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Animation Rigger Salary Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Animation Rigger Salary information

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$16

$29

$41

How much do animation rigger salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigger salary in Seattle, WA is $29.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in animation?

The highest paying jobs in animation typically include senior roles such as Lead Animator, Animation Director, or VFX Supervisor, which require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership responsibilities. These positions can offer salaries exceeding six figures, especially in large studios or with specialized expertise in areas like 3D modeling, rigging, or visual effects.

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.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, often gained through a bachelor's degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya or Blender and understanding of character anatomy and movement are essential, along with building a portfolio to showcase your rigging skills.

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 is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically senior or lead rigging positions in large animation studios, film production companies, or AAA game development firms. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced skills in 3D software, and knowledge of complex character and object rigging, with salaries reaching six figures in some cases.

What does a rigger do in animation?

An animation rigger creates the skeletal structures and control systems that allow characters and objects to move realistically. They use specialized software to build rigs, which animators then manipulate to produce motion, ensuring proper deformation and functionality. Rigging requires knowledge of anatomy, rigging tools, and often scripting skills to streamline the process.
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Animation Rigger Salary jobs near you
Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA • On-site

$3.8K - $10K/wk

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Animation and Production Department (Evergreen) Adjunct
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, Computer Engineering, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master's degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade.
To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .
Position: Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Department
Reports to: Animation and Production Department Chair
The Animation and Production Department at DigiPen Institute of Technology invites applicants for potential future positions of Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Instructor. Join our faculty team and help students develop the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen fields.
Animation and Production courses cover the history, methods, and specialized topics in the field of animation in game and film production. From character rigging to cinematography, students both learn and practice how to tell compelling stories through the magic of moving images. Comprising of talented and creative traditional and CG animators, and filmmakers from the game and film industry, our diverse department faculty bring a deep well of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom.
After completing the application process, you may be invited to participate in the interview process. If accepted, you will be added to our pool of pre-approved adjuncts. The Animation and Production Department hires adjunct faculty from the pool of pre-approved adjuncts each semester on an as-needed basis.
The Animation and Production Department is accepting applications for adjunct instructors for courses in:
  • Animation Fundamentals
  • 3D Character Animation
  • 3D Character Rigging
  • Film and Animation History
  • Other specialized courses in animation and film as needed

This is an ongoing posting. For more information about DigiPen's offerings, visit:
Current Courses | DigiPen
Essential Functions/Duties
  • Teach courses in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
  • Prepare and submit (on Moodle) timely grade reports and other reports on student performance
  • Organize class activities, demos, and assignments and assignments to meet learning outcomes
  • Manage Student Teaching Assistants, if required; supervising their timecards and reviewing their weekly hours
  • Provide input, create, and improve course materials
  • Offer weekly office hours
  • In-person teaching, with online classes when necessary, in Redmond, WA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of the subject areas in which the individual is responsible for instruction
  • Knowledge and understanding of principles of curriculum development
  • Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of effective communication and of effective instruction
  • Specialized knowledge in Fine and Applied Art such as: Art, Illustration and/or Visual Development, etc.
  • Skills in Word, PowerPoint, Moodle, and MS Teams

Qualifications / Competencies
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Animation or related field
  • Relevant academic experience and/or four years of relevant industry experience
  • Demonstrate evidence of teaching experience that supports a diverse student body and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
  • Team player with ability to solve problems independently
  • Solid grounding in interdisciplinary teaching
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Comfortable with technology
  • Ability to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles, special needs, etc.

Salary Range:
$3,888 - $10,887 per term, depending on credit hours, class size, and faculty rank
Not benefits eligible.
Application Procedure:
Applications should include, or you will be asked to provide, the following:
  • A cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae / résumé
  • Digital Art portfolio website
  • Academic Transcripts of most recently attended educational institutions
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Statement of experience on maximizing quality and engagement across broad subjects and perspectives

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete application files will be accepted on a continuous basis and remain active for one year. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Notes:
  • All Adjunct positions are part-time, temporary assignments (for no more than one semester at a time), dependent upon student enrollment and instructional needs, and subject to budget consideration and approval. DigiPen Institute of Technology reserves the right to extend application deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all.
The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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