Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 8/30/2026
AI Resilience Score for Riggers:
45.5%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
Most data sources align, with only minor variation. This is a well-supported result.
AI Resilience Report forRiggers
$62,640 median salary•1,700 annual openings•SOC Code: 49-9096.00
Riggers are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 6 sources.
Rigging is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because AI is genuinely changing how the work gets done, even if it is not replacing riggers outright. Smart sensors, computer vision systems, and automated load calculators are taking over a lot of the monitoring and calculation tasks that riggers once handled manually, which means the job is shifting toward supervising technology rather than doing everything by hand.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
Rigging is labeled "Somewhat Resilient" because AI is genuinely changing how the work gets done, even if it is not replacing riggers outright. Smart sensors, computer vision systems, and automated load calculators are taking over a lot of the monitoring and calculation tasks that riggers once handled manually, which means the job is shifting toward supervising technology rather than doing everything by hand.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Riggers
Updated quarterly
How can Riggers prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Riggers
These articles highlight the evolving role of AI in rigging careers, emphasizing both opportunities and challenges. For instance, AI-driven systems enhance safety through better load stability, as seen in "How AI is Revolutionizing The Future of Cranes & Heavy." Additionally, the discussion around AI not replacing riggers but transforming lift planning in "Will AI replace riggers?" offers a hopeful perspective. Students should embrace these advancements, focusing on developing skills in tech integration and safety optimization, ensuring they remain vital in an AI-enhanced industry.
Will AI Replace Rigger? 68% Risk Score
willaireplacehumans.com • 9/20/2026
How will autonomous cranes affect rigging work? They'll shrink crews on repetitive lifts — automated load paths and zone controls need less hands-on guidance — ...
How AI is Revolutionizing The Future of Cranes & Heavy ...
www.linkedin.com • 9/20/2026
Smart rigging systems with AI-driven tension monitoring will further enhance load stability, ensuring the safest lifts possible.
Lifting Smarter With AI - Crane And Hoist Canada
www.craneandhoistcanada.com • 9/20/2026
Jan 8, 2026 — AI-powered systems now assist with predictive maintenance, load path optimization, operator alerts, and remote operation, but experts stress ...
Will AI replace riggers?
www.careerexplorer.com • 9/20/2026
Sep 9, 2026 — AI won't replace riggers, but it's changing how lift plans get designed and verified. Software now assists with load calculations, rigging ... Read more
Poll-rigging Bots and AI Robocalls: The Dark Tech Running Israel's Election Campaigns
www.haaretz.com • 8/20/2026
Israel's upcoming election is being shaped by a surge in unregulated digital campaign tools, including bots rigging online polls, AI-powered...
More Career Info
Career: Riggers
They safely set up and move heavy equipment using ropes, pulleys, and cranes at construction sites or during events.
Parent Careers
Similar Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$62,640
Jobs (2025)
22,500
Growth (2025-35)
+3.9%
Annual Openings
1,700
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.
2
Install ground rigging for yarding lines, attaching chokers to logs and to the lines.
3
Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chainfalls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.
4
Fabricate, set up, and repair rigging, supporting structures, hoists, and pulling gear, using hand and power tools.
5
Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools.
6
Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials, such as heavy equipment, ships, or theatrical sets.
7
Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
