Riggers

At a Glance

Use ropes and pulleys to move large or heavy items
Often work for oil and gas companies
Work both indoors and outdoors
Sometimes wear safety gear, such as hard hats and gloves
Most train on the job

Career summary

Riggers use ropes, pulleys, and other gear to move large or heavy items.

#No alternate titles CJ

When pulleys, ropes, and other gear are set up properly, riggers can lift heavy items without using much force.

Riggers examine loads to determine what type of gear to use. In some buildings, riggers attach pulleys to overhead beams.

Riggers assemble and install the rigging, hoists, and pulling gear. They attach pulleys to overhead beams and thread ropes through them. They may create slings to move items. They test the rigging to make sure it is set up correctly and is safe. They attach the load to the rigging and lift the load a small amount so it can be leveled.

Riggers give commands or signals to the workers who lift the loads. They tell workers how quickly to move loads and the direction loads should go.

Riggers take apart and store the rigging equipment after items are moved. They repair items that are worn or broken.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Cargo Specialists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to riggers.

Decide which cables, pulleys, winches, and other gear to use. Base decisions on load weight and size.
Assemble and install rigging, hoists, and pulling gear.
Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, such as beams.
Create and repair rigging items, such as slings, tackle, and ladders.
Test rigging to make sure it is secure and safe.
Attach loads to rigging.
Align and level loads being lifted.
Signal or talk to workers to direct them when they move loads.
Control movements of heavy equipment through narrow openings.
Take apart, maintain, and store rigging equipment.

Common work activities

Riggers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Get information needed to do the job
Make decisions and solve problems
Identify objects, actions, and events
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Handle and move objects
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Control machines and processes

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, riggers:

Interpersonal relationships

Are responsible for the health and safety of their coworkers.
Have a medium to high level of social contact. They often direct other workers over the phone or face-to-face.
Are responsible for the work done by the workers they supervise.
Sometimes are placed in conflict situations in which others may be angry or rude.
Usually work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

Work both indoors and outdoors while moving loads.
Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
Are regularly exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures while working outside.
Are often exposed to hazardous equipment.
Are often exposed to contaminants and hazardous situations.
May work in cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
Are sometimes exposed to high places while building rigging or guiding loads.
Sometimes wear safety attire, such as hardhats and work gloves.
Must sometimes work in extremely bright or dim lighting.
Often work physically near others, such as within a few feet.

Work performance

Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could result in damage to the loads they move or injuries to coworkers.
Regularly make decisions that affect others, including coworkers and their company's reputation.
Repeat the same physical activities.
Set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
Work in a somewhat stressful environment in which weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

Usually work 40 hours per week.
May work weekends or nights to meet deadlines.

Physical demands

Riggers frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Stand for long periods of time.
Bend or twist their body.
Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for riggers to be able to:

Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Determine the distance between objects.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for riggers to be able to:

Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
Move arms and legs quickly.
See objects in very bright or glaring light.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
See objects in very low light.

Skills and abilities

Riggers need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Manage the time of self and others.
Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

Operate and control equipment.
Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a rigger, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required beyond high school.

On-the-job training

Riggers learn their skills on the job from an experienced rigger. During training, you start with simple tasks, such as setting up equipment and hoisting loads. As you get more experience, you learn to design systems for hoisting loads. Training generally lasts up to one year.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to work as cargo specialists. Training lasts two to six weeks. Further training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

Riggers in government shipyards learn their skills on the job or through a four-year apprenticeship. Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent equivalent, and pass a physical examination. Employers look for team oriented employees who are eager to learn and are dependable.

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program (external link)
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#4/16/08 lh. Checked 4/2/09 & 4/30/13, 3/30/15 cj. Didn't see any current listings so left description as is; contact info still same, 1/23/17, 3/18/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Physics as one of your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Physical Education
Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require riggers to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers require work experience in construction or other related areas.

Employers look for applicants who are physically able to do the job.

Costs to workers

Many riggers belong to a union and must pay an initiation fee and dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Riggers

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Riggers (SOC 49-9096)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$18.56	$23.08	$27.24	$33.23	$36.61
	Monthly	$3,216	$4,000	$4,721	$5,759	$6,345
	Yearly	$38,610	$48,020	$56,670	$69,120	$76,160
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$22.21	$24.32	$27.89	$33.70	$37.08
	Monthly	$3,849	$4,215	$4,833	$5,840	$6,426
	Yearly	$46,207	$50,590	$58,009	$70,095	$77,132
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$24.14	$27.71	$32.31	$36.33	$38.88
	Monthly	$4,183	$4,802	$5,599	$6,296	$6,738
	Yearly	$50,204	$57,646	$67,203	$75,569	$80,861
Vancouver	Hourly	$21.11	$26.16	$33.93	$47.19	$49.83
	Monthly	$3,658	$4,534	$5,880	$8,178	$8,636
	Yearly	$43,898	$54,426	$70,575	$98,154	$103,653
United States	Hourly	$14.42	$17.99	$24.22	$29.72	$36.50
	Monthly	$2,499	$3,118	$4,197	$5,150	$6,325
	Yearly	$29,990	$37,420	$50,370	$61,810	$75,930

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The rigger's level of skill, experience, and responsibility also affect wages. In general, riggers who belong to a union earn higher wages.

Riggers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.