Across U.S. metros, riggers typically earn $9,915 more a year than appliance repair technicians (20%). In the 52 metros where BLS publishes both, appliance repair technicians earn more in 12 and riggers in 40.
| Appliance Repair Technician | Rigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $50,540 | $60,455 |
| Lowest metro median | $34,320 | $36,880 |
| Highest metro median | $86,940 | $169,480 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.9% | +3.9% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 2,800 | 1,700 |
| Self-employed | 20% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 327 | 79 |
| Metros with pay data | 125 | 70 |
On safety, appliance repair technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (327 vs. 79 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where appliance repair technicians out-earn riggers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where riggers out-earn appliance repair technicians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
Appliance Repair Technician
Repair, adjust, or install all types of electric or gas household appliances, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens.
Rigger
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
Compare one trade across two cities →