Installation & Repair · SOC 49-9096
Rigging heavy loads in dynamic, high-stakes environments demands real-time human judgment that AI cannot safely replace.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Autonomous cranes exist in controlled ports but complex rigging in varied environments will require skilled humans well past 2035.
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$63,980 median pay
$40,360 median pay
$58,540 median pay
$50,490 median pay
$47,200 median pay
$60,500 median pay
AI job-risk card
Riggers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Riggers is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Load weight calculation and equipment selection, Lift plan documentation. Harder to automate: Real-time verbal coordination of crane operators, Maneuvering suspended loads around obstacles, Adapting rigging to unpredictable site conditions, Physical assessment of rope and hardware integrity.
Lean into Load dynamics and rigging math, Safety compliance and OSHA standards, Team communication under pressure, Rigging hardware inspection. Consider roles such as Crane operator or Construction safety supervisor or Heavy lift project coordinator.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.