Rigger Salary in Australia (2026)
SEEK's Rigger page shows an average salary of $80,000 to $90,000 a year, based on pay disclosed in job ads (checked 10 October 2026). SEEK's Mining, Resources & Energy average for riggers is $98,620 a year.
Last checked 10 October 2026. Pay changes, so check the source before you rely on a figure.
What does a rigger earn?
Each row is one source, shown as that source states it. We do not average or blend them, because they measure different things. SEEK says its insights are based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include superannuation and other benefits, others do not.
| Figure | What it measures | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| $80,000 to $90,000 a year | SEEK's stated average salary range for the role "Rigger" in Australia. Based on full-time salary ranges employers disclosed on SEEK job ads. Some disclosed salaries include super and other benefits, others do not. | SEEK career advice, Rigger salary | 10 October 2026 |
| Median $88,400 a year | The middle point of SEEK's salary distribution for "Rigger", on the same disclosed-in-ads basis. | SEEK career advice, Rigger salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $70,000 to $100,000 a year | SEEK's 10th to 90th percentile spread. Most disclosed salaries fall inside it, with the lowest and highest tenth outside. | SEEK career advice, Rigger salary | 10 October 2026 |
| $98,620 a year average | SEEK's average salary for "Rigger" jobs in the Mining, Resources & Energy industry only. | SEEK career advice, Rigger salary | 10 October 2026 |
Want to work out take-home pay? Try the salary calculator, or read the mining salaries guide.
What affects pay
Roster
No source we checked publishes a roster specific to riggers. Rosters vary by site and employer, so confirm it in the job ad. A parliamentary inquiry found FIFO cycles run from 9 days on and 5 off to 28 days on and 7 off, with a twelve-hour on-site day typical. The report is from 2013, so treat it as background.
Parliament of Australia, FIFO/DIDO inquiry report (2013)FIFO or residential
No source we checked gives a FIFO versus residential pay figure for this role, so we do not show one. When you compare offers, check whether the figure is a base rate or an all-in figure, and what the employer provides for flights, accommodation and meals.
Award or enterprise agreement
We have not mapped this role to a Mining Award level, because the award does not name it. The award minimums on this site do not apply to the figures above.
Industry
SEEK's average for Rigger in Mining, Resources & Energy is $98,620 a year. Its averages for the same role elsewhere are Construction $90,564 and Trades & Services $88,096.
SEEK career advice, Rigger salaryLicence level
Rigging has basic, intermediate and advanced licence classes, and each includes the one below. We have no sourced figure for how pay changes by class.
MiningReady, high risk work licence guide
Tickets to check for as a rigger
Each employer and site sets its own requirements. Treat this as a list of what to look for in job ads, not a guarantee of what you need.
- White Card General construction induction card, often asked for on mine construction and shutdown work. Check the job ad.
- Rigging Rigging training and licence pathway.
- Dogging Dogging training and licence pathway. The high risk work licence guide says dogging must be held before the rigging classes.
- Working at Heights Training for work at height. Check whether the job ad lists it.
- High risk work licence guide Which work needs a licence, and how to apply.
How to become a rigger
SEEK says you usually need a Certificate III in Rigging (CPC30720), and may need further licences for certain tasks. Dogging must be held before the rigging licence classes, so it is the usual first step.
Finding rigger jobs
Search the big job boards for current ads, and read the roster, award or agreement and ticket requirements in each one before you apply. These are plain search links, not endorsements.
Rigger salary questions answered
How much does a rigger earn in Australia?
SEEK's page shows an average salary of $80,000 to $90,000 a year, based on salaries disclosed in job ads. Its Mining, Resources & Energy average for the role is $98,620 a year.
What qualifications does a rigger need?
SEEK says you usually need a Certificate III in Rigging (CPC30720) and may need extra licences for certain tasks. Rigging is a high risk work licence class, so see our licence guide.
Should I get a dogging ticket before rigging?
Our high risk work licence guide says you must hold dogging before the rigging classes. See the dogging page for the pathway.
Where to next
- Salary calculator Estimate take-home pay for your roster and classification.
- Mining salaries guide Award minimums by level, loadings and how pay is set.
- Driller Offsider salary $75,000 to $95,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Offsider)).
- Excavator Operator salary $115,000 to $135,000 a year (SEEK career advice (Excavator Operator)).
- All salaries by role Compare the roles we have sourced, each with its source and date.