{"id":15642,"date":"2026-05-08T17:32:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T17:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/?p=15642"},"modified":"2026-05-08T17:33:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T17:33:07","slug":"how-to-become-a-rigger-training-certification-pay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/how-to-become-a-rigger-training-certification-pay\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Rigger: Training, Credentials, and What You&#8217;ll Earn"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A qualified rigger under<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.1428\"> OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.1428<\/a> must have documented knowledge, training, and field experience, there&#8217;s no single test that grants that status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NCCCO offers CCO Rigger Level I and Level II credentials, the primary third-party certifications recognized across the crane and rigging industry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entry-level riggers earn $35,000\u2013$50,000\/year; experienced riggers in oil and gas or maritime can top $80,000\u2013$95,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rigging and signalperson are distinct roles, but many employers hire people who can do both, which makes you significantly more marketable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/the-top-traits-to-become-a-successful-rigging-and-signalperson-in-construction\/\">80% of construction firms<\/a> reported difficulty filling hourly craft positions, demand for trained riggers is real and persistent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A formal training program typically takes a few weeks; getting your NCCCO credentials after training puts you in a different hiring tier entirely<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Rigging is one of the fastest ways into crane work. You can start earning in a skilled trade role without a four-year degree, but you do need the right training and credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s the full path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Does a Rigger Actually Do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A rigger is the person responsible for safely attaching loads to a crane before a lift takes place. That means inspecting the rigging hardware, selecting the right slings and hardware for the load type, calculating load weights, and confirming nothing moves that shouldn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds straightforward. It&#8217;s not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every crane lift is different. The angle of a sling changes the load on each leg. A load that shifts mid-air becomes a projectile. Riggers have to read the job, understand the equipment they&#8217;re working with, and make calls fast. Our blog post on<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/understanding-crane-rigging-types-of-loads-and-proper-techniques\/\"> understanding crane rigging types of loads and proper techniques<\/a> breaks down the load types and what each requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Riggers work on commercial construction sites, oil refineries, shipyards, steel erection projects, and industrial plants. The job is physical, detail-oriented, and carries real safety responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Requirements to Become a Qualified Rigger<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>OSHA standard<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/regulations\/standardnumber\/1926\/1926.1428\"> 29 CFR 1926.1428<\/a> defines a qualified rigger as a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has demonstrated the ability to solve problems related to rigging loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That definition matters. There&#8217;s no single universal license that makes you a &#8220;qualified rigger&#8221; the way a CDL licenses a truck driver. What qualifies you is a combination of training and documented experience, verified by an employer or a third-party credential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s where NCCCO comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators offers two rigger-specific credentials: CCO Rigger Level I and CCO Rigger Level II. These are written and practical exams administered through a third-party testing body. Level I covers basic rigging fundamentals. Level II adds more complex load handling, hardware selection, and job site math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These credentials signal to any employer that you&#8217;ve been evaluated against a national standard. Check out our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/credentials.php\"> third-party credentials<\/a> page to see which exams we help students prepare for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rigger Training Programs: What to Expect<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Formal training does two things for you. It prepares you for the NCCCO exams. And it gives you supervised hands-on time, which is part of what satisfies the &#8220;experience&#8221; side of OSHA&#8217;s qualified rigger definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Associated Training Services offers<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/rigging_signalperson_training.php\"> rigging and signalperson training<\/a> as a dedicated program. You&#8217;ll learn load weight estimation, sling angles and tension calculations, hardware inspection, rigging configurations, and hand signal communication. The classroom portion builds the knowledge base. The practical portion puts it to work on actual equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ve been doing this since 1996, backed by family experience in the industry going back to 1959. We see students come in with zero background and leave ready to test for NCCCO credentials and start applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Program length varies, but most students complete the core rigging training in a matter of weeks, not months. That&#8217;s meaningful when you&#8217;re looking at how quickly you can start working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If cost is a concern, our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/financial_assistance.php\"> financial assistance<\/a> page outlines options including payment plans and potential funding sources. And our programs are built on a foundation of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/accreditations.php\"> accredited programs<\/a>, not fly-by-night coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Riggers Earn, and Where Pay Is Highest<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pay for riggers varies by industry, experience, and region. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm\"> construction sector is growing 4% through 2033<\/a>, which drives sustained demand for rigging talent. Crane operator jobs, the crew role riggers work alongside, pay a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/transportation-and-material-moving\/crane-and-tower-operators.htm\"> median $68,040\/year<\/a>, which gives you a benchmark for what skilled lift crew roles pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s where rigger pay lands by specialization:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Specialization<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Typical Salary Range<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entry-level (any sector)<\/td><td>$35,000\u2013$50,000<\/td><td>Pre-credential, building hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heavy construction<\/td><td>$55,000\u2013$75,000<\/td><td>Commercial, industrial, infrastructure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Oil and gas<\/td><td>$70,000\u2013$95,000<\/td><td>Offshore and refinery work; significant overtime<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Maritime \/ port<\/td><td>$70,000\u2013$90,000<\/td><td>Stevedores, shipyard work, port cranes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>With NCCCO CCO Rigger Level II<\/td><td>$65,000\u2013$85,000+<\/td><td>Credential commands premium across sectors<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The jobs paying $70,000+ are not entry-level, they require a combination of credentials, field hours, and often union membership or specialized employer relationships. But they&#8217;re not out of reach. Many riggers hit those numbers within 5\u20137 years of starting. Our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/labor_market.php\"> labor market page<\/a> covers wage trends and job demand in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our blog post on<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/highest-paying-heavy-equipment-specializations-where-the-big-money-is\/\"> highest-paying heavy equipment specializations<\/a> puts rigging in context against other crane and equipment roles if you&#8217;re comparing career tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rigger vs. Signalperson, Do You Need Both?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A signalperson is the person who communicates with the crane operator when the operator can&#8217;t see the load. Hand signals, radio communication, and a clear understanding of the lift plan are all part of the role. OSHA requires a qualified signalperson any time the operator&#8217;s view is obstructed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rigging and signalperson are separate qualifications. A rigger attaches the load. A signalperson guides the crane during the lift. On small jobs, the same person sometimes does both, but that&#8217;s not automatic. Each role has its own training and qualification requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s why this matters for your career: employers routinely look for workers who can fill both roles. Someone who can rig a load, signal the operator, and read a lift plan is far more valuable than someone who can only do one piece. Training in both, which our program covers, makes you a stronger hire from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re considering adding<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/mobile_crane_training.php\"> mobile crane training<\/a> later, having rigger and signalperson credentials already in hand puts you ahead of most students starting from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to get started? Call us at <strong>(800) 383-7364<\/strong> or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/application.php\"> apply to ATS<\/a> online. Our Career Services team can walk you through program options, scheduling, and what to expect, no commitment needed to ask questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Do I need any prior experience to enroll in a rigging training program?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>A: No prior experience is required to enroll. Most rigger training programs, including ours, are designed for people starting from zero. You&#8217;ll build both the knowledge and the documented hands-on hours during training, which is part of what satisfies OSHA&#8217;s qualified rigger requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What&#8217;s the difference between CCO Rigger Level I and Level II?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>A: CCO Rigger Level I covers fundamental rigging knowledge, sling types, load weight estimation, basic hardware. Level II adds more complex rigging scenarios, load handling math, and advanced hardware selection. Most entry-level rigging jobs accept Level I. Higher-paying roles in oil, gas, and maritime often prefer or require Level II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long does it take to become a qualified rigger?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>A: Classroom and practical training typically takes a few weeks. After completing training, you&#8217;ll sit for the NCCCO written and practical exams. From enrollment to credentialed and job-ready, most students are looking at 4\u20138 weeks total, depending on exam scheduling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is rigging a good long-term career?<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>A: It can be. The<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/construction-and-extraction\/construction-laborers-and-helpers.htm\"> construction sector is projected to grow 4% through 2033<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/the-top-traits-to-become-a-successful-rigging-and-signalperson-in-construction\/\"> 8 out of 10 construction firms<\/a> report difficulty filling craft positions. Experienced riggers, especially those with NCCCO credentials and signalperson qualifications, are in consistent demand across construction, energy, and maritime sectors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rigger training takes weeks, not years. Here&#8217;s how OSHA defines a qualified rigger, what NCCCO credentials cost, and where the highest-paying rigging jobs are.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":18,"wds_primary_post_series":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"post_series":[],"class_list":["post-15642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-heavy-equipment-training","entry","no-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15642"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15642\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15645,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15642\/revisions\/15645"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15642"},{"taxonomy":"post_series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.operator-school.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_series?post=15642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}