Rigger and Dogman Jobs in Perth: Licences, Salary, and Career Guide

Riggers and dogmen are essential on any construction site that uses cranes. They’re responsible for safely lifting, moving, and placing loads — from steel beams and precast panels to plant and equipment. In Perth, with major projects running across residential, commercial, civil, and mining sectors, riggers and dogmen are in strong demand.

What Does a Dogman Do?

A dogman (or dogger) is licensed to:

Select and inspect lifting gear — slings, shackles, chains, and spreader bars
Attach (sling) loads to a crane hook
Direct the crane operator during lifts using hand signals or radio communication
Assess load weights and select appropriate lifting equipment
Ensure the lift zone is clear and safe

Dogmen work directly with crane operators and are the person on the ground controlling what goes up and where it goes.

What Does a Rigger Do?

Riggers do everything a dogman does, plus more complex work:

Setting up and dismantling cranes
Erecting structural steel
Installing and dismantling scaffolding (with appropriate licence)
Moving heavy plant and equipment
Setting up gin poles, shear legs, and other lifting devices
Planning complex lifts involving multiple cranes or unusual loads

There are three classes of rigging licence in Australia:

Basic rigging: Moving plant and equipment, erecting steel, setting up mast climbers and personnel hoists
Intermediate rigging: Structural steel erection for multi-storey buildings, erecting tower cranes, gin poles and shear legs
Advanced rigging: The highest level — planning and supervising complex rigging operations, moving exceptionally heavy loads, and multi-crane lifts

Rigger and Dogman Salary in Perth

Perth Metro

Dogman: $70,000 to $95,000
Basic rigger: $80,000 to $100,000
Intermediate rigger: $90,000 to $120,000
Advanced rigger: $100,000 to $140,000
Rigging foreman: $120,000 to $150,000

FIFO and Mining

Rigger (mining/shutdown): $120,000 to $170,000
Advanced rigger (mining): $140,000 to $190,000
Rigging supervisor (mining): $150,000 to $200,000

Shutdown and turnaround work often pays premium rates due to the intensive, time-critical nature of the work.

How to Get Your Dogman and Rigging Licences

Dogging Licence (DG)

The dogging licence is issued by WorkSafe WA after completing an accredited training course and assessment. Requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Complete a dogging course through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
Pass a written and practical assessment
Apply for a High Risk Work Licence through WorkSafe WA

Course duration is typically 5 days. Cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the RTO.

Rigging Licences (RB, RI, RA)

Each rigging class requires its own licence:

Basic rigging (RB): Typically a 2-week course. You need the dogging licence first.
Intermediate rigging (RI): Additional training beyond basic rigging. Requires the basic rigging licence and significant practical experience.
Advanced rigging (RA): The most extensive training. Requires intermediate rigging licence and extensive field experience.

Each level builds on the previous one — you can’t skip ahead. Most riggers progress through the levels over several years as they gain experience.

Career Pathway

A typical rigging career in Perth might look like:

Construction labourer — learn the basics of working on construction sites
Dogman — get your dogging licence and start working with cranes
Basic rigger — expand into structural steel, crane assembly, and equipment moves
Intermediate rigger — take on multi-storey steel erection and tower crane work
Advanced rigger — plan and supervise complex lifts and rigging operations
Rigging foreman or supervisor — lead rigging crews on major projects

Some riggers also move into crane operations, scaffolding supervision, or site management.

Where Riggers and Dogmen Work in Perth

Commercial construction: High-rise buildings, shopping centres, hospitals, and schools — lifting steel, precast, plant, and equipment
Industrial construction: Factories, warehouses, processing plants — heavy equipment installation
Civil construction: Bridge beams, precast drainage, retaining walls — lifting heavy civil components
Mining and resources: Shutdown maintenance, equipment installation, plant construction
Residential: Lifting roof trusses, precast panels, and prefabricated components on larger residential projects
Oil and gas: Platform construction, module installation, and maintenance

Skills That Make a Good Rigger

Spatial awareness: Understanding how loads behave in three dimensions and anticipating movement
Attention to detail: Inspecting gear, calculating weights, and checking conditions before every lift
Communication: Clear, precise communication with crane operators is critical for safety
Physical fitness: Rigging is physically demanding — climbing, carrying gear, working at height
Problem solving: Every lift is different, and riggers need to adapt their approach to each situation
Safety focus: A dropped load can kill. Riggers must be methodical and safety-conscious at all times

Find Rigger and Dogman Jobs Through Perth Trades Recruitment

Perth Trades Recruitment places riggers and dogmen on construction, industrial, and mining projects across Perth and Western Australia. Whether you’re newly licensed or an experienced advanced rigger, we can connect you with the right opportunities.

Contact Perth Trades Recruitment to find rigging and dogging jobs in Perth.