... animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques. Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
... animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques. Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
Character Animation Lead
Cary, NC · On-site
You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build ... Familiarity with Control Rig and runtime rigging workflows in Unreal Engine EPIC JOB + EPIC ...
Character Animation Lead
Cary, NC · On-site
You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build ... Familiarity with Control Rig and runtime rigging workflows in Unreal Engine EPIC JOB + EPIC ...
Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects (Cupertino)
Cupertino, CA · On-site
$172K - $305K/yr
Knowledge of animation principles, skeletal animation, and character rigging concepts. * Experience implementing animation graphs, blend systems, runtime animation retargeting, and IK solvers.
Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects (Cupertino)
Cupertino, CA · On-site
$172K - $305K/yr
Knowledge of animation principles, skeletal animation, and character rigging concepts. * Experience implementing animation graphs, blend systems, runtime animation retargeting, and IK solvers.
Proficiency in FACS-based facial animation (Facial Action Coding System) or equivalent high-quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation production and ...
Proficiency in FACS-based facial animation (Facial Action Coding System) or equivalent high-quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation production and ...
Senior Technical Animator
Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1
$101K - $115K/yr
Strong understanding of rigging, animation workflows, and optimization. * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. * Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively ...
Quick apply
Senior Technical Animator
Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1
$101K - $115K/yr
Strong understanding of rigging, animation workflows, and optimization. * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. * Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively ...
Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. * Character Performance experience. * Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and ...
Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. * Character Performance experience. * Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. * Character Performance experience. * Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and ...
Expression of Interest - Animator
Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1
Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. * Character Performance experience. * Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and ...
Basic drawing, 3D modeling, or rigging skills * Interest in immersive, educational, or interactive experiences * Previously played vr games content Benefits * Real-world animation experience on ...
Basic drawing, 3D modeling, or rigging skills * Interest in immersive, educational, or interactive experiences * Previously played vr games content Benefits * Real-world animation experience on ...
Basic drawing, 3D modeling, or rigging skills * Interest in immersive, educational, or interactive experiences * Previously played vr games content Benefits * Real-world animation experience on ...
Quick apply
Basic drawing, 3D modeling, or rigging skills * Interest in immersive, educational, or interactive experiences * Previously played vr games content Benefits * Real-world animation experience on ...
The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs ... They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters ...
The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs ... They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters ...
The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs ... They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters ...
The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs ... They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters ...
Animation Systems Programmer
Larkspur, CA · On-site
$167K - $245K/yr
Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low-level animation systems, physics-based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems * Experience with multi-threaded programming and system ...
Animation Systems Programmer
Larkspur, CA · On-site
$167K - $245K/yr
Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low-level animation systems, physics-based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems * Experience with multi-threaded programming and system ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
OR · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters ... Rigging teams, to resolve issues and achieve project goals. * Other duties may be assigned ...
Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)
OR · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters ... Rigging teams, to resolve issues and achieve project goals. * Other duties may be assigned ...
Technical Animator - Unreal 4
Seattle, WA · On-site
We are looking to hire a Rigger and/or a Technical Animator to kickstart our gameplay animation team. You would work closely with Art and Production to produce in-game content and cinematics.
Technical Animator - Unreal 4
Seattle, WA · On-site
We are looking to hire a Rigger and/or a Technical Animator to kickstart our gameplay animation team. You would work closely with Art and Production to produce in-game content and cinematics.
The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs ... They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters ...
Quick apply
The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs ... They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters ...
$79.93 - $125.60/hr
Own and optimize animation, rigging, and engine integration workflows * Troubleshoot complex animation‑related and pipeline issues * Continuously improve technical pipelines and workflows between ...
$79.93 - $125.60/hr
Own and optimize animation, rigging, and engine integration workflows * Troubleshoot complex animation‑related and pipeline issues * Continuously improve technical pipelines and workflows between ...
Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and ...
Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Brooklyn, NY · On-site +1
$80K - $100K/yr
... animation, creating responsive but authentic motion * Collaborate with other departments to ... Proficiency in body and facial rigging * Experience with motion capture pipelines and interest in ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Brooklyn, NY · On-site +1
$80K - $100K/yr
... animation, creating responsive but authentic motion * Collaborate with other departments to ... Proficiency in body and facial rigging * Experience with motion capture pipelines and interest in ...
... animation, character ... rigging, modeling, compositing, games, and VFX. Experience with 3D industrial software such as ...
... animation, character ... rigging, modeling, compositing, games, and VFX. Experience with 3D industrial software such as ...
Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and ...
Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and ...
Animation Rigger information
See salary details
$14.18 - $16.22
1% of jobs
$16.22 - $18.25
6% of jobs
$18.25 - $20.28
5% of jobs
$20.28 - $22.31
6% of jobs
$23.09 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$22.31 - $24.34
16% of jobs
The median wage is $25.57 / hr.
$24.34 - $26.38
25% of jobs
$26.38 - $28.41
14% of jobs
$28.83 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$28.41 - $30.44
6% of jobs
$30.44 - $32.47
16% of jobs
$32.47 - $34.51
3% of jobs
$34.51 - $36.54
1% of jobs
$14
$26
$36
How much do animation rigger jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigger 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 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be an animation rigger?
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.
How to become an animation rigger?
To become an animation rigger, individuals typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, often gained through a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, 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 rigging skills.
More about Animation Rigger jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation Rigger jobs?
Cities with the most Animation Rigger job openings:
What states have the most Animation Rigger jobs?
States with the most job openings for Animation Rigger jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation Rigger jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Animation Rigger jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 7 days ago
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
At Apple, we strive to make great products that empower people and improve their lives. We are looking for a great Character Animator to join our diverse team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character animation with emphasis on creative expression, performance, and facial animation to push the limits of the next generation of interactive computing.
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
Description
This role requires a deep understanding of animation artistry, technical proficiency in Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative standards.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grasp on the traditional principles of animation
Experience in expressive facial animation
Expert level of knowledge of Autodesk Maya
Understanding of technical constraints in real-time environments
Great at providing and receiving feedback
Ensure animations run efficiently across target platforms and use cases, both real time with frame rate budgets and non-real time
Preferred Qualifications
USD format and workflow familiarity
Experience with procedural animation techniques
Motion capture cleanup and performance enhancement experience
Experience with real-time game engines (Unity, Unreal, or proprietary engines)
Experience with non-linear animation systems, animation statemachines and/or motion matching techniques.
Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976