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3D Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AST SpaceMobile

Rigging/Lifting Manager

Midland, TX · On-site

NCCCO Certified Rigger (CR) preferred. * Signalperson or Lift Director certifications a plus ... Ability to read and interpret digital drawings, 3D models, and lift-planning software * Experience ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ... Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Senior Project Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

This requires an in-depth understanding of various cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, and their specific applications. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry-specific tools such as ...

Apple

Creative Expert - 3D/VFX

Culver City, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

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 ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Senior Project Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

This requires an in-depth understanding of various cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, and their specific applications. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry-specific tools such as ...

Barnhart Crane & Rigging

Senior Project Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$96K - $125K/yr

This requires an in-depth understanding of various cranes, hoists, rigging equipment, and their specific applications. Proficiency with CAD, 3D modeling software, and industry-specific tools such as ...

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3D Rigger information

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How much do 3d rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d 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 a 3D rigger?

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 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 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.

How do you become a 3D rigger?

To become a 3D rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling and animation, often gained through a degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in rigging tools such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, along with knowledge of anatomy and scripting, is essential; building a portfolio of rigging projects can also help demonstrate your skills to employers.

How much do 3D riggers make?

3D riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior riggers with specialized skills or working in high-demand markets can earn higher salaries, and proficiency with tools like Maya or Blender can influence earning potential.
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3D Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Rigger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 14% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 57% In-person, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Assistant Professor (3D Animation) (0070059)

Honolulu, HI • On-site

University of Hawaii
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-01806
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - CALL - School of Cinematic Arts
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Position Number:: 0070059
Description
Title: Assistant Professor (3D Animation)
Position Number: 0070059
Hiring Unit: College of Arts, Languages & Letters, School of Cinematic Arts
Location: Manoa
Date Posted: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins 10/15/2026
Salary Information: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Monthly Type: 9 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Other Conditions: Full-time, tenure track position in 3D Animation to begin Fall 2027, pending position clearance and availability of funds.
As Hawai'i's Film School, School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is at the forefront of cinematic arts education in the Pacific. Located in Honolulu at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, SCA is dedicated to academic and creative excellence through its bachelor of arts degree designed to encourage innovation and collaboration with an emphasis on Hawaii, Pacific, and Asia. Focused in the heart of a state with a robust film and television industry, SCA encourages professional development, mentorship and community engagement through a variety of programs, including internships, master classes, and industry screenings. SCA nurtures and empowers students to develop their own unique voice as storytellers. Exploring cinematic arts forms rooted in personal experience and place-based learning through animation, cinema studies, digital cinema production, and screenwriting.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Teach beginning to advanced courses in 3D animation;
  2. Assist in the development, support, and teaching of a curricular program in animation, stressing multiple theoretical, critical, historical, and technical approaches in the study, design, application, and distribution of animation;
  3. Development of creative works or scholarship in your field of specialization, leading to public screenings and presentations;
  4. Involvement in and presentations at nationally recognized professional organizations/conferences in your field;
  5. Work towards the development of internship opportunities for students;
  6. Supervise animation labs;
  7. Involvement in service to the department, university, and community;
  8. Advise student majors in the animation track; and
  9. Other duties as assigned by the Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Terminal degree (i.e., M.F.A. or equivalent) in Animation, Digital Arts, Film/Media Arts,or closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing (degree must be completed by August 2027);
  2. Professional industry experience and accomplishment in 3D animation as demonstrated through the creation, direction, and collaboration of projects that include 3D animation;
  3. Experience teaching college level animation classes;
  4. Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and rendering, with advanced expertise in one or more of these areas.
  5. Proficiency in industry-standard software suites and specialized applications, including:
    • Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite
    • ZBrush, Substance Painter, Maxon Cinema 4D or comparable software
  6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, faculty, staff, and administration.

Desirable Qualifications:
  1. Proficiency in and knowledge of 2D animation as demonstrated through creative or professional work.
  2. Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:
    • 2D animation software including but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable software.
    • Animation history.
  3. Experience in community engagement.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button at the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents:
  1. Letter of application that addresses abilities to meet duties and how minimum and desirable qualifications are met. Applicants should further discuss their suitability, collegiality and enthusiasm for creating and participating in programs across disciplines in a highly collaborative curriculum.
  2. Statement of teaching philosophy;
  3. Curriculum vitae;
  4. Transcript(s) showing highest degree received; copies of transcripts acceptable at time of application, original transcript required at time of hire;
  5. URL link(s) to portfolio, samples, or professional or scholarly work;
  6. List of at least five references and contact information.

Inquiries: Search Committee Chair: Laura Margulies, lmarguli@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
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About University of Hawaii

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The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907

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