Fabrication, lifting & SMP · Skilled
Mining Rigger
Selects and uses rigging equipment to move loads within the high-risk work licence class held and the lift team's approved controls.
Indicative 2026 pay$100k–$170kAnnual gross, generally before super
Common roster contextProject, 2/1 and shutdown campaigns are common; night shifts may apply.
Work environmentsShutdowns · Construction · Heavy maintenance · Ports and processing plants
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Selects and uses rigging equipment to move loads within the high-risk work licence class held and the lift team's approved controls. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Inspect and select lifting gear
- 02
Rig loads within licence scope
- 03
Apply lift plans and exclusion zones
- 04
Communicate with crane operators and doggers
- 05
Control load movement
- 06
Quarantine defective gear and record lifts
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Slings and shackles
- 02
Chain blocks and come-alongs
- 03
Spreaders and lifting beams
- 04
Cranes and hoists
- 05
Tag lines
- 06
Radios
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Correct Basic, Intermediate or Advanced rigging high-risk work licence
- 02
Current practical competence for the assigned lift
- 03
Site lifting procedures and verification
- 04
Additional access tickets only where the task requires them
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Licence class
- 02
Load and configuration
- 03
Gear and lift instructions
- 04
Personal role, hazards and lift outcome
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Build dogging and lifting exposure
- 02
Complete the appropriate HRW licence pathway
- 03
Gain supervised industrial lift experience
- 04
Progress licence class only when target work requires it
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Licence class
- 02
Complex lifts and shutdown work
- 03
Night shift and overtime
- 04
Project duration and utilisation
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is the quoted figure base salary, total cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, shift length and point of hire does the offer assume?
- 03
How are overtime, nights, public holidays, allowances, bonus and travel treated?
- 04
Which licence class, lift types and responsibilities does the assignment actually require?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Progression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. It is not automatic.
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining market guides, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Last reviewed 17 September 2026.