How to Become a Rigger
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Rigger
What does a Rigger do?
A Rigger facilitates the movement and positioning of heavy equipment, materials and cargo. Sets up rigging, slings, pulleys, winches, dollies and ropes to safely maneuver loads. Being a Rigger coordinates moving activities with others using hand or other signals. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Additionally, Rigger may be required to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager.
Numerous sectors including entertainment, manufacturing, and the military sector have job positions known as “riggers” and people in these positions do very different things.
All of the senses of this word have their origins in the days of sail, when people responsible for setting and maintaining the sails were known as riggers, named for the rigging which was used to hold the sails up and control them.
In industry, a rigger is someone who moves heavy loads, or who deals with placement of heavy machines.
Riggers of this type can use equipment which might have been familiar to sailors centuries ago such as block and tackle haulers, in addition to cranes and other more sophisticated equipment.
The entertainment industry also has a place for riggers.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Rigger
Best tips for those who want to become a Rigger
Here are some tips to become a Rigger.
Become a full-blown Do-It-Yourselfer and actually invest in the right tools, materials and guided tutorials to handle all said tasks.
Safe Pass (valid and in date) or CSR (Northern Ireland).
Manual Handling (valid and in date).
Advanced Climbing and Rescue cert, (valid and in date).
Radio Frequency Awareness Training (valid and in date).
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Rigger
Best colleges and universities for Rigger
- High Point University
- Bradley University
- College of New Jersey
- St. Edward's University
- Florida Southern College
- Marist College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Rigger
Is being a Rigger Worth it?
IF you are moving from area to area, peddling your services as a Rigger-for-Hire, then maybe a Traveler Lifestyle instead.
Parachute RiggingRigger Seal Presses Rigger Hand Tools Rigger Supplies Raw Materials Manuals and Logbooks Rigger Tool Storage Education and Testing.
This is an excellent first rigger kit for any rigger-in-training, newly certificated rigger or the seasoned master rigger in need of an "on-the-go" kit.
The Pocket Rigger Kit comes complete with all the components listed and shown in the photos.
“In entertainment and theater, you can be a carpenter, a rigger or a lighting person.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Rigger
What skills do you need to be a Rigger?
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience to be A Rigger.
Most Riggers have 2 to 4 years work experience and 1 to 3 months job training.
We asked other Riggers if they could only have 5 skills, what would they be.
Being a skilled rigger means having skill sets well beyond basic rigging activities.
In fact, being a successful rigger means not only having these skills but being able to employ them simultaneously at times.
Step 6: View average salary for Rigger
How much does a Rigger make?
The average salary range for a Rigger is from $42,442 to $50,582. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Rigger jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Rigger jobs, and apply.
Looking for Rigger jobs?
Here are some Rigger jobs in the United States.