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Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Big Shot Pictures

Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role operates at the intersection of animation, rigging, tools development, and engine integration, and is critical to ensuring characters and animation assets move efficiently from DCC tools ...

DK Global

3D Generalist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The candidate must have strong Modeling, Animation, Rigging, and Lighting skills, and be versed in current rendering technology. The artist will create a wide variety of Models for Architecture ...

DK Global

3D Generalist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The candidate must have strong Modeling, Animation, Rigging, and Lighting skills, and be versed in current rendering technology. The artist will create a wide variety of Models for Architecture ...

AGBO

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 ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

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$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Animation Rigging job?

An Animation Rigging job involves creating the digital skeletons that allow characters and objects to move in animation and video games. Rigging artists design and implement the control systems, including joints, bones, and deformers, that animators use to bring models to life. They work closely with modelers and animators to ensure smooth movement and realistic deformations. Strong technical skills in 3D software and scripting are often required for this role.

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

To thrive in Animation Rigging, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, movement, and 3D animation principles, usually supported by experience in computer graphics or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, as well as scripting languages such as Python or MEL, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and clear communication help riggers effectively integrate with animators and technical artists. These competencies are crucial for building flexible, efficient rigs that enable high-quality animation and seamless production workflows.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Animation Rigging artist?

Animation Rigging artists spend their days designing and building digital skeletons and control systems that allow animators to create lifelike movement for characters and objects. You may work closely with modelers and animators to ensure rigs are user-friendly and optimized for the production pipeline, regularly troubleshooting or refining rigs based on animation feedback. Collaboration is a big part of the job, as you often interact with technical artists, animators, and supervisors to maintain the quality and efficiency of the rigging process. The role can involve balancing technical tasks with creative problem-solving, making it both challenging and rewarding for those passionate about animation.

How much do animation rigging people make?

Animation rigging artists typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level riggers may start lower, while experienced professionals working on high-profile projects or in major studios can earn higher salaries. Skills in software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.
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What cities in California are hiring for Animation Rigging jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Rigging job openings:
Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 13% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 69% In-person, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Technical Animator

Big Shot Pictures

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Big Shot Pictures

Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian Robbins that produces the franchises of tomorrow. With a distinctive digital-first approach, the company builds global animation franchises across all platforms – from digital to theatrical, gaming to streaming, and consumer products to experiences. Big Shot has a first-look theatrical distribution deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment and is backed by strategic investment from Greycroft, Sony Pictures, MarcyPen Capital Partners, ValueAct Capital, and CAA.

About the Role

We are seeking a Technical Animator to support and scale our Unreal Engine–first, real-time character and animation pipeline. This role operates at the intersection of animation, rigging, tools development, and engine integration, and is critical to ensuring characters and animation assets move efficiently from DCC tools into Unreal Engine. The ideal candidate is highly technical, production-minded, and passionate about building reliable, scalable animation systems.

This role will support the development of stylized, high-quality content for kids and family audiences, requiring a strong sense of performance, appeal, and character storytelling.

Responsibilities

  • Build, skin, and maintain character rigs in Unreal Engine or DCC packages such as Blender
  • Implement, maintain, and iterate on rigs using Unreal Engine Control Rig
  • Support and evolve the MetaHuman pipeline, including setup, iteration, and engine integration
  • Organize, manage, and optimize large sets of animation and character data across multiple projects
  • Manage assets for efficient sharing, versioning, and real-time performance optimization
  • Collaborate closely with animators, character artists, and technical artists to solve pipeline and production challenges
  • Ensure clean, reliable integration of skeletal meshes and animation data in Unreal Engine

Required Qualifications

  • Proven experience skinning and rigging characters in a DCC package
  • Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine Control Rig in production
  • Strong understanding of asset organization, data management, and pipeline best practices
  • Experience managing and optimizing animation assets for real-time production
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine MetaHuman workflows
  • Experience building animation or rigging tools in DCC packages
  • Ability to write and maintain tools using Python

Pluses

  • Experience working with motion capture systems and performance capture data
  • Experience exporting, troubleshooting, and debugging skeletal and animation data in real-time engines
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine Blueprints
  • Experience supporting across a wide range of styles, with an emphasis on stylized and appealing performance for kids and family content
  • Interest in emerging tools and workflows that improve efficiency, iteration, and scalability

Apply