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Animation Rigger Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Senior Wargame Mentor

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$120K/yr

Active Top Secret SALARY RANGE: Estimated $120,000+ USD Annually* *depending on experience ... Knowledge of rigging and animation is a plus. * Familiarity with rendering engines like Cycles, V ...

Leidos

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 ...

Leidos

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$57K - $104K/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 ...

Leidos

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 ...

Leidos

3D Modeler

Winter Garden, 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 ...

Leidos

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 ...

Liquid Development

Project Manager

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$26 - $33/hr

Mixed resume / portfolio showing 2D/3D, Rigging/Animation, Tech, or VFX examples. This is a fully ... Salary RANGE: $55,000 to $70,000 per year ($26/hr to $33/hr) Keywords Studios is dedicated to ...

Liquid Development

Project Manager

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$26 - $33/hr

Mixed resume / portfolio showing 2D/3D, Rigging/Animation, Tech, or VFX examples. This is a fully ... Salary RANGE: $55,000 to $70,000 per year ($26/hr to $33/hr) Keywords Studios is dedicated to ...

Liquid Development, LLP

Project Manager

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$26 - $33/hr

Mixed resume / portfolio showing 2D/3D, Rigging/Animation, Tech, or VFX examples. This is a fully ... Salary RANGE: $55,000 to $70,000 per year ($26/hr to $33/hr) Keywords Studios is dedicated to ...

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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 Jul 11, 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 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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What cities are hiring for Animation Rigger Salary jobs? Cities with the most Animation Rigger Salary job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Animation Rigger Salary jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Rigger Salary jobs are:
Animation Rigger Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigger Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 65% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Senior Wargame Mentor

Astrion

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview
Senior Wargame Mentor
LOCATION: Remote from Melbourne/Orlando FL or Arlington VA/Washington DC area
JOB STATUS: Full Time
CLEARANCE: Active Top Secret
SALARY RANGE: Estimated $120,000+ USD Annually*
*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications
Astrion is seeking a casual part-time Senior Wargame Mentor to provide advisory support for the planning, execution, and assessment of a two-sided space wargames focused on Space Operational Energy, to include such things as sustained maneuver enabled by space logistics across the competition continuum.
Job Responsibilities:
The senior mentor supports and provides wargame design and play inputs, facilitates operational discussions, and helps frame solutions to challenges related to space force survivability and sustainability. The Senior Mentor also supports integration of insights from both unclassified gameplay and TS/SCI breakout sessions to ensure operational realism and meaningful analysis that informs future concepts and capabilities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline (or equivalent military experience); advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum 20 years of experience in military operations, national security, space operations, wargaming, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated expertise in U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Joint, or Combatant Command planning and operations.
  • Experience planning, facilitating, mentoring, or participating in operational-level wargames, exercises, or operational experimentation.
  • Subject matter expertise in space operations, space technologies including such areas as sustained maneuver, space logistics, force survivability, resilience, contested space operations and wargaming.
  • Knowledge of Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Doctrine, DoW wargaming methodologies, and force design or capability development.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor senior military and civilian leaders, facilitate strategic discussions, challenge assumptions, and ensure operational realism while maintaining wargame objectives.
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex operational issues into actionable observations and recommendations.
  • Active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (or current TS/SCI)(waiverable depending on experience level).
  • Ability to travel as required in support of planning, execution, and post-event analysis.
  • Candidate must be located in, or able to support work from, the Washington, DC metropolitan area or the Melbourne/Orlando, Florida area.
  • Currently enrolled in Junior or Senior year or recently completed a degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, Game Design, or a related field.
  • Basic experience in Blender and/or 3DS Max for modeling, texturing, and simulation.
  • Understanding of PBR workflow, UV mapping, and material creation.
  • Knowledge of rigging and animation is a plus.
  • Familiarity with rendering engines like Cycles, V-Ray, Arnold, or Unreal Engine.
  • Exposure to game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine) is a plus.
  • Strong artistic and technical skills, including lighting and composition.
  • Willingness to learn and collaborate with a team.
  • US Citizenship required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
    • Experience in procedural modeling and node-based workflows.
    • Understanding of scripting (Python for Blender, MAXScript for 3DS Max) is a plus.
    • Familiarity with VR/AR applications and real-time rendering.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assist in designing, modeling, and texturing 3D assets such as characters, environments, hardware, and vehicles.
  • Support the creation of simulations for physics-based effects such as fluid, cloth, fire, and destruction.
  • Help optimize 3D models for performance without compromising visual fidelity.
  • Collaborate with designers, artists, and developers to integrate assets into projects.
  • Render and present realistic previews of 3D models and animations.
  • Maintain and refine asset libraries for future use.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends, tools, and techniques.

Apply