High rigger
Also known as: height rigger, climbing rigger, aerial rigger, rigging crew memeber, up rigger, rope access rigger
About this occupation
High riggers assemble and hoist temporary suspension structures on heights to support performance equipment. Their work is based on instruction, plans and calculations. Their job can include rope access, working above colleagues, assemble constructions to lift performers and lifting heavy loads, which makes it a high risk occupation. They work indoor as well as outdoor. They cooperate with ground riggers to unload and assemble constructions on ground level.
A specialisation of rigger.
Essential skills and knowledge
- follow safety procedures when working at heights
- provide power distribution
- work safely with machines
- promote health and safety
- maintain rigging equipment
- write risk assessment on performing arts production
- react to emergency situations in a live performance environment
- assemble truss constructions
- hang chain hoists
- assemble performance equipment
- use technical documentation
- use communication equipment
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Riggers (O*NET 49-9096.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
- Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
- Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
- Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
- Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.
- Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Coordination
US median pay: US$62,640 a year (2025), 22,530 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.3)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.2)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Hoist and Winch Operators
- Crane and Tower Operators
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
- Millwrights
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.