How To Become A Lifting Supervisor In Saudi Arabia

Table of Contents

High-Paying Job, Easy Steps & Visa Guide for

2025–2026!

Want a high-paying job in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry? Learn how to become a Lifting Supervisor with step-by-step instructions, required certifications, experience, salary, and visa category in this 2025–2026 guide!

Lifting Supervisor is one of the most in-demand and high-paying jobs in Saudi Arabia’s booming construction, oil & gas, and industrial sectors. If you have experience in rigging, crane operations, or heavy lifting activities, upgrading yourself to a Lifting Supervisor role can significantly boost your income, career growth and bright your future.

In this post, we’ll cover:

What a Lifting Supervisor does
Salary expectations in 2025–2026
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia
Required certifications and skills
Best visa options for this job

Who is a Lifting Supervisor?

A Lifting Supervisor is responsible for planning, overseeing, and ensuring the safety of all lifting operations on a worksite. They work closely with crane operators, riggers, safety officers and also co-operate with lifting Engineers to prevent accidents and follow legal safety standards.

Major Responsibilities of Lifting Supervisor:

Preparing detailed lift plans and risk assessments before each lifting operation.
Supervising and coordinating the work of riggers, crane operators, and other lifting team.
Ensuring all lifting gear, slings, shackles, and cranes are certified and inspected.
Coordinating closely with the site safety department to maintain compliance.
Monitoring weather conditions and site safety factors before and during lifting.
Verifying the correct load charts and crane configurations are used.
Ensuring lifting operations are carried out within the equipment’s safe working load (SWL).
Maintaining proper communication using hand signals or radios during lifts.
Enforcing strict adherence to company safety policies and legal regulations.
Checking that exclusion zones are set up around the lifting area.
Scheduling and supervising pre-lift meetings with the lifting team.
Reporting and investigating any lifting-related incidents or near-misses on workplace.
Keeping updated records of all lifting equipment inspections and certifications.
Advising crane operators on safe boom angles and positioning.
Ensuring correct rigging methods are used for different load types.
Identifying and eliminating hazards before lifting begins.
Training and mentoring junior riggers and lifting crew members.
Coordinating with logistics teams for load transport and delivery timing.
Ensuring proper tag lines and load control methods are used to prevent swinging.
Stopping the lifting operation immediately if unsafe conditions arise.

lifting-supervisor-reponsibilities. — Major Responsibilities of Lifting Supervisor

Salary of a Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia (2025–2026)

Salary depends on experience, project type, and visa category.

Azad (Free) Visa Holder:
SR 25–40/hour → SR 5,000 to SR 14,000/month
Company Visa Holder:
SR 3,500 to SR 7,000/month + Over time, free accommodation, transport, and medical
Aramco Approved:
getting aramco approvement can increase the chance and can earn 10,000 SR to 25,000 SR per month.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia

Step 1: Gain Rigging Experience

Most Lifting Supervisors start as Riggers (Level III → Level II). You need hands-on experience with cranes, lifting equipment, and safety procedures.

Step 2: Get Certified

TUV Certified Lifting Supervisor (highly preferred in KSA)
Saudi Aramco Approved (required for Aramco projects)
NEBOSH/IOSH Safety Certification (optional but valuable)

Step 3: Learn Lift Planning

You must understand load charts, crane capacity, sling angles, and safe lifting methods.

Skills Required

Knowledge of all types of lifting equipment
Ability to read technical drawings
Communication in English & Arabic
Leadership skills to manage the lifting team
Strong safety awareness

Best Courses for Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia

TÜV Lifting Supervisor Course – Most accepted in KSA & Gulf, covers lifting plans, load charts, and safety.
LEEA Training – LEEA is a High-value course for oil & gas projects, focuses on inspection and safe lifting.
Aramco-Approved Lifting Supervisor – Required for Aramco sites, teaches GI & SAES standards.
OSHA Lifting Safety Course – Good for international recognition and multi-country work.

💡 Tip: Do TÜV Rigger Level 2 first, then TÜV Lifting Supervisor for the best job chances.

Visa Guide for Lifting Supervisor Jobs

Best Visa Types:

Azad Visa: Flexible but you arrange your own work. Good for experienced professionals with contacts.
Company Visa: Company handles iqama and benefits; safer for beginners.

Tip: If you plan to work on mega projects like NEOM, Jazan Refinery, or Aramco, company visa with project-specific approval is best.

Why Choose This Career in 2025–2026?

High demand in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega projects
Opportunities to work with global companies
Competitive salaries with benefits
Career growth from Rigger → Lifting Supervisor → Lifting Superintendent

Major Questions That Can Be Asked in a Lifting Supervisor Job Interview:

What is the role of a Lifting Supervisor?
What is a lifting plan?
What is critical lifting and when is it required?
What is tandem lifting and what are the risks?
What is blind lifting and how do you manage it safely?
What is tailing lifting?
How do you determine the center of gravity of a load?
What are the main responsibilities of a Lifting Supervisor?
What is a crane load chart and how is it used?
How do you calculate Safe Working Load (SWL) for slings at different angles?
What are the types of cranes used in construction and oil & gas projects?
What safety precautions must be taken when working near electrical power lines?
What is the minimum safe distance from excavation edges for crane setup?
What is a lifting permit and when is it required?
What is the difference between SWL and WLL (Working Load Limit)?
How do you inspect lifting equipment before use?
What are tag lines and why are they important during lifting?
What is the exclusion zone in lifting operations?
How do you ensure load stability during lifting?
What factors do you check before approving a lift?
How do you handle lifting operations in harsh weather conditions?
How do you communicate with the lifting team during operations?
What is the procedure for conducting a pre-lift meeting?
What is a rigging plan and how does it differ from a lifting plan?
How do you manage and document lifting equipment inspections?
How do you assess the competency of riggers and crane operators?
What steps do you take if you identify unsafe lifting conditions?
What is your role during a lifting incident investigation?
How do you coordinate with other departments during lifting activities?
What leadership qualities are important for a Lifting Supervisor?

interview- Lifting supervisor. — Major Questions That Can Be Asked in a Lifting Supervisor Job Interview:

✅ Final Advice:
If you already have rigging experience, start upgrading your skills with a TUV Lifting Supervisor certification and apply to Saudi companies directly. For newcomers, start as a Rigger and work your way up while collecting experience and certifications.

📌 Read more guides on Muav PK:

Conclusion:

Becoming a Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia is a rewarding career path with excellent salary prospects and growth opportunities. By gaining hands-on rigging experience, obtaining essential certifications like TÜV and Aramco approval, and mastering lift planning and safety protocols, you can secure a high-paying job in the booming construction and oil & gas sectors. Choosing the right visa and continuously upgrading skills will help you advance from a rigger to a respected lifting supervisor in 2025–2026 and beyond.

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Start your journey to becoming a Lifting Supervisor today!

FAQs:

What qualifications do I need to become a Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia?
You need rigging experience, TÜV Lifting Supervisor certification, and preferably Aramco approval for mega projects.
How much does a Lifting Supervisor earn in Saudi Arabia?
Salaries range from SAR 5,000 to SAR 25,000 per month depending on experience and project type.
Which visa is best for Lifting Supervisors in Saudi Arabia?
Company visas are recommended for safety and benefits, especially on large projects; Azad visas offer flexibility.
Can I become a Lifting Supervisor without prior rigging experience?
It’s difficult; most start as riggers (Level III or II) before upgrading to lifting supervisor roles.
Are safety certifications like NEBOSH necessary for this role?
NEBOSH is optional but valuable; TÜV certification and Aramco approval are more critical for job eligibility.

How to Become a Lifting Supervisor in Saudi Arabia – High-Paying Job, Easy Steps & Visa Guide for 2025–2026!