Rigger
CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
Sector: Construction & Industrial
Typical route: EB-3 (skilled)
Work type: Permanent
Updated: January 1, 2026
Quick navigation
(sections below)
Skilled role: upload a detailed English CV (rigging scope, equipment, site types).
Pay (Gross) & schedule snapshot
| Item | Typical range / expectation |
|---|---|
| Hourly pay (gross) | $22.00 – $40.00 per hour (gross) is a practical planning range for many rigging assignments. National wage statistics for the rigger occupation show a broad distribution (lower entry ranges up to high-skill/region premiums). |
| Market anchors (gross) | Typical published wage data often centers around ~$29–$30/hour (median), with low-to-high ranges that can extend from roughly ~$19 to ~$48 per hour depending on location and seniority. |
| Overtime | Commonly paid at 1.5× the regular rate when overtime applies (often after 40 hours/week for covered employees). |
| Hours | Frequently 40–60 hours/week on project peaks; schedule varies by industry (construction, industrial shutdowns, shipyards, energy). |
| Per diem (project-based) | Some travel-heavy projects use per diem or allowances; availability depends on employer policy and job location. |
| Pay frequency | Often weekly or biweekly (employer policy). |
Important: rigging is safety-critical. Employers frequently apply stricter screening (experience evidence, equipment familiarity, and site safety readiness).
Rigging duties (what riggers actually do)
Scope depends on the site: construction lifts, industrial plant maintenance, shutdowns/turnarounds, shipyard moves, or equipment setting.
Requirements (detailed)
CV quality matters: for skilled roles, employers often validate experience through specific equipment mentions, project types, and consistent dates.
Working conditions in the USA (rigging & heavy lift reality)
Safety-critical workflow
- Daily pre-task briefings, hazard checks, and lift-step confirmation.
- Strict equipment inspection discipline (slings, shackles, hooks, hardware IDs).
- Clear signaling/communication expectations (hand signals, radio protocol where used).
Site environments
- Construction sites, industrial plants, shipyards, warehouses, energy projects.
- Outdoor exposure is common (heat/cold/wind); PPE is standard.
- Shift work can include nights/weekends during shutdowns or high-demand periods.
Performance expectations
- Precision over speed: correct rigging beats fast rigging.
- Documented lift plans may be used for complex or critical lifts.
- Team coordination with crane operators, supervisors, and signalpersons is continuous.
Note: this page is informational. Exact duties, required certifications, and pay depend on the employer, state, site policy, and project scope.
Next steps (how review usually works)
Related roles in Construction & Industrial
Use these internal links to compare similar roles before applying.
Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Answers below are written for international candidates evaluating rigger roles in the USA.