Riggers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Riggers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Riggers earn a median salary of $62,060 per year, ranking in the top 44% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +3.2% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do riggers earn?

The median annual wage for riggers is $62,060. That puts riggers at #357 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is riggers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for riggers is +3.2%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 24K positions in 2024 to 25K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do riggers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working riggers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
2. 2.Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
3. 3.Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams, ceilings, and gin pole booms, using bolts and clamps.
4. 4.Fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.
5. 5.Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
6. 6.Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
7. 7.Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
8. 8.Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

Top skills for riggers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become rigger?

Riggers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
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• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
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• Signal and Track Switch Repairers
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• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
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• Avionics Technicians
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• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
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Common questions parents ask about riggers