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Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary in the United States

How much does an Industrial Equipment Rigger III make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Industrial Equipment Rigger III in the United States is $71,330 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, an Industrial Equipment Rigger III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,034
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,970 to $79,550
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,180

Key Factors That Influence Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salaries

An Industrial Equipment Rigger III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Industrial Equipment Rigger IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $78,980.
  • California: $78,680.
  • Massachusetts: $77,630.

Top Paying Cities for Industrial Equipment Rigger IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $89,970
  • San Francisco: $88,980
  • Oakland: $87,110

What Skills Can Increase an Industrial Equipment Rigger III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 4.8% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Pneumatics (Mentioned in 6.21% Job Postings): Pneumatics (pronounced new-MATT-ix) is an aspect of physics and engineering that is concerned with using the energy in compressed gas to make something move or work.
  • Housekeeping (Mentioned in 1.32% Job Postings): Housekeeping department is keeping the venue clean and sanitary as part of customer service. Cleaners vacuum rugs and furniture in hallways, rooms and public areas. They collect trash and empty wastebaskets, change the sheets and make the beds.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 4.8%
Pneumatics 6.21%
Housekeeping 1.32%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Industrial Equipment Rigger III's salary.

  • Interpersonal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 58%.
  • Oral Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Decision Making: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Interpersonal Communication $112,701
58%
Oral Communication $82,743
16%
Decision Making $81,316
14%

Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Industrial Equipment Rigger III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $79,694. While startup companies pay approximate $67,455.

Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $67,455
Growth Stage 51~500 $71,323
Established 501~5000 $76,966
Enterprise 5000+ $79,694

Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Industrial Equipment Rigger III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Industrial Equipment Rigger positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Industrial Equipment Rigger III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Industrial Equipment Rigger III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$99,862$48.040%
Energy & Utilities$92,729$45.030%
Biotechnology$85,596$41.020%
Chemicals$78,463$38.010%
Healthcare$74,896$36.05%

Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Industrial Equipment Rigger III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$64,970
Average $71,330/year
$79,550
$5,414
Average $5,944/month
$6,629
$1,249
Average $1,372/week
$1,530
$31
Average $34/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,550 $6,629 $1,530 $38
Average $71,330 $5,944 $1,372 $34
25th Percentile $64,970 $5,414 $1,249 $31

Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Industrial Equipment Rigger III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Industrial Equipment Rigger III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technician IV $79,300 11%
Plant Preventive Maintenance Supervisor $114,400 60%

Most common benefits for Industrial Equipment Rigger III

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Industrial Equipment Rigger III

Here are companies hiring for Industrial Equipment Rigger III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Industrial Equipment Rigger III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Industrial Equipment Rigger III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Industrial Equipment Rigger III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 riggers?

Level 1 riggers, earning a minimum salary of $66,260, are trained in basic rigging techniques and work under close supervision. In contrast, Level 2 riggers, with a mid-salary of $75,260, have more autonomy and can handle complex tasks with less oversight, reflecting their advanced skills and responsibilities in the field.

3. How much do oil riggers make in the US?

Oil riggers in the US typically earn between $66,260 and $85,090 annually, with a median salary of $75,260. Entry-level positions may start around the lower end, while more experienced riggers can approach the higher end of this range. Senior roles can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the importance of experience in this field.

4. Are riggers well paid?

Riggers are generally well paid, with salaries ranging from £66,260 to £85,090 annually. The average salary is around £75,260, indicating that even entry-level positions offer competitive compensation. This reflects the demand for skilled riggers in the industrial equipment sector, making it a lucrative career choice.

5. How much does a rigger job pay in USA?

In the USA, the salary for an Industrial Equipment Rigger ranges from a minimum of $66,260 to a maximum of $85,090, with a median salary of $75,260. This reflects the competitive pay in the industry, ensuring that skilled riggers are well-compensated for their expertise and experience.

6. What is the highest paid job on an oil rig?

The highest-paid job on an oil rig is typically the Chief Operating Officer (COO), with an average salary of around $832,181. Other high-paying roles include the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at $439,441 and Drilling Manager at $143,953. For specialized positions like Industrial Equipment Rigger, salaries range from $66,260 to $85,090, with a mid-salary of $75,260.

7. How much does a Level 3 rigger make?

A Level 3 Rigger typically earns between $66,260 and $85,090 annually, with a mid-range salary of approximately $75,260. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the role.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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