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2D Character Rigging Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Incessantrain

Rigging Artist 1

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

About the Role We're hiring an experienced Rigging Artist to develop advanced character rigs for ... Create facial rigs and blendshapes for expressions, lip sync, and animation * Perform advanced ...

Incessantrain

About the Role We're hiring an experienced Rigging Artist to develop advanced character rigs for ... Create facial rigs and blendshapes for expressions, lip sync, and animation * Perform advanced ...

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

Character Rigging - emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation ... Skilled in storyboarding, digital painting, rigging, modeling and 2D animation * Strong computer ...

Corkyy

Senior Motion Designer (Remote)

New York, NY · Remote

$116K - $132K/yr

Freelance Senior Motion Graphics Designer (2D) We are looking for a Senior 2D Motion Specialist to ... Expert command of Adobe After Effects and Creative Cloud (character rigging and animation ...

Spinplay Games

Senior Technical Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$101K - $115K/yr

Minimum 6 years experience in 2D animation, drawing and illustration * Experience in slot machine games (mobile platform) is a plus. * Strong understanding of rigging, animation workflows, and ...

PlayStation Global

Lead Character Tools Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$102K - $134K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Character Tools Engineer to join the PlayStation Central Technology team focusing on Character technology from creation, rigging, and animation. Developing and distributing ...

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2D Character Rigging Animation information

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How much do 2d character rigging animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for 2d character rigging animation in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 2d character rigging animation?

2D character rigging animation is the process of creating a digital skeleton, known as a rig, for a two-dimensional character so that it can be animated efficiently. This involves setting up control points and bones that allow animators to move the character's parts, such as arms, legs, and facial features, in a realistic or stylized way. Rigging saves time by enabling reusable and adjustable movements, making it easier to animate complex actions. It's a crucial step in producing animated films, games, and other multimedia projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 2d character rigging animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 2D Character Rigging Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, character anatomy, and rigging techniques, often supported by a degree in animation or related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, and Spine, as well as scripting languages like Python, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills help animators bring characters to life and overcome technical rigging challenges. These capabilities are crucial for producing smooth, expressive animations that meet project requirements and ensure efficient workflow in animation studios.

What are some common challenges faced by 2d character rigging animators when collaborating with designers and animators?

2D Character Rigging Animators often encounter challenges in ensuring that their rigs are both technically robust and artistically flexible for animators and designers. Miscommunication about character movement or design intent can lead to rigs that are either too restrictive or overly complex. To address this, regular feedback sessions and clear documentation are essential. Effective collaboration helps prevent workflow bottlenecks and ensures that the final animations remain true to the original vision while being efficient to produce.

What is the difference between 2D Character Rigging Animation vs 2D Animation?

Aspect2D Character Rigging Animation2D Animation
Primary FocusCreating and setting up rigs for characters to enable animationDrawing, designing, and animating 2D characters and scenes
Skills RequiredRigging techniques, anatomy, software like Spine or Toon Boom HarmonyDrawing skills, storytelling, frame-by-frame animation
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, post-productionAnimation studios, freelance, media production

While 2D Character Rigging Animation focuses on preparing characters for animation through rigging, 2D Animation involves creating the actual animated sequences. Rigging is a specialized skill within the broader field of 2D animation, essential for efficient and flexible character movement, whereas 2D animation encompasses the entire process from drawing to final animation.

What other helpful pages are available for 2D Character Rigging Animation?

Other pages related to 2D Character Rigging Animation:

Infographic showing various 2D Character Rigging Animation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Rigging Artist 1

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA • On-site

Incessantrain
See more jobs at Incessantrainexternal

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

About the Role
We're hiring an experienced Rigging Artist to develop advanced character rigs for human and quadruped characters. You'll work on facial systems, dynamic secondary motion rigs, skinning, and deformation — collaborating with animators and modelers to ensure rigs are production-ready.

Main Responsibilities
  • Develop anatomically accurate rigs for human and quadruped characters
  • Create facial rigs and blendshapes for expressions, lip sync, and animation
  • Perform advanced skinning for high-quality deformation and volume preservation
  • Build dynamic rigs for secondary motion (hair, tails, skirts, cloth)
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex rigging and animation issues
  • Collaborate with animators, modelers, and other departments on rig requirements
  • Mentor junior rigging artists and contribute to team knowledge sharing
Qualifications Requirements
  • 4–5 years of professional experience in character rigging
  • Proficiency in Maya; Blender is a plus
  • Experience with facial rigging, blendshapes, and secondary motion systems
  • Intermediate knowledge of MEL and Python scripting
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Animation, or related field
  • Portfolio/showreel demonstrating facial rigs, dynamic setups, and skinning quality
Nice to Have
  • Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity rigging integration
  • Ability to build custom rigging tools via scripting
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