What Are the Duties of a Rigger?

"Rigger" is one of those terms that crops up in multiple, not really related professions, ranging from construction to sailing. In construction, a rigger is an expert in tying up, balancing, manipulating and moving heavy loads. A given rigging job in the construction industry may require completely different expertise and training than another does.

The Rigger Job Description

If, say, a construction job needs a crane to move heavy concrete pipes from one side of the lot to the other, it's not a simple operation. Done wrong, the pipes could slip free, or the crane could overbalance. A rigger has the expertise to see the operation goes smoothly.

  • The rigger knows how to attach cables or ropes to the load. That includes knowing the right hitches to tie, and the load they can support safely.
  • Riggers can recognize any hazards associated with a lifting and moving job.
  • A rigger can figure out where the center of gravity has to be on a load to keep everything stable.
  • They can signal to communicate their meaning to other members of the crew.
  • Riggers can use different types of rigging equipment such as slings, shackles, chokers and winches.
  • They can move heavy equipment through confined spaces safely.
  • A rigger can tilt, dip or turn suspended loads to avoid obstacles or hazards such as overhead power lines.
  • Riggers dismantle, clean and store rigging equipment after use.
  • A rigger must comply with all regulations and safety requirements.

What Rigger Employment Requires

Many riggers don't start out specializing in rigging work. Instead their initial skilled trade may be as an electrician, carpenter, millwright, mechanic, laborer, mason or longshoreman, among other jobs. Employers may be open to hiring a novice rigger who can learn the job under an experienced mentor, provided the rookie meets some basics:

  • Has a high school diploma or GED.
  • Is physically able to stand for half the day, lift up to 50 pounds, go up and down ladders and to function for hours outdoors under the hot sun.
  • Is able to learn the use of rigging tools and read plans.
  • Is able to drive lifting equipment.
  • Is skilled with power tools.

A given employer may have different requirements.

OSHA Qualified Riggers

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the rigger in charge of work such as hooking, unhooking or guiding a load must meet OSHA's qualifications. That includes either certification or experience to manage and solve problems with rigging loads.

While some OSHA job standards are precise and detailed, rigging is an exception. There's such a variety of loads and challenges, OSHA says that "qualified" depends on the job; a rigger who's qualified or even certified for tandem lifts, say, may not be qualified for multiple lifts or to use custom rigging equipment.

Licenses and Certification

If a given rigging job involves driving a forklift, a tri-lifter or other equipment, the rigger will need a license to drive what OSHA calls a "powered industrial truck." They must also be properly trained in operating it. The employer can provide training, as do many manufacturers, consultants and vocational schools.

A rigger can also study to become certified. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), for instance, offers certification training and testing for anyone interested in proving their skill at crane rigger employment. Candidates must pass both a written test and a practical test measuring their competency in action.


A certified rigger is not the same as an OSHA qualified rigger. Even if you're certified, OSHA doesn't consider you qualified if you're working with a type of loads or equipment you have no experience with.

Rigger Salaries

The average rigger pay, according to the most recent government figures at time of writing, is $50,270. Riggers find work in mining support operations, construction, boat building and inland water transportation.