Rigger
Average Weekly Salary
$1,500
Job Prospects
Strong, with a growing demand for skilled Riggers
Future Demand
Construction, industrial maintenance, event staging, oil and gas
Future Demand
Robust due to increasing infrastructure and industrial projects
Your Guide to Becoming a Rigger in Australia: A Career with Lift
If you’re considering a hands-on, high-demand trade with strong career prospects and solid earning potential, a career as a rigger in Australia might be the perfect fit. This blog explores what riggers do, the training involved, and why it’s a rewarding path worth pursuing.
What Does a Rigger Do?
Riggers play a vital role in the construction, mining, energy and transport industries. They are trained to move heavy loads safely using specialised rigging equipment and are required to hold a rigging licence to perform high-risk work on job sites.
This can include:
- Setting up and operating rigging gear such as winches, ropes, pulleys, and cables
- Attaching and securing heavy loads for lifting and movement
- Positioning and guiding large structural components like beams or industrial machinery
- Working on complex projects such as high-rise buildings, bridges, towers, and offshore rigs
1. High Demand Across Industries
With Australia’s continued investment in infrastructure, mining, and energy projects, qualified riggers are in steady demand. Whether you’re based in metro areas or regional zones, opportunities abound in both public and private sector projects.
2. Great Earning Potential
Experienced riggers, especially those with high-risk work licences and advanced competencies, can earn above-average wages, often boosted by site allowances and overtime. In Australia, entry-level riggers can earn around $80,000–$100,000 with experienced riggers and those working FIFO roles in mining exceeding $120,000+ annually.
3. Clear Career Pathways
Rigging is not a dead-end job — it’s a launchpad into higher qualifications and leadership roles. You can progress from basic rigging to intermediate and advanced levels, or even branch into:
- Crane operation
- Site supervision or safety roles
- Construction project management
- Offshore oil and gas operations
How to Become a Rigger in Australia
To begin your career in rigging, you must complete a nationally recognised training course and obtain the appropriate High Risk Work Licence from WorkSafe or your state regulator. The typical pathway includes:
Option A: Certificate III in Rigging
- A comprehensive 12 to 24-month qualification
- Covers units such as dogging, basic rigging and intermediate rigging
- Suitable for those aiming for a long-term career in rigging across various industries
Option B: Basic Rigging Course (Licence Class: RB)
- Prerequisite: Dogging Licence (DG)
- Covers: Tasks like erecting and dismantling:
- Structural steel
- Pre-cast concrete members
- Safety nets and static lines
- Mast climbing work platforms
- Perimeter safety screens and shutters
- Cantilevered crane loading platforms
- Duration: Typically completed in 5 days
- Ongoing Industry Experience: As with many trades, real-world experience is crucial. Experienced riggers often progress through on-the-job learning, mentorship and demonstrating reliability and skill.
Who is This Career Suited To?
Riggers need to be physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, and have strong spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. If you’re someone who likes working at heights, using specialised equipment, and being part of large-scale builds, this could be your ideal career.
Lift Your Career to New Heights
Rigging offers the satisfaction of tangible work, strong financial rewards, and clear advancement paths. Whether you’re starting your career, retraining from another industry, or upskilling in construction, rigging can open doors to some of the most exciting, high-stakes projects in Australia.
If you’re ready to get started, explore accredited training providers near you – including courses offered at ACE Training, where you can train with industry-standard equipment and expert instructors.
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