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Animation Rigger Salary Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Experience with basic character animation or rigging. * Familiarity with Cinema 4D, Blender, or ... What we offer At Eidra/Kurppa Hosk in the United States, we offer a competitive salary package ...

Animation Rigger Salary information

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 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 do animation riggers do in animation?

Animation riggers create and set up digital skeletons and control systems that allow characters and objects to move naturally. They work with 3D modeling software and ensure that rigs are functional for animators to produce realistic or stylized movements. Rigging requires knowledge of anatomy, scripting, and technical skills to develop efficient and flexible rigs.

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Animation Rigger Salary jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Rigger Salary jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Animation Rigger Salary jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Animation Rigger Salary job openings:

Motion Designer

Kurppa Hosk

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Kurppa Hosk is a 200+ person brand agency spanning Europe and North America. As co-founders of the international consulting collective Eidra, we help brands and organizations turn ambition into real, lasting change.
We're looking for a 2D Motion Designer to join our creative team and help bring ideas to life through engaging motion.
You'll be working across a variety of projects - from social media campaigns and digital advertising to product launches, brand content, and internal communications. While the primary focus is 2D motion design, experience with video editing is a strong advantage.
This role is based in Chicago (with a commitment of 3 days onsite). As part of Eidra's expanding U.S. footprint, you'll help establish our reputation for creative excellence, strategy, and delivery in the American market. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
What you'll do
  • Create polished 2D motion graphics and animations for digital campaigns, social media, websites, presentations, and product marketing.
  • Work with existing brand identity, motion systems, and animation assets to create consistent, high-quality content while evolving and expanding them where appropriate.
  • Translate creative concepts and static designs into engaging motion pieces that align with the brand.
  • Collaborate closely with designers, creative leads, and marketing teams from concept through final delivery.
  • Help refine and maintain the team's motion design library, templates, and best practices.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of craft and attention to detail.
  • Keep up with motion design trends, techniques, and tools, bringing fresh ideas that complement the existing visual language.
What we're looking for
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motion design.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing high-quality 2D animation and motion graphics work.
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe After Effects and solid knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or similar video editing software is a plus.
  • Strong understanding of animation principles, timing, composition, typography, and visual storytelling.
  • Ability to take projects from concept to final delivery with minimal supervision.
Nice to have
  • Experience with basic character animation or rigging.
  • Familiarity with Cinema 4D, Blender, or other 3D tools.
  • Knowledge of sound design and motion for paid social formats.
  • Experience working within established brand guidelines while knowing when to push creative boundaries.
  • Edit video content when needed, including cutting footage, adding graphics, sound, and preparing final assets for different platforms.
What we offer
At Eidra/Kurppa Hosk in the United States, we offer a competitive salary package complemented by comprehensive benefits that prioritize employee well-being, reflecting our Nordic heritage. We provide a range of healthcare benefits, including fully subsidized insurance premiums for employees and their families. Our vacation policy promotes work-life balance with flexible time off, requiring a minimum of 3 weeks off per year. We encourage employees to take vacations in 2-week increments to truly detach and recharge. Our culture emphasizes inclusive decision-making, collaboration, and continuous learning, fostering an environment of transparency and trust. This collaborative spirit extends across our global offices, with opportunities to engage annually with our teams in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, enriching your professional experience and network.
Salary range: 70,000-100,000 USD per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Eidra is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Locations Chicago Remote status Hybrid