Parachute rigger vs rigger

The differences between parachute riggers and riggers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a parachute rigger has an average salary of $47,761, which is higher than the $41,723 average annual salary of a rigger.

The top three skills for a parachute rigger include extraction, parachutes and survival equipment. The most important skills for a rigger are cranes, hand tools, and hoisting.

Parachute rigger vs rigger overview

	Parachute Rigger	Rigger
Yearly salary	$47,761	$41,723
Hourly rate	$22.96	$20.06
Growth rate	-	-
Number of jobs	324	426
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 50%
Average age	43	40
Years of experience	-	-

Parachute rigger vs rigger salary

Parachute riggers and riggers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Parachute Rigger	Rigger
Average salary	$47,761	$41,723
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $94,000	Between $28,000 And $60,000
Highest paying City	-	Los Angeles, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Naughty Dog
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between parachute rigger and rigger education

There are a few differences between a parachute rigger and a rigger in terms of educational background:

	Parachute Rigger	Rigger
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 50%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	-

Parachute rigger vs rigger demographics

Here are the differences between parachute riggers' and riggers' demographics:

	Parachute Rigger	Rigger
Average age	43	40
Gender ratio	Male, 83.1% Female, 16.9%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.2% White, 63.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 16.2% Unknown, 7.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.4% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	4%	11%

Differences between parachute rigger and rigger duties and responsibilities

Parachute rigger example 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.
Perform safety briefing for each combat support team for jumping by raising awareness about work area and environmental hazards.
Move machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, jacks, verse lifts, and trucks.

Rigger example responsibilities.

Man air tuggers during lifts where cranes aren't capable of reaching.
Acquire CDL license with HAZMAT endorsement and receive extensive training in crane operation and proper handling/disposal of hazardous materials.
Execute the attachment of pulleys and blocks to fix overhead structures such as beams, and bulkheads using bolts and clamps.
Acquire CDL and hazmat license.
Align, level, and anchor machinery, dismantle.
Crane ops and tuggers used to install spool pieces.

Parachute rigger vs rigger skills

Common parachute rigger skills

Extraction, 48%
Parachutes, 24%
Survival Equipment, 10%
Oxygen Equipment, 4%
FAA, 3%
Combat, 3%

Common rigger skills

Cranes, 14%
Hand Tools, 9%
Hoisting, 9%
Pulleys, 9%
Ladders, 7%
Slings, 7%

Parachute Rigger vs. similar jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs