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Animation Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Jose, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed ... Experience rigging * Helping develop cinematic pipelines and tools. * Python or similar coding ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and ... Work together with character artists and riggers to establish both core and secondary functionality ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and ... Work together with character artists and riggers to establish both core and secondary functionality ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Hayward, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed ... Experience rigging * Helping develop cinematic pipelines and tools. * Python or similar coding ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed ... Experience rigging * Helping develop cinematic pipelines and tools. * Python or similar coding ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed ... Experience rigging * Helping develop cinematic pipelines and tools. * Python or similar coding ...

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$14

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$36

How much do animation rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 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 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.
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Animation Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigger job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Animation Intern (Unpaid for Course Credit Only)

Dreamscape Learn

Culver City, CA

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a creative and motivated Animation Intern to support our design and content team. This internship is ideal for students interested in animation, motion graphics, and storytelling who want hands-on experience working on real projects in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with creating 3D animations for digital experiences
  • Help with props, vehicles, basic character or environment animation
  • Collaborate with designers, artists, and cross-functional teams to bring
  • concepts to life
  • Revise animations based on feedback and project needs
  • Help organize animation assets and files

Requirements

  • Currently enrolled student pursuing Animation, Motion Design, Game Design, or a related field
  • Familiarity with animation principles (timing, spacing, squash & stretch, etc.)
  • Experience or coursework using tools such as Premiere Pro, Blender, Maya, Unity, or similar
  • Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
  • Ability to take direction and meet deadlines
  • Portfolio or samples of animation work (class projects welcome)

Nice to Have

  • Experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or interactive media
  • 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 active projects
  • Mentorship and feedback from experienced creatives
  • Portfolio-worthy work
  • Exposure to a professional creative production pipeline
  • Exposure to real world tracking documents like Jira, Confluence and Shotgun
  • School credit (as approved by your academic program)

Disclaimer: This internship is an unpaid educational opportunity intended to provide training and experience related to Human Resource Management. It is offered for academic credit only in connection with an accredited educational program. Participation is designed for the benefit of the student and does not create an employment relationship. Interns will not displace regular employees and will work under close supervision to support their learning experience. Completion of this internship does not entitle the intern to a job at Dreamscape Learn (or continued employment) at the conclusion of the program.

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