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Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rigging Artist 1

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA ยท On-site

$60 - $95/hr

Create facial rigs and blendshapes for expressions, lip sync, and animation * Perform advanced ... Troubleshoot and resolve complex rigging and animation issues * Collaborate with animators ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90 - $110/hr

In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of ...

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of ...

In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most rigging and animation work. Along with your reel, you should provide a shot breakdown with an explanation of ...

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $137K/yr

This is an animation-first role focused on the computer graphics side of motion - rigging, keyframe animation, body mechanics, and the editing and retargeting of captured data. Strong candidates pair ...

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 ...

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Animation Rigging information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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?

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 does an animation rigging artist do?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for animation rigging?

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.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation using software like Maya or Blender. A relevant degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating rigging work, is often required. Gaining experience through internships or personal projects helps build proficiency and industry connections.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Rigging jobs in California?

For Animation Rigging jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Rigging jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Rigging jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Rigging jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Rigging job openings:

Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Rigging Artist 1

Incessantrain

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA โ€ข On-site

$60 - $95/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About the Role
We're hiring an experienced Rigging Artist to develop advanced character rigs for human and quadruped characters. You'll work on facial systems, dynamic secondary motion rigs, skinning, and deformation โ€” collaborating with animators and modelers to ensure rigs are production-ready.

Main Responsibilities
  • Develop anatomically accurate rigs for human and quadruped characters
  • Create facial rigs and blendshapes for expressions, lip sync, and animation
  • Perform advanced skinning for high-quality deformation and volume preservation
  • Build dynamic rigs for secondary motion (hair, tails, skirts, cloth)
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex rigging and animation issues
  • Collaborate with animators, modelers, and other departments on rig requirements
  • Mentor junior rigging artists and contribute to team knowledge sharing
Qualifications Requirements
  • 4โ€“5 years of professional experience in character rigging
  • Proficiency in Maya; Blender is a plus
  • Experience with facial rigging, blendshapes, and secondary motion systems
  • Intermediate knowledge of MEL and Python scripting
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Animation, or related field
  • Portfolio/showreel demonstrating facial rigs, dynamic setups, and skinning quality
Nice to Have
  • Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity rigging integration
  • Ability to build custom rigging tools via scripting
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