How to Become a Rigger in 2026
Median salary: $62,060 · +3.2% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Rigger do?
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
Rigger Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Riggers is $62,060. The bottom 10% earn around $38,930 while the top 10% earn over $100,480.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $38,930 |
| Early career (P25) | $47,940 |
| Median | $62,060 |
| Experienced (P75) | $79,340 |
| Top earners (P90) | $100,480 |
Highest-paying metros
Rigger salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Yorktop | $103,230 |
| Maryland | $91,730 |
| Utah | $91,070 |
| Oregon | $89,770 |
| California | $83,320 |
| Idaho | $82,250 |
| Hawaii | $80,180 |
| Nevada | $77,960 |
| North Dakota | $76,980 |
| Washington | $75,750 |
| Missouri | $75,480 |
| Massachusetts | $74,560 |
| Colorado | $72,360 |
| South Dakota | $72,330 |
| Minnesota | $68,840 |
| New Mexico | $67,910 |
| Wisconsin | $67,500 |
| Illinois | $67,420 |
| Maine | $63,340 |
| Connecticut | $63,270 |
| West Virginia | $62,730 |
| Virginia | $62,140 |
| Iowa | $61,880 |
| Mississippi | $61,860 |
| Georgia | $61,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,410 |
| New Jersey | $60,050 |
| Kentucky | $59,740 |
| Nebraska | $59,530 |
| Michigan | $59,370 |
| North Carolina | $55,650 |
| Texas | $51,890 |
| Arizona | $50,340 |
| Tennessee | $50,280 |
| Florida | $49,770 |
| Wyoming | $48,880 |
| Ohio | $47,590 |
| Indiana | $47,580 |
| South Carolina | $46,280 |
| Arkansas | $46,140 |
| Oklahoma | $45,290 |
| Kansas | $43,770 |
| Alabama | $41,550 |
| Louisiana | $38,370 |
How to earn more as a Rigger
The salary range for Riggers spans $61,550 — from $38,930 at entry level to $100,480 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is New York at $103,230 — $41,170 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (moderate-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (EPA Section 608, ASE certifications, manufacturer-specific training)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Start with a vocational program or community college certificate in your specialization. Many manufacturers (like HVAC companies, automotive brands) offer their own certification programs, some of which are free or employer-sponsored. The EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone handling refrigerants. Apprenticeships through IBEW (electrical) or UA (plumbing/pipefitting) provide paid training.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (EPA Section 608, ASE certifications, manufacturer-specific training)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
If you've worked with your hands, operated equipment, or have any technical background, you're ahead of most applicants. Many skills transfer directly: diagnostic thinking from any troubleshooting role, tool familiarity from any trade, and safety awareness from any industrial setting. Companies are struggling to fill these positions and are often willing to train motivated career changers. Consider contacting local HVAC, electrical, or plumbing companies directly — many prefer to train their own staff.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Rigger — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Rigger role has a moderate AI exposure score. Some tasks may be augmented by AI tools, but the core role remains human-driven.
See full AI risk breakdownRelated careers to consider
Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Rigger.
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SOC: 49-9096.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034