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3D Rigging Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC ยท On-site +1

The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ... An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data ...

Technical Artist III- UI/UX (REMOTE)

OR ยท Remote

$89K - $170K/yr

General knowledge of the 3D Realtime Art Pipeline. Including new AI art tools and traditional 3D ... rigging/skinning, VFX nodes, UI Design, creating and modifying shaders. Advanced knowledge of ...

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3D Rigging Artist information

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How much do 3d rigging artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d rigging artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3d rigging artist?

A 3D Rigging Artist is responsible for creating the skeletal frameworks used to animate 3D models in films, games, and other media. They build rigs that define how a character or object moves, ensuring natural and realistic motion. Their work involves setting up bones, controllers, and deformation systems like skinning. Rigging artists collaborate closely with animators and modelers to ensure smooth functionality. Strong knowledge of anatomy, movement, and technical skills in software like Maya or Blender is essential.

What does a typical workday look like for a 3d rigging artist?

A typical day for a 3D Rigging Artist involves creating and refining digital skeletons and control systems for 3D characters or objects, collaborating with animators and modelers to ensure proper movement and deformation. You may spend time troubleshooting and adjusting rigs, developing custom scripts for workflow efficiency, and participating in team meetings to review project goals. Rigging Artists often work closely with other departments, such as animation and technical directors, to address feedback and maintain project consistency. Depending on the studio, you might also help document rigging solutions or mentor junior artists. This structured, collaborative environment helps ensure rapid problem-solving and a high-quality final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3d rigging artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Rigging Artist, you need a strong understanding of human and animal anatomy, kinematics, and a solid grasp of 3D rigging principles, often supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting (Python, MEL) is typically required, and certifications in these tools can be an advantage. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills help you work seamlessly within animation and VFX teams. These combined skills ensure that 3D models move realistically and efficiently, which is crucial for high-quality animation production.

What cities are hiring for 3D Rigging Artist jobs?

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Infographic showing various 3D Rigging Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 65% In-person, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.


The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production needs to maintain high-quality animation output.


About the role:

  • Lead a team of animators on a show
  • Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
  • Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
  • Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
  • Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary
  • Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
  • Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
  • Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
  • May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested
  • Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
  • Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
  • Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
  • Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
  • Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard
  • Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date


About you:

  • Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
  • Thorough knowledge of Maya
  • An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
  • An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
  • The proven ability to work under pressure
  • Being open to direction and able to embrace change
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
  • Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
  • Working knowledge of modelling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
  • Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills


What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV series.


Why work with us?

  • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
  • We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
  • We have a hybrid approach to work. For this particular position, full remote could be an option.
  • Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
  • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!


Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.