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3D Rigger Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin

CAD Drafter III

Seattle, WA · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

Experience with Model-Based Definition (MBD) implementation and 3D annotation per ASME Y14.41 ... rigging, assembly, inspection) * Launch component Ground Support Equipment (GSE) experience

City of Seattle

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Seattle, WA

$74.99 - $87.31/hr

Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery Develop ... 3D design software, and Matlab Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or ...

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3D Rigger information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do 3d rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d rigger in Seattle, WA is $29.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges 3D Riggers face when working on animated projects?

3D Riggers often encounter challenges such as creating rigs that are both flexible and stable enough to handle a wide range of character movements without deformation or technical issues. Balancing the needs of animators for control and simplicity, while ensuring the rig performs efficiently in production, can be demanding. Additionally, adapting rigs for different software pipelines and collaborating closely with modelers and animators to troubleshoot problems are frequent parts of the job. Overcoming these challenges requires strong technical skills, creativity, and effective communication within the team.

What 3D job pays the most?

Among 3D-related roles, senior 3D artists, technical directors, and 3D supervisors tend to have the highest salaries, especially in industries like film, gaming, and visual effects. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and proficiency with tools like Maya, Blender, or Houdini, and can offer six-figure compensation in major markets.

How to become a 3D rigger?

To become a 3D rigger, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, animation, and rigging using software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max. Gaining a strong understanding of anatomy, weight painting, and scripting can improve your effectiveness, and building a portfolio of rigging projects is essential for job applications.

What does a 3D rigger do?

A 3D rigger creates the skeletal structures and control systems needed to animate 3D models in animation, gaming, or film production. They set up rigs using software like Maya or Blender, ensuring models can move naturally and efficiently. Strong knowledge of anatomy, rigging tools, and scripting is essential for this role.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically in the oil and gas, aerospace, or heavy construction industries, where specialized skills and certifications are required. Senior riggers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in complex lifting operations can earn higher salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. Location, industry demand, and project complexity significantly influence compensation for riggers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Rigger, you need a strong understanding of anatomy, movement, and 3D modeling principles, often supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages such as Python or MEL is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in collaborating with animators and technical artists. These skills ensure the creation of efficient, realistic rigs that enable smooth animation and enhance overall production quality.

What are 3D Riggers?

3D Riggers are professionals in the animation, film, and gaming industries who create digital skeletons for 3D models. Their work involves designing and building the underlying structures that allow 3D characters or objects to move realistically when animated. Riggers use specialized software to set up controls and deformers, enabling animators to pose and animate models efficiently. Their expertise ensures that characters can express a wide range of movements and emotions, which is essential for believable animation.
What are popular job titles related to 3D Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA? For 3D Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA are:
3D Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Rigger job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,583 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
Technical Animator - Unreal 4

Technical Animator - Unreal 4

8 Circuit Studios, Inc.

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Do you love working with and empowering animators by providing them the tools necessary to bring characters to life? Are you passionate about working at the cutting edge of story telling mediums and working in a highly technical environment? Do you have experience working with motion capture teams? Are you comfortable collaborating with game developers in the Unreal pipeline? If so, we may have the role for you. 


We are looking to hire a Rigger and/or a Technical Animator to kickstart our gameplay animation team. You would work closely with Art and Production to produce in-game content and cinematics.


Responsibilities

  • Experience with Keyframe animation and motion capture data, with fundamental animation principles
  • Support and improve the integration of animation assets from Maya (or equivalent 3D tools) to Unreal Engine 4
  • Contribute to improving the animation pipeline
  • Own the skinning process for a variety of characters, weapons, garments and gear
  • Manage code and content delivery with Perforce
  • Document process

Requirements

  • Character rigging and skinning capabilities
  • Keyframe experience a big plus for placeholder sets
  • Facial rigging experience a plus
  • UE4 experience

Please include work examples with application.


About 8 Circuit Studios

With 8 Circuit Studios, you would be joining a team that has big aspirations. Our dream is to create games that make you think while becoming wildly successful in the enterprise. We are fired up to make our mark in the video game industry with our first PC, XBox, and PS4/5 title called Project Genesis.


We are currently self-funded and looking to accomplish the impossible: create live-service title that can compete with AAA games…but at a fraction of the cost in time, talent, and treasure. We expect a lot from each other, but we also have a passion for creating a supportive environment where you can learn as you go and level-up as much as you’d like.


We love to share knowledge and expertise.


In the not too distant future, we anticipate scaling our team up so now is the perfect time for you to consider applying as we prepare the team to go stratospheric.

Apply