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Animation Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing * Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya ...

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

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. * Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. * Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. * Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. * Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative ...

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$9.1K - $11K/mo

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Animation Rigger information

See salary details

$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:

Infographic showing various Animation Rigger job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 71% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor, Animation

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Palm Beach State College rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Join our team!What We Offer

At Palm Beach State College, you will discover a place where ideas come to life and the heartbeat of a county begins. By joining us, you will be exposed to professionals from across the U.S. and abroad who are the strivers, reinventors, explorers, and influencers dedicated to developing talent that fills the most needed workforce roles. As the Panthers, we embrace a community of belonging, caring, and connection for our students and employees. We seek creative individuals to help PBSC fulfill its mission of inspiring hope, advancing skills, and transforming lives.

About this roleInstruct college students in accordance with educational theories and techniques in 2D and various 3D animation specialisms, experience with one or more of the following: character animation, character rigging, modeling, compositing, games, and VFX. Experience with 3D industrial software such as Autodesk Maya, and/or compositing software such as Adobe After Effects required. Develops discipline related curricula, assess student learning, participates in program evaluation, and college activities. Maintains college and department standards in support of the College's mission and strategic plan.
Work schedule varies according to teaching assignment.Varies

PLEASE NOTE: This is an open continuous applicant pool. Submitting an application does not guarantee an interview or employment. Positions will be filled by the department on an as needed basis.

Applications without attached copies of official transcripts or non-web-based unofficial transcripts will not be considered. Transcripts for Adjunct positions must either be an official copy a college-stamped student copy, or a non-web-based unofficial transcript, scanned into an electronic format and attached to their application. Transcripts produced through web-based student systems will not be accepted.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in Animation or Bachelor's degree in Animation and demonstrated competencies in the teaching discipline, which can be documented and Demonstrated technology skills in Autodesk and Adobe Cloud and documented work experience (through a portfolio).


Knowledge and skills using Macintosh and PC computer software programs such as:


*Autodesk Maya
*Storyboard Pro
*Adobe After Effects
*Nuke
*Da Vinci Resolve
*Houdini
*Blender
*Substance
*Zbrush
*Unreal

READY TO APPLY? Here's your application preparation!

Please review the following information to apply for a position at Palm Beach State College:

  • Carefully review the minimum qualifications advertised for the available position, as only applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be considered.

  • Background Check/ Drug Screen may be required based on the specific requirements of the position for which the application is being submitted. Employment is contingent upon passing a drug test and completing a criminal background investigation.

  • An essential goal of the Office of Human Resources is to respond to all applicants once a selection is made. Please take notice of the position closing date advertised. Whenever positions are filled, the Office of Human Resources responds to all applicants who have submitted applications.

  • The College conducts its employment activity within the State of Florida except for occasional brief and temporary pre-approved periods related to college travel.

Application Deadline

This position is open until filled

What Palm Beach State College employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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