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3D Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing * Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya ...

INSPYR Solutions

3D Artist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: 3D Artist Location: Remote US Duration: 8 months + Extensions Compensation: $50-80/hr Work ... Basic Rigging: * Set up simple skeletons and controls for hard surface assets to enable basic ...

Bragg Companies

Rigging Engineer III

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$125K - $195K/yr

Knowledge of RISA 3D, Mathcad, MATLAB, SolidWorks, AutoCAD 3D, and Revit. * Construction Background: 7 to 10 years of experience in rigging. * Lifting and Transport Plans: Experience preparing or ...

Roblox

Senior 3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $137K/yr

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement ... quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation ...

Roblox

Senior 3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$9.1K - $11K/mo

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement ... quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation ...

Roblox

Senior 3D Artist, Technical

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$163K - $200K/yr

... 3D immersive digital experiences- all created by our global community of developers and creators ... Partner with engineers to prototype and guide the development of our movement and rigging systems

Roblox

Senior Software Engineer, UGC Validation

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Maintain, optimize, and expand our existing engineering systems to analyze 3D geometry, avatar schema compliance, rigging structures, and asset metadata. * Enforce Marketplace Policy: Develop and ...

Stefanini

3D Graphics Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Solid asset building skills, including modeling and texturing and some rigging. * Ability to develop, execute, light, render and test comp FX. * Strong understanding of lighting/shading/texturing ...

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All Jobs3D Rigging Jobs3D Rigging Jobs in California

3D Rigging information

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$13

$25

$36

How much do 3d rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d rigging in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a 3D rigger do?

A 3D rigger creates the skeletal structures and control systems that enable characters and objects to move realistically in 3D animation. They build rigs using software like Maya or Blender, ensuring that models can be posed and animated efficiently, often collaborating with animators and modelers. Strong knowledge of anatomy, scripting, and rigging tools is essential for this role.

How much money do you make rigging?

3D rigging artists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level riggers may start around $40,000, while experienced professionals working in high-demand areas or for major studios can earn higher salaries. Skills in software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a 3D Rigging artist?

A 3D Rigging artist typically spends their day creating and refining digital skeletons and control systems that animators use to bring characters and objects to life. This involves working closely with modelers and animators to ensure rigs meet project requirements and adjusting rigs based on feedback or animation needs. The role often includes troubleshooting technical issues, developing custom scripts or tools to improve workflow efficiency, and conducting regular rig maintenance. Collaboration and communication are central, as rigs must integrate smoothly with the broader pipeline to support high-quality animation production.

What is a 3D Rigging job?

A 3D Rigging job involves creating the skeletal structure and controls that allow 3D characters or objects to move realistically in animation and gaming. Riggers build rigs with joints, bones, and deformers that animators use to manipulate movements. They ensure flexibility, smooth deformations, and proper weight distribution for lifelike animations. Rigging requires knowledge of anatomy, movement mechanics, and software like Maya or Blender. It's a crucial step in the animation pipeline, bridging modeling and animation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Rigging position, and why are they important?

To excel in 3D Rigging, candidates need a thorough understanding of anatomy, animation principles, and strong proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Maya or Blender, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in animation or computer graphics. Expertise in technical tools like Autodesk Maya, Python scripting for automation, and familiarity with deformation systems are crucial for creating efficient and versatile rigs. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help riggers collaborate with animators, modelers, and technical artists. These skills are essential for building rigs that deliver smooth and realistic character movement while enabling a streamlined workflow within production teams.

Are 3D riggers in demand?

3D riggers are in demand within the animation, gaming, and film industries, as they are essential for creating character movement and articulation. The demand is driven by ongoing projects requiring skilled professionals proficient in rigging tools like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and those with a strong understanding of anatomy and technical skills often find good job opportunities.

How do I get into 3D rigging?

To get into 3D rigging, develop strong skills in 3D modeling and animation using software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max. Learning character anatomy, rigging techniques, and scripting languages such as Python can improve your proficiency; building a portfolio with rigging projects is also essential.
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging jobs in California? The most popular types of 3D Rigging jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to 3D Rigging jobs in California? For 3D Rigging jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Rigging jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Rigging jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for 3D Rigging jobs? Cities in California with the most 3D Rigging job openings:
3D Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Rigging job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 52% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 12% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
3D Animator

3D Animator

M&S Consulting

Pasadena, CA • On-site, Remote

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

M&S (which stands for Management and Solutions) was conceived in 2002 with the vision of creating highly effective teams of elite consultants to deliver strategic process and technology solutions to enterprise organizations across the US. Our commitment to delivery in complex environments and long-term customer success has merged process and technology into innovative solutions, established deep pockets of expertise, and enabled innovative transformation for evolving businesses.
We have intentionally cultivated steady growth focused on being approachable and helpful to our dearly valued clients and closely cared-for employees. M&S people simply "care hard", and this reflects in our work products, our interactions, and our culture.
Job Responsibilities:
The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline-from modeling through final render-and translating real-world data, engineering concepts, and mission narratives into visually engaging content.
  • Create cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render
  • Model, texture, shade, and light assets for high-quality scientific and technical visualization
  • Rig and animate mechanical systems, spacecraft, instruments, and robotic processes
  • Develop environments and planetary visualizations to support mission storytelling
  • Render and composite final sequences for video deliverables
  • Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and technical experts to ensure scientific accuracy
  • Translate complex engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives
  • Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback

Required Skills:
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation and visualization work
  • Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing
  • Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects
  • Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines
  • Strong sense of motion, timing, lighting, and cinematic composition
  • Comfort working from storyboards, pre-vis, or animatics to final delivery

Desired Skills:
  • Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets
  • Background animating mechanical systems, robotics, or engineering processes
  • Experience creating space, planetary, or scientific visualizations
  • Familiarity with real-time rendering workflows (e.g., Unreal Engine pipelines)
  • Experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, or technical subject-matter experts

*Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident
*This is a remote position
*M&S Consulting proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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