What is the salary of a Rigger?

The typical salary range is $43,442 - $86,884 per year.

Tech & EngineeringStable

Rigger

Operational-level

Also known as: Acrobatic Rigger, Boat Rigger, Certified Rigger, Crane Rigger

Tech & EngineeringBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.

RiggingIndustrial OperationsHeavy Equipment OperationsMaritime OperationsEntertainment ProductionEngineeringConstructionSafety ManagementTechnicalAutomotive

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,700

per year (US)

Jobs today

22,500

in 2025 → 23,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

High

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Ouvrier de la construction
Manœuvre
Apprenti gréeur

Rigger

Where it can lead

Chef gréeur
Superviseur de gréement
Directeur de chantier

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely automate many repetitive and foundational rigging tasks, such as initial skinning, weight painting, and basic control setup, significantly accelerating the workflow. This shift will elevate the rigger's role to focus more on refining AI-generated rigs, troubleshooting complex technical challenges, and developing highly specialized, custom solutions that demand nuanced artistic and technical expertise.

Salary

$62,640

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position