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Animation Rigger Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: Flying Bark Productions is working on exciting projects such as Netflix's Stranger Things ... Rigging Supervisor to ensure that character and creature models are optimized for animation and ...

Extensive experience in 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation * Proficiency in Unity ... We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role ...

Extensive experience in 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation * Proficiency in Unity ... We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role ...

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Animation Rigger Salary information

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$36

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.

More about Animation Rigger Salary jobs
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:

Asset Supervisor

Flying Bark Productions

Denver, NC โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary:

Flying Bark Productions is working on exciting projects such as Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, the recently announced Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Marvel Studios What If?, Disney Marvels Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan.


* Not open for remote work, this position must be based in Madrid, Spain.*


The Asset Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the creation and delivery of high-quality assets for the project, ensuring they meet the artistic and technical standards set by the Production Company. Working closely with department leads, they will guide the asset team in delivering top-tier models, textures, and shading while maintaining consistency across all assets in the show.


Key Responsibilities:
All duties and responsibilities as reasonably required by the Production Company of an Asset Supervisor, including:

  • Supervise and guide the modeling, texturing, and shading teams to ensure assets meet the required quality, style, and technical specifications.
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to asset artists, ensuring that their work is consistent and meets the show's creative vision.
  • Collaborate with the Rigging Supervisor to ensure that character and creature models are optimized for animation and deformation requirements.
  • Support and maintain dialogue with other crew members, including Technical Directors, downstream department supervisors, and CG and VFX Supervisors, to ensure assets work efficiently within the pipeline.
  • Assist the Pipeline and Technical teams in developing asset workflows and best practices to optimize efficiency.
  • Identify and solve technical challenges related to asset creation, including topology, UV mapping, texturing, and shading complexities.
  • Participate in review sessions with the Art Director, CG Supervisor, and other department leads to maintain quality control and ensure feedback is implemented.
  • Coordinate with Production Coordinators and Producers to track asset progress, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining quality.
  • Maintain documentation on workflows, best practices, and tools to ensure consistency and efficiency in asset production.
  • Work closely with the client or external vendors when necessary to ensure that outsourced assets meet the project's technical and artistic requirements.


About you:

  • Between 3-5 years of experience in a similar position.
  • Strong artistic sense and understanding of form, shape, structure, and silhouette in modeling.
  • Excellent knowledge of topology, UV mapping, and efficient geometry creation for animation and rendering.
  • Extensive experience in texturing, shading, and material creation for photorealistic and stylized assets.
  • Strong understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) workflows and implementation in production environments.
  • Experience working in Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Katana, Houdini, and similar industry-standard tools.
  • Familiarity with rigging requirements to ensure smooth deformation and articulation in characters.
  • Experience with render engines such as Arnold, Redshift, and/or RenderMan, with a solid understanding of asset optimization techniques for efficient rendering and pipeline performance.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to assets and implement efficient solutions.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring and guiding artists.
  • Excellent communication and organisational skills to effectively coordinate with multiple departments.
  • Ability to develop, document, and refine asset workflows and best practices, contributing to ongoing pipeline improvements and production efficiency.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
  • Fluent in English and/or Spanish language, both written and verbal;
  • Eligible to work in Spain/Europe. Spanish locals & Europeans open to relocation will be given priority.


    What do we do?

    Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV series.


    Why work with us?

    • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website:https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
    • We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a Kulture Klub dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar!
    • We work in hybrid mode, with two days a week remotely and two extra days per month.
    • If you love dogs as much as we do, you can bring them to work!
    • Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
    • We have a full slate and plans for international expansion so there is always plenty of opportunity for career development.
    • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!


    Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.