Riggers
SOC Code: 49-9096
Riggers carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $62,060 and +3.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 24,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Riggers (SOC 49-9096) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 24,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +3.2% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $62,060, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Riggers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
- 2. Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
- 3. Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
- 4. Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
- 5. Select gear, such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.
- 6. Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.
- 7. Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
- 8. Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
- 9. Align, level, and anchor machinery.
- 10. Install ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and to the lines.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Design
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
- Building and Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Riggers?
Riggers has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Riggers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Riggers is projected to grow by 3.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 24,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Riggers?
Key skills for Riggers include Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Riggers earn?
The median annual wage for Riggers is $62,060, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Riggers?
The typical entry-level education for Riggers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Riggers?
Riggers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).