Across U.S. metros, industrial machinery mechanics typically earn $3,410 more a year than riggers (6%). In the 70 metros where BLS publishes both, industrial machinery mechanics earn more in 47 and riggers in 23.
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | Rigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $63,865 | $60,455 |
| Lowest metro median | $31,260 | $36,880 |
| Highest metro median | $96,950 | $169,480 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +17.8% | +3.9% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 44,400 | 1,700 |
| Self-employed | 1% | — |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 54 | 79 |
| Metros with pay data | 388 | 70 |
On safety, riggers report more injuries that cause missed work (79 vs. 54 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 industrial machinery mechanics out-earn riggers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where riggers out-earn industrial machinery mechanics the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, industrial machinery mechanics earn more in 29 states and riggers in 14. The gap favors industrial machinery mechanics most in Kansas ($24,770) and riggers most in New York ($35,860).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: occasionally for industrial machinery mechanics, very often for riggers. Very hot or cold conditions: sometimes for industrial machinery mechanics, very often for riggers.
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | Rigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Occasionally | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Often | Occasionally |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Sometimes | Very often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Often |
| Loud noise | Often | Very often |
| Hazardous conditions | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Rigger
Set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards, or for the entertainment industry.
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