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3D Animation Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Stay current on emerging hardware, software and workflows in 3D, animation, and digital content ... rigging, animation, simulation, real-time, or CAD Primary artistic capability in pen-and-tablet or ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Animation Rigger information

See salary details

$14

$26

$36

How much do 3d animation rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d animation rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between 3D Animation Rigger vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Animation Rigger3D Modeler
Primary RoleCreates skeletal structures and controls for character and object animationBuilds detailed 3D models and environments
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of rigging software, anatomy, and animation principlesProficiency in modeling software, topology, and texturing
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, VFX companies, game developmentModeling studios, game studios, VFX companies

While both roles require strong 3D software skills and industry experience, 3D Animation Riggers focus on creating rigs for animation, whereas 3D Modelers concentrate on building detailed models. They often collaborate but serve distinct functions in the 3D production pipeline.

How to become a 3D Animation Rigger?

To become a 3D Animation Rigger, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation using software like Maya or Blender. A relevant degree or certification in animation, computer graphics, or a related field can be helpful, along with building a portfolio that demonstrates your rigging work and understanding of character deformation and joint systems.

Is 3D animation a high paying job?

3D animation professionals, including riggers, can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience and specialized skills in software like Maya or Blender. Salaries vary by industry, location, and level of expertise, but experienced 3D animators often have higher earning potential compared to entry-level positions.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Animation Rigger jobs?

For 3D Animation Rigger jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 3D Animation Rigger job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Senior Animator - Temp (SFD / Cinematics)

Remote

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 1 - 5K employees

$39.54 - $73.16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Blizzard Entertainment rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Team Name:

CinematicsJob Title:Senior Animator - Temp (SFD / Cinematics)Requisition ID:R028064Job Description:

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a dedicated 3D animator to assist our Cinematics team in crafting the next generation of Epic animated films.

Responsibilities

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

The cinematic animator will be skilled at animating characters at a level that lives up to the ever-increasing Blizzard Entertainment standard of quality. The ideal candidate has a passion for animation and film making, with experience animating a diverse array of characters and creatures in different styles, from cartoony to realistic and anywhere in-between. A solid grasp of body mechanics and character acting with a mastery of the 12 principles of animation are critical. You must enjoy working on a highly collaborative team of peers as passionate about making phenomenal movies and games as we are. Blizzard Entertainment offers a fun, creative, and technically challenging environment with excellent compensation.

This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person's circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.

We have multiple temporary positions with term lengths about 6-months.

Minimum Requirements

Experience

  • 7+ years' experience in game development, television, or film industry using Maya or equivalent 3D program

  • Experience working with Directors, Animation Supervisors and Leads developing, defining, and maintaining high-end cinematic animations

Knowledge & Skills

  • A demo reel demonstrating high quality hand-keyed animations through solid body mechanics and engaging performances

  • A solid grasp of body mechanics and character acting with a mastery of the 12 principles of animation are essential

Key Attributes

  • Passion for film, animation, and video games

  • Self-motivation, good communication skills, and a great team-player attitude

  • Assist in supporting and evolving the Cinematics team with constructive feedback both technically and artistically

Extra Points

  • Artistic skills: storyboarding, gesture drawing, 2D animation, composition

  • Technical skills: rigging, scripting, and understanding of pipeline

  • Physical skills: acting, martial arts, and choreography

  • Film making skills: cinematography, pre-visualization, editing, and story writing

  • Understanding of FX, particles, cloth, and hair as they contribute to a character's performance and other facets of both 2D and 3D animation is essential

Your Platform

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises includingCall of Duty,World of Warcraft,Overwatch,Diablo,Candy Crush andBubble Witch. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $39.54 - $73.16 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

What Blizzard Entertainment employees say

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Benefits

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About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

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