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3D Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Code Plus Inc

3D Game Developer - XR/VR

Petersburg, VA · On-site

Create and optimize 3D assets (modeling, texturing, rigging) for real-time performance across platforms, including VR/AR devices. * Develop low-polygon assets and texture atlases suitable for WebGL ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ... Surpassing Uncanny Valley - Create believable and detailed 3D characters applying your strong ...

AST SpaceMobile

Rigging/Lifting Manager

Midland, TX

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 ...

TNT Crane & Rigging

CAD/Lift Planner

Houston, TX · On-site

$25.75 - $35.50/hr

Southway Crane & Rigging, Inc. Position: CAD Designer/Engineer Tech Location: Houston, TX Reports ... The CAD Designer uses 2D/3D computer aided drafting and calculations to provide support to ...

Southway Crane & Rigging

CAD/Lift Planner

Houston, TX · On-site

$25.75 - $35.50/hr

Southway Crane & Rigging, Inc. Position: CAD Designer/Engineer Tech Location: Houston, TX Reports ... The CAD Designer uses 2D/3D computer aided drafting and calculations to provide support to ...

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 ...

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How much do 3d rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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 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.
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3D Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Rigger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Rigging Design Engineer - Clearwing

Rigging Design Engineer - Clearwing

Clair Global

Phoenix, AZ

$76K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Clair Global rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 65 rated media

Job description

Function:

The position of Rigging Design Engineer will involve supporting the Operations and Installation teams in the drafting of equipment floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, sections, and details of mounted and rigged equipment, converting measurements or 2D drawings of physical environments into 3D models, and addressing installation-related questions from the field.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Supports the Engineering and Operations Teams:
    • Attend, design, and project kick-off meetings, as well as other project-related meetings as necessary.
    • Draft equipment floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, elevations, sections, and details of mounted and rigged equipment, such as speaker arrays, projection systems, drapery track systems, and dead-hung, counterweight, and automated rigging systems.
    • Developing bills of material/hardware schedules of drafted rigging systems to support the Operations team in ordering and staging rigging hardware.
    • Convert measurements and/or 2D drawings of physical environments into 3D models to facilitate other colleagues modeling speaker array systems during the pre-sales phase and drafting shop/build drawings in Revit in the engineering phase.
    • Collaborate with AV and lighting-specific engineers on construction drawings for interdisciplinary projects (AVLRD).
    • Review drawing packages drafted by other engineers as needed.
    • Review existing bills-of-material for functional completeness per the scope of work of the project.
    • Author change orders for contracted projects as needed.
    • Respond to technical questions from the Operations team during installation and update installation documentation as needed according to installation schedules.
  • Support The Clearwing Group:
    • Develop and maintain knowledge of current and new technologies the company offers.
    • Maintain relationships with vendors through meetings, educational sessions, and consistent communication.
    • Assist in the development and implementation of technical standards and processes.
    • Collaborate with the Engineering Manager to develop and maintain a consistent continuing education plan.

Skill/Experience Requirements:

  • Extensive knowledge of performance rigging and scenic systems, including 5 years of design, installation, technical theatrical, or touring/production experience.
  • High proficiency in Autodesk AutoCAD and/or Autodesk REVIT and experience in SketchUp.
  • In-depth knowledge of construction documentation, including floor plans, RCPs, building sections, schematics, and riser diagrams.
  • Understanding of consultant specification documentation.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet or exceed project-driven deadlines.
  • Ability and desire to work in a team-oriented and interdisciplinary culture.
  • A mentality of constant process improvement.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ownership and use of a smartphone for app-based communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, etc.

Skill/Experience Preferences:

  • Working knowledge of audio system modeling programs such as Soundvision
  • Certifications:
  • ETCP Certified Rigger – Theatre
  • ETC Rigging Authorized Service Provider

Physical Working Conditions:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, tablets, and smartphones
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
  • Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period
  • Light to moderate lifting may be required
  • Regular, predictable attendance is required

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