ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

2K

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

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 ...

2K

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.

Cloud Chamber

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.

2K

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.

Cloud Chamber

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.

AGBO

Technical Artist, Character

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will partner closely with Character Artists, Animators, Riggers and Engineers to ensure our cast looks and moves exactly as intended. Key Responsibilities: * Define and maintain workflows for ...

AGBO Films LLC

Technical Artist, Character

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will partner closely with Character Artists, Animators, Riggers and Engineers to ensure our cast looks and moves exactly as intended. Key Responsibilities: * Define and maintain workflows for ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Character

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

You will partner closely with Character Artists, Animators, Riggers and Engineers to ensure our cast looks and moves exactly as intended. Key Responsibilities: * Define and maintain workflows for ...

Apply Early

AGBO

Pipeline Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $186K/yr

Animation, rigging, cloth, and creature techniques * Shading, lighting, and rendering techniques * Virtual production, motion capture, real-time, and ICVFX workflows * Compositing, color, conform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimation Rigging JobsAnimation Rigging Jobs in California

Animation Rigging information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 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 the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically senior or lead rigging positions in large animation or VFX studios, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills in rigging tools like Maya or Houdini, and sometimes specialized knowledge in character or creature rigging. These roles can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions, especially in regions with a strong entertainment industry presence or in companies working on high-budget projects.

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 does a rigger do in animation?

An animation rigger creates the skeletal structure and controls for characters and objects, enabling them to move naturally. They use tools like Maya or Blender and work closely with animators to ensure the rig allows for a wide range of motion and expression.

How much do riggers make in animation?

Animation riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled riggers with proficiency in tools like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can command higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or senior roles.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, often gained through a degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in rigging tools like Maya or Blender and understanding of character anatomy and movement are essential, along with building a portfolio to showcase your skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions helps develop practical expertise in rigging workflows and industry standards.

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.

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 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:
Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 57% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Expert Animator

31st Union

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Who We Are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We're looking for an Expert Animator who can bridge the gap between compelling character performance and responsive gameplay. In this role, you'll partner closely with animation, design, and engineering teams to create and implement high-quality keyframe animation for both human and non-human characters, bringing them to life through expressive movement and gameplay-driven performance. We're seeking an inspired problem-solver who is passionate about animation craft, champions high standards, pushes for continuous improvement, embraces change, and challenges the status quo. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, thrives in a deadline-driven environment, and can adapt quickly within a fast-growing organization.
What You Will Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or cinematic sequences.
  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Prototype and validate new approaches to character movement and gameplay animation.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with fellow animators to elevate the overall quality of the team's work, foster knowledge sharing, and inspire creative growth while serving as a benchmark for animation excellence.
  • Proactively coordinate and maintain strong cross-disciplinary communication with Production, Design, Art, Audio, and VFX to ensure the successful delivery of your areas of responsibility.
  • Work together with character artists and riggers to establish both core and secondary functionality of our characters.
Who We Think Will Be A Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • Expert-level proficiency in gameplay animation using industry-standard 3D software, with strong experience in Maya preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced development environment, quickly prioritizing tasks and solving creative and technical challenges.
  • Adaptable and responsive to creative feedback and changing project needs, with the ability to pivot direction while maintaining quality and momentum.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-key examples.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem solving.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.
  • Experience with non-linear video editing, including pacing, shot composition, cuts, transitions, and visual storytelling techniques.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
#LI-Onsite
#LI-Hybrid

Apply