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Animation Rigging Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$3K - $4K/mo

... internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development ... Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in ...

Animation Rigging Internship information

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$5

$16

$25

How much do animation rigging internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging internship in the United States is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animation Rigging Internship vs Character Rigger?

AspectAnimation Rigging InternshipCharacter Rigger
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of rigging, animation, and relevant softwareAdvanced rigging skills, certifications in 3D software
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, team collaborationFull-time professional role, specialized rigging tasks
Industry UsageEntry-level, training position in animation and game studiosMid to senior-level position, responsible for complex character rigs
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, entry-level opportunities, internshipsCareer advancement, specialized rigging roles

In summary, an Animation Rigging Internship is an entry-level position designed for learning and gaining experience in rigging within animation or game studios. A Character Rigger is a professional role requiring advanced skills, responsible for creating complex character rigs. The internship offers foundational exposure, while the character rigger role involves specialized expertise and greater responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animation Rigging Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Rigging Intern, you need a solid understanding of 3D animation principles, basic rigging techniques, and familiarity with anatomy, often supported by coursework in animation or computer graphics. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and some knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or MEL are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with animators and technical artists. These abilities are essential to create flexible, efficient rigs that support high-quality character animation and streamline production workflows.

What are some common challenges faced during an Animation Rigging Internship, and how can interns successfully overcome them?

Animation Rigging Interns often encounter challenges such as understanding complex character anatomies, adapting to different rigging software, and meeting tight production deadlines. Successfully overcoming these hurdles involves proactive communication with senior riggers, regularly seeking feedback, and taking advantage of training resources offered by the studio. Building a strong foundation in both technical and artistic aspects of rigging can also help interns contribute effectively to collaborative projects and accelerate their learning curve.

What is an Animation Rigging Internship?

An Animation Rigging Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain practical experience in creating and managing digital skeletons (rigs) that allow 3D models to move realistically in animation or video games. Interns typically work with professional animators and rigging artists, learning industry-standard software and techniques for character and object rigging. These internships help build a strong foundation for a career in animation, visual effects, or game development by providing hands-on experience and mentorship. Interns often collaborate closely with other departments, such as modeling and animation, to ensure rigs meet production needs and perform efficiently.
More about Animation Rigging Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation Rigging Internship jobs? Cities with the most Animation Rigging Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs? The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs are:
What states have the most Animation Rigging Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Animation Rigging Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 52% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 67% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,624 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Animation Intern (Unpaid for Course Credit Only)

Dreamscape Learn

Culver City, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 4 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.