diego provides riggers with opportunities in both the military and tech sectors. Companies like General Atomics and various military bases need riggers for their operations. The city’s economy offers diverse and stable job prospects.
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What are the best companies a Rigger can work for?

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PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC
Average Salary: $73,750
PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC offers a wide range of Rigger job opportunities across the U.S. Workers are responsible for setting up and maintaining rigging equipment, ensuring safety compliance, and providing support in construction projects. The company operates in locations such as Houston, Texas, and Anchorage, Alaska.
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MasTec Industrial
Average Salary: $72,842
MasTec Industrial provides diverse Rigger jobs across North America. These roles involve setting up and operating rigging equipment, maintaining safety standards, and assisting in various construction projects. The company works in areas including Florida, New York, and California.
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BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $71,661
BAE Systems USA offers several Rigger positions focusing on military and defense projects. Employees are tasked with setting up rigging equipment, ensuring safety protocols, and supporting large-scale projects. Locations include Virginia, Maryland, and California.
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Kinsley Construction
Average Salary: $67,318
Kinsley Construction provides Rigger jobs in various states, focusing on construction and infrastructure projects. Employees handle rigging equipment setup and maintenance, ensuring project safety. The company operates in Florida, Georgia, and California.
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Vigor, LLC
Average Salary: $66,011
Vigor, LLC offers Rigger positions in marine and industrial sectors. Workers focus on setting up and maintaining rigging equipment, ensuring safety and compliance. Locations include Oregon, Washington, and Florida.
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Sterling Crane
Average Salary: $65,306
Sterling Crane provides Rigger jobs in various industrial and construction projects. Employees are responsible for rigging equipment setup and maintenance, ensuring safety. The company operates in locations including Texas, Florida, and California.
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Austin Industrial
Average Salary: $63,061
Austin Industrial offers Rigger positions focusing on construction and industrial projects. Workers handle the setup and operation of rigging equipment, ensuring safety compliance. The company operates in Texas and Florida.
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Encore Global
Average Salary: $61,330
Encore Global provides Rigger jobs in industrial and defense sectors. Workers are responsible for setting up and maintaining rigging equipment, ensuring safety and compliance. Locations include California, Virginia, and Texas.
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TIC - The Industrial Company
Average Salary: $60,457
TIC - The Industrial Company offers Rigger positions in various industrial projects. Employees focus on setting up and operating rigging equipment, ensuring safety. The company operates in Texas, Florida, and California.
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Hardhat Workforce Solutions
Average Salary: $60,160
Hardhat Workforce Solutions provides Rigger jobs across multiple sectors. Workers are responsible for setting up and maintaining rigging equipment, ensuring safety. Locations include Texas, Florida, and California.
How to earn more as a Rigger?
In the field of rigging, earning potential can vary. Riggers who aim to increase their earnings should focus on several key factors. By honing these skills and gaining experience, riggers can enhance their value and salary. Attention to these areas will open up higher-paying opportunities and career advancement.
First, gaining certifications can make a significant difference. Many employers prefer or require certifications from recognized organizations. Certifications demonstrate a rigger's knowledge and skill, making them more valuable. For instance, certifications from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) or the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) are highly respected.
Second, specializing in a particular area can lead to higher pay. Some riggers focus on specific types of equipment or industries, such as oil and gas, construction, or entertainment. Specializing can make a rigger more in-demand and eligible for higher-paying jobs. It also allows riggers to become experts in their chosen field, increasing their effectiveness and efficiency.
Third, gaining experience and building a strong portfolio can help riggers earn more. Experienced riggers are more confident and skilled, which employers notice. A portfolio that showcases successful projects and skills can set a rigger apart from the competition. It also demonstrates a track record of reliability and competence.
Fourth, networking and building relationships can lead to higher-paying jobs. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other riggers and employers can open up new opportunities. Strong relationships can lead to job referrals and recommendations, which can be key to finding better-paying positions.
Lastly, continuing education and staying updated with the latest techniques and safety protocols can also boost a rigger’s earnings. The field of rigging is always evolving, with new technologies and safety standards emerging. Riggers who stay informed and skilled can command higher salaries and take on more complex projects. It shows a commitment to excellence and safety, which employers value.
By focusing on these factors, riggers can increase their earning potential and find better job opportunities. Honing skills, gaining certifications, and staying updated with industry trends will make a rigger more competitive and valuable in the job market.



