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What is a parachute rigger and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreParachute RiggerUS Average
Salary
3.7

Avg. Salary $47,761

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.14%

Asian 3.23%

Black or African American 9.79%

Hispanic or Latino 17.09%

Unknown 5.14%

White 63.62%

Gender

female 16.85%

male 83.15%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a parachute rigger

  1. Explore parachute rigger education requirements

    Most common parachute rigger degrees

    High School Diploma

    41.4 %

    Bachelor's

    26.7 %

    Associate

    20.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific parachute rigger skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Extraction48.17%
    Parachutes23.63%
    Survival Equipment10.37%
    Oxygen Equipment3.68%
    FAA3.31%
  3. Complete relevant parachute rigger training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New parachute riggers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a parachute rigger based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real parachute rigger resumes.
  4. Research parachute rigger duties and responsibilities

    • Test and install extraction and release systems; and at prescribe intervals to determine serviceability.
    • Load supply bundles and configure them for aerial drops into combat zones.
    • Script GUI and other specific tools to help during the rigging process using python and C++ in Maya.
    • Assemble airdrop platform, cushioning materials, cargo, extraction and personnel parachute along with other airdrop relate equipment.
  5. Prepare your parachute rigger resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your parachute rigger resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a parachute rigger resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable parachute rigger resume templates

    Build a professional parachute rigger resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your parachute rigger resume.
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
    Parachute Rigger Resume
  6. Apply for parachute rigger jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a parachute rigger job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first parachute rigger job

Zippi

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Average parachute rigger salary

The average parachute rigger salary in the United States is $47,761 per year or $23 per hour. Parachute rigger salaries range between $24,000 and $94,000 per year.

Average parachute rigger salary
$47,761 Yearly
$22.96 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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