Rigger Salary in 2026
How Much Do Riggers Make?
Riggers earn a median annual salary of $62,060 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $38,930 at the 10th percentile to $100,480 at the 90th percentile — a range of $61,550. The highest-paying state is New York at $103,230.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,930 |
| 25th percentile | $47,940 |
| Median (50th) | $62,060 |
| 75th percentile | $79,340 |
| 90th percentile | $100,480 |
Rigger Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| 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 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Riggers
Rigger Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$38,930 – $47,940 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$62,060 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$79,340 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $100,480+ |
How to Earn More as a Rigger
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Riggers in New York earn $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. Reaching the 75th percentile ($79,340) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Rigger Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Riggerthis career | $62,060 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Worker | $62,700 |
| Helpers--Electrician | $39,890 |
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SOC: 49-9096.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.