Construction Riggers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Construction Riggers assemble and install rigging gear, such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches, to lift, lower, move and position equipment, structural steel, and other heavy objects.
Tasks
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Erects lifting tackles by attaching pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures, and installs cables and attaches counterweights.
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Attaches slinging gear to hoisting equipment and objects to be moved using clamps, hooks, bolts and knots.
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Fits and bolts tubes, support braces and components to form bases and build up scaffolding.
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Lifts and positions sections of scaffolding.
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Erects guard rails, guy wires, ropes and clears, lays planks and hangs safety nets.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Administrative
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Very Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Structural Steel Construction Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 89% of people employed as Construction Riggers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 23 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 52 hours per week in their main job. This is 8 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Construction Riggers work in the Construction industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Construction Riggers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 21.4 | 31.6 |
VIC | 21.0 | 25.6 |
QLD | 22.8 | 20.0 |
SA | 4.8 | 7.0 |
WA | 25.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 0.8 | 2.0 |
NT | 3.5 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.4 | 1.9 |
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Around 48% of Construction Riggers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Construction Riggers is 38 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Construction Riggers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.7 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 5.8 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 31.9 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 29.1 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 21.8 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 6.6 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 2.8 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.2 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 38 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Construction Rigger. Although some workers have a certificate III in rigging.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Metal and Engineering VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Construction Riggers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.2 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 2.9 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 4.5 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 45.4 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 19.5 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 7.1 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 20.4 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Structural Steel Construction Workers who are motivated and hardworking.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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45%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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43%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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43%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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43%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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39%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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39%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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39%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
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37%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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37%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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37%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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36%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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36%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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34%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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34%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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32%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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32%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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30%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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29%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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74%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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63%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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58%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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58%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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58%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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55%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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55%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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47%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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45%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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43%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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42%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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41%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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38%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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37%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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36%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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35%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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34%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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32%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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31%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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17%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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54%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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52%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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50%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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50%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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48%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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48%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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48%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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48%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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46%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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45%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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45%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
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45%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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41%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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41%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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41%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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41%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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41%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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39%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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38%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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67%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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67%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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61%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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53%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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52%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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51%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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45%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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44%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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44%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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43%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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42%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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39%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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36%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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35%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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34%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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34%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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31%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
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31%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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29%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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28%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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71%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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52%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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33%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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19%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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76%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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48%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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48%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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38%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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38%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
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94%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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93%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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93%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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91%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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89%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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89%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
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88%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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88%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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88%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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88%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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88%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
87%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
87%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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87%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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83%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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83%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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82%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
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81%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
79%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
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79%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-9096.00 - Riggers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.