Rigger Salary 2025: Median $62,640, Job Growth 3.2%
Riggers earned a median salary of $62,640 in 2024, with the top 10% pulling in over $97,850. The bottom 10% made around $40,680. Mean hourly pay is about $30. These are Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for the 22,530 riggers employed nationally.
How much Riggers earn
The median annual wage for riggers is $62,640, but pay varies widely. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $40,680, while the highest-paid 10% exceed $97,850. The mean hourly wage is $30.12.
Pay is largely driven by industry and location. Union riggers in construction or oil and gas tend to earn more than those in manufacturing or entertainment.
Pay by state
New York is the top-paying state for riggers at $105,600 mean annual salary, followed by Oregon ($94,470), Utah ($93,640), Maryland ($91,420), and Minnesota ($87,120). These states typically have high union density or heavy industrial activity.
On the lower end, Louisiana averages $43,660, Kansas $41,060, and New Mexico $37,440. Cost of living adjustments partly explain the spread, but the gap between top and bottom states is over $68,000.
How to become a Rigger
Most riggers learn on the job through apprenticeships or vocational training. A high school diploma is typically required, followed by 2–4 years of paid on-the-job experience. Some attend trade schools for rigging or crane operation courses.
Certification is often preferred or required. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) offers a Rigger Level I or II exam. OSHA 30-hour construction safety training is also common. Many employers require a valid driver's license and ability to pass a drug test.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Apprenticeship or 2–4 years on-the-job training
- Optional: NCCCO rigger certification
- OSHA safety training recommended
- Physical fitness and comfort working at heights
Job outlook
Employment of riggers is projected to grow 3.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,500 openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field.
Demand is tied to construction, shipbuilding, and oil and gas exploration. Infrastructure projects and renewable energy (wind turbine installation) are expected to boost hiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for riggers?
New York pays the highest mean salary for riggers at $105,600 per year, according to BLS data.
Do riggers need a license or certification?
While not always required, many employers prefer NCCCO Rigger certification. Some states or jobsites may require OSHA training or a crane operator license if you work with cranes.
Is rigger a dangerous job?
It can be; riggers work with heavy loads, heights, and moving equipment. The BLS reports higher-than-average injury rates, but safety training and adherence to OSHA standards reduce risk.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Riggers data.