Position
Salary

How much does a Rigger make?

The average salary for a Rigger is $54,560 per year in the US.

A Rigger plays a key role in many industries. They handle the setup and movement of heavy equipment and materials. Their work is essential for construction, film production, and transportation. If you're considering this job, understanding the salary can help you plan your career. On average, a Rigger earns about $54,560 a year. This salary can change based on experience and location.

The salary for Riggers varies with their experience and skills. The bottom 10% of Riggers earn less than $32,500 a year. Most earn between $37,727 and $74,318. The top 10% of Riggers can make more than $84,773 a year. Those with more experience and specialized skills often earn more. Riggers who work in busy cities or on large projects can also expect higher pay.

Some areas pay Riggers more than others. States with heavy industries like construction or film production tend to have higher salaries. For example, a Rigger in California or New York might earn more than one in a smaller state. Experience, skills, and location all play a role in how much a Rigger can earn.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Rigger?

If a rigger seeks a top-paying job, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California offer the highest salaries. An average rigger in Los Angeles earns around $74,356 a year, while in San Francisco, the average is close at $73,528. Fort Collins, Colorado, ranks third with an average of $70,945, showing that western cities lead in offering higher wages. Other cities like Las Vegas, Seattle, and Odessa, Texas, also provide competitive salaries for riggers, with averages ranging from $70,832 to $67,122. Even smaller cities such as Corpus Christi and Beaumont, Texas, along with Philadelphia and Portland, offer attractive wages. These cities present good opportunities for those looking to maximize their earnings in the rigging field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Rigger jobs, highlighting Los Angeles, CA with the highest at $74,356 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $58,667.
  1. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $74,356
    Working in construction in Los Angeles offers opportunities with some of the nation's largest companies. Many riggers find work with firms like AECOM and Bechtel Corporation. The city's diverse projects mean you’ll have varied and interesting tasks.
    Find Rigger jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  2. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $73,528
    In San Francisco, riggers enjoy a mix of commercial and residential projects. Working with companies such as Clark Construction Group and Swinerton can provide a dynamic work environment. The city's commitment to infrastructure keeps jobs steady.
    Find Rigger jobs in San Francisco, CA


  3. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $70,945
    Fort Collins provides a smaller, tight-knit community atmosphere for riggers. Companies like DPR Construction and Kiewit offer stable employment. The outdoor environment adds to the appeal for those who enjoy working in nature.
    Find Rigger jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  4. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $70,832
    Las Vegas offers an exciting work environment with large-scale projects like casinos and resorts. Working with firms such as Swinerton and Clark Construction can provide a fast-paced and rewarding experience. The city's growth means continuous opportunities.
    Find Rigger jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  5. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $68,292
    Seattle's maritime and technology industries provide unique opportunities for riggers. Companies like Seattle Construction and Washington Marine Group offer diverse projects. The city's progressive environment supports innovation in construction.
    Find Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Odessa, TX
    Average Salary: $67,122
    Odessa provides a more laid-back setting for riggers. Local firms like Superior Rigging and E.L. Smith offer steady work. The city's smaller size means close-knit work communities and personal growth opportunities.
    Find Rigger jobs in Odessa, TX


  7. Corpus Christi, TX
    Average Salary: $66,339
    Corpus Christi offers a mix of maritime and land-based projects. Working with local companies like J. Ray McDermott and McDermott International provides diverse experience. The city's warm climate and friendly community add to the positive work environment.
    Find Rigger jobs in Corpus Christi, TX


  8. Philadelphia, PA
    Average Salary: $59,647
    Philadelphia's historic charm and bustling city life provide a unique backdrop for riggers. Companies like A. Duda & Sons and J.F. Shea offer a variety of projects. The city's rich history means working on diverse and interesting sites.
    Find Rigger jobs in Philadelphia, PA


  9. Beaumont, TX
    Average Salary: $59,473
    Beaumont offers a mix of industrial and commercial projects. Working with firms like B&B Rigging and Crosby Marine provides steady employment. The city's smaller size ensures a more personal and supportive work environment.
    Find Rigger jobs in Beaumont, TX


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $58,667
    Portland's eco-friendly initiatives provide exciting opportunities for riggers. Companies like Hoffman Construction and Skanska offer innovative projects. The city's vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability make it an appealing place to work.
    Find Rigger jobs in Portland, OR

What are the best companies a Rigger can work for?

Riggers can find some of the highest paying jobs with companies like PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC and MasTec Industrial. The former offers an average salary of $73,462, while the latter provides $73,421. BAE Systems USA also stands out, with a competitive average salary of $72,416. General Dynamics Electric Boat, Vigor, LLC, and Sterling Crane offer attractive compensation packages for riggers. These companies pay around $68,698, $67,007, and $66,329 respectively. SAFE HARBOR MARINAS, Encore Global, and TIC - The Industrial Company follow closely behind, each providing average salaries ranging from $63,154 to $60,457. Omega Morgan rounds out the list, offering $59,556 on average.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Rigger jobs, highlighting PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC with the highest at $73,462 and Omega Morgan with the lowest at $59,556.
  1. PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC
    Average Salary: $73,462
    PHOENIX INDUSTRIAL INC offers well-paying Rigger jobs with competitive salaries. They operate in various locations across the United States. Rigger roles involve setting up and operating machinery and equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency in construction and industrial settings.


  2. MasTec Industrial
    Average Salary: $73,421
    MasTec Industrial provides excellent opportunities for Riggers with an average salary of $73,421. This company operates across multiple states, offering diverse projects. Riggers at MasTec Industrial are responsible for rigging and lifting heavy materials, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.


  3. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $72,416
    BAE Systems USA pays Riggers an average of $72,416. With operations in many key areas, this company offers dynamic roles. Riggers here handle complex machinery and equipment, playing a crucial role in project completion.


  4. General Dynamics Electric Boat
    Average Salary: $68,698
    General Dynamics Electric Boat offers Rigger jobs with an average salary of $68,698. They have facilities in several states. Riggers at this company work on naval vessels, ensuring that all rigging operations are safe and efficient.


  5. Vigor, LLC
    Average Salary: $67,007
    Vigor, LLC provides Rigger positions with an average salary of $67,007. Operating in various locations, this company offers stable and well-paying jobs. Riggers here assist in ship repair and construction, ensuring precision and safety.


  6. Sterling Crane
    Average Salary: $66,329
    Sterling Crane offers Rigger roles with an average salary of $66,329. They have multiple locations across the country. Riggers are responsible for setting up and operating cranes and other heavy machinery, adhering to safety guidelines.


  7. SAFE HARBOR MARINAS
    Average Salary: $63,154
    SAFE HARBOR MARINAS provides Rigger jobs with an average salary of $63,154. With operations in key maritime areas, this company offers diverse opportunities. Riggers assist in the maintenance and repair of vessels, ensuring smooth operations.


  8. Encore Global
    Average Salary: $61,517
    Encore Global offers Rigger positions with an average salary of $61,517. They operate in several states, providing various projects. Riggers here are tasked with setting up and operating rigging equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency.


  9. TIC - The Industrial Company
    Average Salary: $60,457
    TIC - The Industrial Company offers Rigger jobs with an average salary of $60,457. They have locations in multiple states. Riggers at TIC handle the setup and operation of industrial machinery, ensuring projects run smoothly.


  10. Omega Morgan
    Average Salary: $59,556
    Omega Morgan provides Rigger roles with an average salary of $59,556. They operate in various locations, offering a range of projects. Riggers here assist in the rigging of equipment and materials, ensuring all operations are safe and efficient.

How to earn more as a Rigger?

To earn more as a rigger, focusing on skill development and safety can make a big difference. Skilled riggers understand the specific tools and techniques that increase efficiency and safety on the job site. They often complete additional training programs and earn certifications that set them apart in the industry.

Networking and maintaining a strong reputation can also lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Riggers who build good relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and other professionals in the industry are often the first to hear about new job openings. Positive reviews and a strong safety record can also open doors to higher-paying roles. Employers value riggers who are reliable, hardworking, and committed to their job.

Consider these key factors to enhance earnings as a rigger:

  • Seek out and complete specialized training programs
  • Earn industry-recognized certifications
  • Build and maintain strong professional relationships
  • Gain a solid safety record and positive reviews
  • Stay updated on industry trends and new techniques

Currently 320 Rigger job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Rigger in the US?

Learn what a Rigger does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Rigger today.
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Rigger
320 Job Openings