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Animation Rigger Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

Salary: Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing ... An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data ...

Velan Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Troy, NY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

... rigging, or related areas. * A passion for game design and how animation supports player feedback ... The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below* per year. Please note ...

Velan Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Troy, NY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

... rigging, or related areas. * A passion for game design and how animation supports player feedback ... The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below* per year. Please note ...

Velan Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Troy, NY · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

... rigging, or related areas. * A passion for game design and how animation supports player feedback ... The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below* per year. Please note ...

Aquent

3D Modeler - Robotics & Data Centers

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$40 - $55/hr

Temporary Salary: $40-55 Hourly Start Date: Jun 8, 2026 Type: Part-Time Contract (10 hrs/week) ... Ensure all models are properly rigged for animation should the project scope expand. * Incorporate ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Rigging * Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and animation * Proficiencies ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

MARKETSCALE LLC

3D Artist

Dallas, TX · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Rigging * Animation * Editing Requirements: * 3-5 years in 3D design and animation * Proficiencies ... The 3D Artist position is a full-time role, with competitive salary, full employee medical benefits ...

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How much do animation rigger salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigger salary 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animation Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Rigger, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, kinematics, and 3D modeling principles, along with a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency in software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help riggers collaborate closely with animators and technical artists. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs that enable smooth character animation and enhance production workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by animation riggers in their daily work?

Animation riggers often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic requirements with technical constraints, ensuring rigs are user-friendly for animators, and troubleshooting unexpected deformations or performance issues within complex character models. Collaboration with modelers and animators is essential, as riggers must adapt rigs to accommodate feedback and evolving project needs. Staying updated with evolving software and rigging techniques is also crucial to maintain efficiency and quality.

What is the average salary of an animation rigger?

The average salary of an animation rigger varies depending on factors like experience, location, and the studio. In the United States, animation riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 per year, with more experienced professionals and those working at major studios earning higher salaries. Entry-level riggers may start at a lower range, while senior riggers or supervisors can earn significantly more. Freelance riggers may have different earnings depending on the projects and clients they work with.

What is the difference between Animation Rigger Salary vs Character Animator Salary?

AspectAnimation Rigger SalaryCharacter Animator Salary
Average Annual Salary$60,000 - $85,000$55,000 - $80,000
Required Skills & Certifications3D rigging, software proficiency (Maya, Blender), technical skillsAnimation, storytelling, software proficiency (Maya, After Effects)
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, game development, animation companiesAnimation studios, game studios, film production

While both Animation Riggers and Character Animators work closely in the animation industry, riggers focus on creating the skeletal structures that enable characters to move, whereas animators bring characters to life through movement. Salary differences are generally modest, reflecting overlapping skills but distinct roles within the production pipeline.

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Animation Rigger Salary jobs near you
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 22 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

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