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Animation Rigger Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

... animation, static renders or real-time use Create and apply textures to achieve project-aligned ... basic rigging Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

3DModeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$69K - $125K/yr

... animation, static renders or real-time use Create and apply textures to achieve project-aligned ... basic rigging Experience construvting modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL

$69K - $125K/yr

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL

$57K - $104K/yr

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

... for animation, static renders or real-time use • Create and apply textures to achieve project ... basic rigging • Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets Preferred ...

Computer Science Instructor

Dale, IN · On-site

$51K - $89K/yr

... 3D animation courses using common rigging tools; 4) ability to develop and teach courses in ... Faculty members will be assigned to the appropriate salary grade based on the contract with the ...

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Animation Rigger Salary information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do animation rigger salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 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.

Is a rigger a good career?

A rigger in animation is a specialized role that involves creating the skeletal structures and controls needed to animate characters and objects. It requires technical skills, knowledge of rigging software, and attention to detail; the job can offer steady employment in the entertainment and gaming industries. Career growth depends on experience, skill level, and industry demand, with opportunities for advancement into senior or technical director roles.

What is the highest paying animation job?

The highest paying animation jobs typically include lead character animator, animation director, or VFX supervisor, especially in large studios or for high-budget projects. These roles require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve overseeing teams and complex software tools, with salaries reaching six figures or more in some cases.

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 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 or VFX companies, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, advanced skills in rigging software, and sometimes specialized certifications, with salaries influenced by location and industry demand.

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. Riggers often collaborate with animators and modelers and may need knowledge of scripting and rigging tools like Maya or Blender.
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What cities are hiring for Animation Rigger Salary jobs? Cities with the most Animation Rigger Salary job openings:
What states have the most Animation Rigger Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Animation Rigger Salary jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation Rigger Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Rigger Salary jobs are:
3D Modeler

3D Modeler

Leidos

Orlando, FL • On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 428 rated business services


Job description

Leidos currently has an opening for a 3D Modeler who holds a SECRET clearance to work in our Orlando office.
This is an opportunity to work on a high-fidelity vehicle modeling contract for the ACC ISR project.
A 3D Modeler creates accurate three-dimensional representations of objects to support virtual simulation and training programs. This role contributes to research in emerging fields focused on digitally replicating the real world using image generators, game engines and other technologies. The day-to-day work includes updating legacy workflows and models to meet modern game engine fidelity and specifications, while solving complex problems in a fast-paced environment. Solid communication skills and a collaborative mindset are essential, as the role requires cross-disciplinary collaboration and flexibility to meet a range of platform and project-specific requirements.
Primary Responsibilities
• Build high-quality, optimized hard-surface 3D models according to project specifications
• Collaborate with other 3D modelers and multi-disciplinary teams to refine assets for animation, static renders or real-time use
• Create and apply textures to achieve project-aligned visuals that are functional across multiple platforms
• Test models in target engines or renderers to ensure correct scale, style, topology, and functionality
• Document modeling pipelines and maintain organized version control of asset files
• Revise and iterate models based on feedback from technical leads and clients
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree with up to 4 years of applicable experience
• Secret clearance/ability to obtain and maintain a secret clearance
• Strong portfolio demonstrating clean topology, efficient UV mapping, high quality textures, the ability to create realistic representations of objects without stylization, and attention to detail
• Proficiency in at least one major 3D modeling package
• Solid understanding of PBR workflows, texturing tools (Substance Suite, Mari, Photoshop) and geometry optimization
• Ability to interpret technical reference, scan data or photos into accurate 3D assets
• Excellent communication skills and comfort working in iterative, feedback-driven environments
• Experience with real-time engines (Unreal, Unity) and game asset pipelines
• Knowledge of basic rigging
• Experience constructing modular kits and utilizing trim sheets
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with organic modeling
• Familiarity with photogrammetry or LiDAR scan cleanup techniques
• Exposure to scripting (Python, MEL, Actionscripts) for automating repetitive tasks
• Experiencing in shooting, compositing and editing video content • Experience creating motion graphics for animation and marketing content
• Experience manipulating imagery, elevation and vector data in geospatial tools such as Global Mapper, QGIS or ArcGIS
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 11, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $57,850.00 - $104,575.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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