Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Rigger
What riggers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a rigger?
Lift planning meeting. From there, the day usually includes plan lifts, calculate weights, and select rigging. Full time, sometimes travel.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a rigger working full time.
- Lift planning meeting.
- Inspect slings.
- Rig a generator for a crane pick.
- Signal the lift.
- Skate machinery into place.
- Rig steel beams.
- Store gear.
Where riggers work
Riggers work on construction sites, plants and ports.
Hours and schedule
Full time, sometimes travel.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Plan lifts
- Calculate weights
- Select rigging
- Attach loads
- Signal operators
- Inspect gear
- Move machinery
Tools you’ll use every day
- Slings
- Shackles
- Hoists
- Spreader bars
- Machinery skates
- Radios
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay
- Problem-solving
- Average growth
- High-skill niche
What’s hard
- High stakes
- Heights
- Weather
- Physical work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like math and physics
- I stay calm
- I communicate clearly
- I like big lifts
- I like teamwork
- I want a high-skill trade
Not sure? Take the free Rigger fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Inspect rigging before use
- Never exceed WLL
- Keep people clear
- Use tag lines