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Animation Rigger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Blender Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Blender Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Blender Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ... Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes and facial performance animation, wrinkle-map ...

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ... Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes and facial performance animation, wrinkle-map ...

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Showing results 1-20

Animation Rigger information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do animation rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigger in Virginia is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically senior or lead rigging positions in large film, gaming, or animation studios, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills in 3D software, and knowledge of complex character or mechanical rigging. These roles can offer salaries exceeding six figures, especially in regions with a high cost of living or in companies with substantial budgets for visual effects and animation projects.

What is the average salary of a rigging artist?

The average salary of an animation rigger typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level rigging artists may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in larger studios or with advanced software knowledge.

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 build rigs using software like Maya or Blender, enabling animators to manipulate models efficiently and accurately. Rigging requires knowledge of anatomy, weight painting, and scripting to develop functional and flexible rigs.

What does an Animation Rigger do?

An Animation Rigger creates the skeletal structures that animators use to bring characters and objects to life in movies, games, and other media. They design and implement control systems for movement, ensuring realistic and flexible animation. Riggers work closely with animators, modelers, and technical artists to ensure characters move naturally and efficiently. They use software like Maya, Blender, or Houdini to build rigs that allow animators to manipulate models with ease.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animation Rigger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Rigger, you need strong knowledge of anatomy, movement, and 3D animation fundamentals, often backed by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender, and familiarity with scripting languages like Python or MEL, are typically important; some studios may value certifications in these tools. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication enable collaboration with animators and modelers to deliver high-quality rigs. These competencies help ensure that digital characters move realistically and that production pipelines run efficiently.

What are some typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Animation Rigger?

As an Animation Rigger, your daily tasks include designing, building, and testing control rigs for characters and props to ensure they perform well during animation. You'll work closely with modelers and animators to address rigging needs and respond to feedback to revise or troubleshoot rigs as needed. Setting up skinning, deformation systems, and automation scripts is also common, which helps streamline repetitive tasks and improve workflow. The role requires both technical and creative collaboration, making flexibility and communication essential for meeting production goals and maintaining high-quality animation standards.

How hard is rigging animation?

Rigging animation as an animation rigger involves learning 3D modeling, understanding anatomy and movement, and mastering rigging tools like Maya or Blender. It requires attention to detail, technical skills, and often a strong foundation in character design, making it a challenging but learnable process for those with relevant training. Consistent practice and familiarity with industry standards are essential for proficiency.
Infographic showing various Animation Rigger job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,650 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Varsity Tutors

Salem, VA • Remote

$40/hr

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Varsity Tutors rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 21 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

About the Job
The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Autodesk 3DS Max tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have the flexibility to set your own schedule, earn competitive rates, and make a real impact on students' academic success and understanding. All from the comfort of your home.
Why Join Our Platform?
  • Earn incrementally higher pay for each session with the same student, reaching up to $40/hour.
  • Get paid up to twice per week, ensuring fast and reliable compensation for the tutoring sessions you conduct and invoice.
  • Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like.
  • Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live Learning Platform. No commuting required.
  • Get matched with students best-suited to your teaching style and expertise.
  • Our AI-powered Tutor Copilot enhances your sessions with real-time instructional support, lesson generation, and engagement features, helping you save prep time and focus on impactful teaching.
  • We handle the logistics—you just invoice for your tutoring sessions, and we take care of payments.

What We Look For In a Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor
  • Advanced Subject Mastery: Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to explain polygon modeling, UV unwrapping, keyframe animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and visual effects production.
  • Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving: Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students through building polygon and spline-based models, applying and editing materials, setting up studio and environmental lighting, creating keyframe animations, and configuring render settings for quality output. Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development.
  • Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with 3DS Max curricula and common challenges such as understanding polygon topology, UV mapping complexity, and render setting optimization. Adapts instruction using guided modeling exercises, texturing tutorials, and progressive rendering projects to support students from 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation skills.
  • Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple approaches, and adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs and styles.
  • Strong communication skills and a friendly, engaging teaching style.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and student needs.

Ways To Connect With Students
  • 1-on-1 Online Tutoring - Provide personalized instruction to individual students.
  • Instant Tutoring - Accept on-demand tutoring requests whenever you're available.

About Varsity Tutors And 1-on-1 Online Tutoring
Our mission is to transform the way people learn by leveraging advanced technology, AI, and the latest in learning science to create personalized learning experiences. Through 1-on-1 Online Tutoring, students receive customized instruction that helps them achieve their learning goals. Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a passion for learning.
Please note: Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Puerto Rico.

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