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3D Rigging Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Technical Artist (Contractor)

Orlando, FL · On-site

$118K - $141K/yr

Work with 3D models, textures, shaders, and animations to ensure efficiency and high performance in ... rigging workflows. • Familiarity with CAD-to-real-time workflows. • Experience with ...

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

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ... Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines * Proven experience ...

Senior Technical Artist (Contractor)

Orlando, FL · On-site

$118K - $141K/yr

Work with 3D models, textures, shaders, and animations to ensure efficiency and high performance in ... Knowledge of animation and rigging workflows. * Familiarity with CAD-to-real-time workflows.

Senior CG Lighting Artist

New Orleans, LA · Hybrid

$122K - $146K/yr

Understanding of CG modelling and rigging workflows. * Basic knowledge of texture mapping ... Experience with ZBrush and other 3D software is advantageous. * Familiarity with scripting or tool ...

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout ... Experience building Control Rigs or basic rigging for in-engine use. * Familiarity with procedural ...

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout ... Experience building Control Rigs or basic rigging for in-engine use. * Familiarity with procedural ...

Technical Artist III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$116K - $139K/yr

Blending artistic and technical abilities, this role bridges the Art and Software teams, enabling ... Knowledge of 3D fundamentals: modeling, texturing/shading, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering.

Technical Artist III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Blending artistic and technical abilities, this role bridges the Art and Software teams, enabling ... Knowledge of 3D fundamentals: modeling, texturing/shading, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering.

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout ... Experience building Control Rigs or basic rigging for in-engine use. * Familiarity with procedural ...

Senior CG Lighting Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

Understanding of CG modelling and rigging workflows. * Basic knowledge of texture mapping ... Experience with ZBrush and other 3D software is advantageous. * Familiarity with scripting or tool ...

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

As of Jun 20, 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 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 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 is a 3D Rigging Artist job?

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 cities are hiring for 3D Rigging Artist jobs? Cities with the most 3D Rigging Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs are:
What states have the most 3D Rigging Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Rigging Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various 3D Rigging Artist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 76% In-person, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Practice - Emerging Media Arts: Animation

Assistant Professor of Practice - Emerging Media Arts: Animation

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Assistant Professor of Practice - Emerging Media Arts: Animation
Department
Johnny Carson School-Theatre & Film-1033
Requisition Number
F_250088
Posting Open Date
12/11/2025
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
03/02/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice - Emerging Media Arts: Animation and Rigging to join our unique program.
We seek a creative individual with strong dedication to craft, technical expertise, and professional agility in a constantly changing field. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in film, television, game production, or gallery/museum installations. The successful candidate will have advanced experience in 3D animation workflows (film, television, games) and/or rigging, ideally with supplemental familiarity with game engines, and/or motion capture, and be able to creatively integrate traditional techniques with emerging technologies and platforms.
This position involves teaching courses in 3D Animation, Rigging, Motion Capture, and Game Engines. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic artist/teacher who is committed to training and inspiring the next generation of emerging media artists and storytellers.
The Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts is an interdisciplinary center and creative research facility within the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, established with a $57M investment from the Johnny Carson Foundation. Research areas include filmmaking, interactive and immersive storytelling, experience and generative design, XR, machine learning, sonic and data arts, virtual production, and innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Carson Center brings together world-class faculty and students to reimagine the future of media through inclusive, imaginative storytelling that addresses human-scale challenges, provokes and inspires. As the Center expands its international reach and collaborations, this is a unique opportunity to shape its growing mission.
Nebraska offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate's background and experience. Faculty status with opportunities for promotion in rank and sabbatical opportunities for continued learning and professional development are additional key benefits. This position comes with resources to support innovative teaching and creative practice.
Key Responsibilities
  • Teach courses in 3D Animation, Rigging, Introduction to Game Engines, Motion Capture for Real-time Performance, and others as needed.
  • Collaborate with faculty to develop new courses and curriculum with a focus towards interdisciplinarity.
  • Provide mentorship to students.
  • Recruit artist/industry partners and assist students transitioning into their careers.
  • Remain agile and keep current with advancements in 3D animation, rigging, motion capture, game engine technologies, AI, and creative applications.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree with at least five years of professional experience in 3D animation and/or rigging for film, television, games, or live performance workflows.
  • Working career as an animator/artist represented through a body of work that has received theatrical, network, or streaming exhibition and/or national/international festival recognition.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in an equivalent arts-related field; OR in exceptional cases, significant professional credentials and experience in lieu of a terminal degree.
  • Experience with game engines (Unity or Unreal) or other real-time performance systems.
  • Experience in custom rigging for 3D animation and/or games.
  • Experience with emerging forms of digital animation workflows, including AI and Machine Learning.
  • Proficiencies in languages such as MEL (PyMEL), Python, C++, or C#.
  • University teaching experience above the teaching assistant level; or equivalent experience in a non-university setting (Animation Mentor, Gnomon, VFS, etc.).
  • A strong network of contacts with other industry professionals and employers.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and the ability to stay at the edge of industry developments.

Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required
No
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click "Apply for this Job," complete the faculty information form, and submit the following required documents:
  1. A letter of interest addressing your qualifications specific to this job description.
  2. A current Curriculum Vitae.
  3. Teaching statement (1-2 pages). Attach as "Other Document."
  4. A link to an online portfolio of work.
  5. The names and contact details of three professional references.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Shelby Foged
shelby.foged@unl.edu
Job Category
Job Category (old)
Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Type
9 Month
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
08/17/2026
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location
Default Location