Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
Riggers
SOC: 49-9096 O*NET: 49-9096.00
Median Salary
$62,060
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.2%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
What does a Riggers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,930
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,940
25th percentile
Median
$62,060
50th percentile
Experienced
$79,340
75th percentile
Top Earners
$100,480
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,930
25th
$47,940
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$62,060
Mean: $66,600
75th
$79,340
90th
$100,480
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $61,550 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,940 and $79,340
- •Salary spread is 50.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 24,190 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:24,600
Top Industries
Construction29.5%
Specialty Trade Contractors24.2%
Manufacturing15.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.2%
Annual Openings:2,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)24,600
Current
2034 (Projected)25,400
+3.2%
+800
Employment Change
+3.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Riggers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
Texas
3,890 jobs$51,8901.79x
California
3,470 jobs$83,3201.22x
Louisiana
2,270 jobs$38,3707.56x
Virginia
2,030 jobs$62,1403.18x
Florida
1,130 jobs$49,7700.73x
Washington
900 jobs$75,7501.62x
New York
880 jobs$103,2300.59x
Nevada
590 jobs$77,9602.48x
Georgia
570 jobs$61,5600.75x
Utah
480 jobs$91,0701.77x
South Carolina
430 jobs$46,2801.21x
Oklahoma
420 jobs$45,2901.60x
Colorado
400 jobs$72,3600.87x
Maryland
380 jobs$91,7300.89x
Connecticut
360 jobs$63,2701.38x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Reading Comprehension
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Coordination
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Coordination
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels100%
5 shared skills
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals100%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Commercial Pilots82%
5 shared skills
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Active Listening
- →Speaking
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Riggers
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Management & Supervision (1)General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)
1
Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision100% perform100%
2
Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Align, level, and anchor machinery.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on management & supervision activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Riggers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Riggers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Riggers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.54
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.53
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.07
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.00
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.94
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.93
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.5
Attention to Detail
4.5
Cooperation
4.1
Integrity
4.0
Initiative
3.9
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.9
Self-Control
3.9
Concern for Others
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.8
Persistence
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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