Riggers
Riggers set up, maintain, and repair rigging systems—the cables, ropes, chains, and pulleys that support and move heavy loads. They work in construction, manufacturing, logging, shipyards, and entertainment venues, ensuring that equipment is properly installed and safe for operation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against riggers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A rigger's week involves inspecting cables and rigging equipment for wear or damage, calculating load capacities, and installing or adjusting systems to specifications. Work includes climbing structures, working at heights, using hand tools and power tools, and coordinating with crane operators and other crew members. Tasks vary based on setting: construction sites may require temporary rigging setups, while shipyards involve more permanent installations.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy hands-on problem-solving and prefer structured, rule-based work environments. You're detail-oriented about safety and specifications, comfortable working with mechanical systems and following established procedures, and suited to the physical demands of the job.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Historic Ship Rigger (Seasonal) · National Park Service · San Francisco, California · $39.52–$46.03
- RIGGER LEADER · Naval Supply Systems Command · Pearl Harbor, Hawaii · $42.32–$49.37
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $76,440 | $105,600 | $123,210 | 650 |
| Oregon | $66,130 | $94,470 | $127,020 | 290 |
| Utah | $83,560 | $93,640 | $97,850 | 490 |
| Maryland | $65,100 | $91,420 | $95,540 | 230 |
| Minnesota | $68,790 | $87,120 | $100,960 | 190 |
| California | $67,180 | $85,730 | $102,050 | 2,260 |
| Hawaii | $71,240 | $84,410 | $90,830 | 170 |
| New Jersey | $58,560 | $82,130 | $103,880 | 200 |
| Illinois | $68,210 | $81,860 | $83,290 | 120 |
| Nevada | $70,350 | $81,720 | $87,360 | 860 |
| North Dakota | $74,830 | $77,890 | $169,480 | 140 |
| Washington | $64,000 | $77,100 | $95,560 | 910 |
All 43 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 1 (CSPR-1) — National Elevator Industry Educational Program
- Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 2 (CSPR-2) — National Elevator Industry Educational Program
- Rigger and Signal Person Certification — National Center for Construction Education and Research
- Rigging Equipment Inspector — Crane Institute of America
- Rigger and Signaler — Carpenters International Certification Council
- Advanced Rigger — National Center for Construction Education and Research
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against riggers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-9096.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.