How to Become a Theatrical Rigger — Salary, Training & Licensing
Every concert, Broadway show, and arena tour needs someone to safely fly thousands of pounds of scenery, lights, and performers overhead. Theatrical riggers are the invisible engineers who make live entertainment magic happen — and the industry can't function without them.
90% High Demand
$50K–$110K
Salary Range
High
Demand
+6%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Theatrical Rigger Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
No state rigger license. ETCP certification is the industry standard. Oregon OSHA compliance required. Portland has an active theater and live music scene with steady demand for qualified riggers.
Training Programs
ETCP certification prep, IATSE Local 28 (Portland) training, University of Oregon theater tech, Portland State University, ESTA workshops, manufacturer training, Oregon OSHA fall protection courses.
IATSE Local 28 (Portland), Moda Center, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland — major employer), touring productions, Keller Auditorium, corporate event companies.
Career Overview
Is this career right for you?
✓You're comfortable working at extreme heights (60–100+ feet)
✓You love solving mechanical puzzles under pressure
✓You're obsessed with safety and doing things the right way
✓You enjoy physical, hands-on work with ropes, cables, and motors
✓You're drawn to the energy of live entertainment, concerts, or theater
✓You work well as part of a tight-knit crew with clear communication
Your Roadmap
1
Learn the FundamentalsAge 16–18
Join your school's theater tech crew — volunteer for any backstage role
Learn basic knot-tying: bowline, clove hitch, figure-eight, and running bowline
Study physics fundamentals — forces, loads, vectors, and mechanical advantage
Get comfortable working at heights (climbing, ladders, catwalks)
Take an OSHA 10-hour general industry safety course
Start attending local IATSE or USITT events if possible
2
Get Formal TrainingAge 18–20
Pursue a theater technology or entertainment rigging program (many community colleges offer these)
Take ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) prep courses
Get your OSHA 30-hour certification
Learn to read and create rigging plots and load calculations
Study structural engineering basics as they apply to rigging points
Complete a fall protection and rescue training course
3
Start WorkingAge 19–21
Get hired as a stagehand or rigger assistant through IATSE local unions
Work load-ins and load-outs for touring shows and concerts
Assist experienced riggers and learn venue-specific rigging systems
Build familiarity with chain motors, truss systems, and counterweight fly systems
Document every rig you work on — build your portfolio of experience
Start networking with production companies and venue technical directors
4
Earn Your CertificationAge 21–24
Pass the ETCP Rigger — Theatre exam (the industry gold standard)
Consider the ETCP Rigger — Arena certification for touring work
Join IATSE as a full member if not already
Study automation rigging systems (increasing demand in modern productions)
Get certified in first aid, CPR, and aerial rescue
Take manufacturer-specific training (CM, JR Clancy, ETC)
5
Specialize and AdvanceAge 24–28
Specialize in arena rigging (touring concerts), theatrical rigging (Broadway/regional), or automation
Become a head rigger or rigging supervisor on productions
Learn rigging design and engineering software
Mentor apprentice riggers and build your reputation
Work with touring productions for higher pay and travel opportunities
Become a production rigger or rigging designer for major tours and shows
Consult on venue construction and rigging system installation
Teach rigging courses and mentor the next generation
Start your own rigging company or consulting practice
Work on marquee productions (Cirque du Soleil, Broadway, major arena tours)
Serve on ESTA/ETCP standards committees to shape industry safety standards
Entertainment Industry Pathways & Apprenticeships
IATSE Locals
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees — union locals across the country offer stagehand and rigger positions with on-the-job training, benefits, and a clear path from apprentice to journeyman rigger.
Cirque du Soleil
World-renowned circus entertainment company hires riggers for touring and resident shows in Las Vegas and worldwide. Advanced automation and performer flying rigging — top of the industry.
PRG (Production Resource Group)
One of the world's largest entertainment production companies — provides rigging services for concerts, tours, corporate events, and Broadway. Training and career advancement.
JR Clancy
Leading theatrical rigging manufacturer and installer — hires riggers for venue installations, inspections, and maintenance nationwide. Manufacturer training included.
Live Nation / AEG
The two largest live entertainment companies in the world — venues nationwide need in-house riggers and hire freelance riggers for shows and tours.
Most riggers start through IATSE union locals as stagehands, then specialize in rigging through mentorship and ETCP certification. The concert touring industry is one of the fastest paths to high earnings.
Head Rigger / Rigging Supervisor$80K–$110KYears 5–10
Production Rigger / Rigging Designer$100K–$150K+Years 10+
vs. College
ETCP certification costs a few hundred dollars plus your training time — and certified riggers earn $55K–$80K within a few years, with head riggers on major tours clearing $100K+. Meanwhile, theater majors graduate with $40K+ in student debt and often end up in the same stagehand positions you started in years earlier.
The Real Talk
The Good
Incredible job security — every live event needs riggers and the industry is growing
ETCP certification is recognized worldwide — you can work anywhere
High earning potential, especially on touring productions and in major markets
You're part of creating unforgettable live experiences seen by millions
Strong union protection (IATSE) with benefits, pension, and fair wages
Travel opportunities with touring shows — see the country/world while working
The Hard Parts
Working at extreme heights is inherent — this career is not for those with acrophobia
Physically demanding: heavy lifting, climbing, long hours on your feet
Irregular schedule — load-ins often happen overnight, and show schedules vary wildly
Touring means extended time away from home and family
The stakes are extremely high — a rigging failure can be catastrophic, so the pressure is real
Is It Worth It?
Theatrical rigging is one of those careers most people don't even know exists — and that's exactly what makes it such an incredible opportunity. Every concert you've ever attended, every Broadway show, every Cirque du Soleil performance — a rigger made it possible. The ETCP certification is your golden ticket: it's recognized worldwide, the pay is excellent, and the demand is only growing as live entertainment expands. Yes, you're working at heights, lifting heavy equipment, and sometimes working through the night. But you're also part of a tight-knit community of professionals who literally hold the show together. If you want a career that combines engineering, problem-solving, and the thrill of live entertainment — and you're not afraid of heights — theatrical rigging is one of the most exciting and secure paths in the skilled trades.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.
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