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Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

31st Union

Principal Character Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$133.40K - $198K/yr

You will use your mastery of DCC applications, Unreal Engine 5, rigging, and complex character and animation pipelines to actively expand the creative decision space for our playable characters. Your ...

Roblox

3D Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Strong understanding of character rigging, anatomy, and motion principles. * Proven ability as a 3D character animator, with a demo reel showcasing expressive, polished animation. * Portfolio of key ...

Meshy

Generative AI - Graphics Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$166.60K - $205.80K/yr

We built a full pipeline for 3D content ranging from text / image to 3D, texturing, texture editing, animation rigging, etc. We also built a vibrant community for our creators, where people can share ...

The Walt Disney Company

Crowds Artist

Burbank, CA

$60.69 - $75.95/hr

Understanding of rigging and animation techniques * Strong interest in Particle Systems, AI/Machine learning, or crowds systems (agent/brain design, simulation, and behavior) * Experience with ...

Stefanini

3D Graphics Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... rigging. * Ability to develop, execute, light, render and test comp FX. * Strong understanding of lighting/shading/texturing principles and techniques. * A good understanding of animation and an eye ...

xAI

3D Tutor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$60 - $100/hr

Strong skills in modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and animation. * Experience setting up environments and animating cameras. * Ability to produce clean, render-ready outputs to specification.

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for implementation. * Stay current with industry trends and techniques in character art. Core ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for implementation. * Stay current with industry trends and techniques in character art. Core ...

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Animation Rigging information

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$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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.
More about Animation Rigging jobs
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 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.

Tutor and Teaching Assistant

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position SummaryThe Tutor supports students primarily in Game Art/Design and Digital Arts and Animation courses, contributing to a creative, collaborative, and technically proficient learning environment. The role involves providing one-on-one and group tutoring sessions, offering feedback on assignments, helping students navigate tools used in game production and animation, and performing relevant administrative tasks.
Tutored courses include but are not limited to: Character Rigging, Environmental Art, Modeling, Level Design for Single Player Games, Senior Game Studio I & II, Full Game Pipeline and Production.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide tutoring and technical guidance on 2D design, 3D modeling, rigging, texturing, level design, and production pipelines
  • Assist students with troubleshooting software (Windows required, Mac OS is a plus)
  • Maintain a professional and inclusive learning atmosphere that promotes collaboration and innovation
  • Contribute to the documentation and organizational needs of the tutoring program, perform tutoring-administrative duties as assigned
  • Other relevant tasks, as assigned

Qualifications
Education:
  • Junior or Senior student or Graduate of University of Silicon Valley
  • Maintain a 3.00 GPA (if current student)
  • Has taken the classes to be tutored
  • Has recommendation from instructors of relevant courses

Skills:
  • Strong foundation in digital art, game art, game design
  • Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Substance, or equivalent. Illustrator, After Effects are not required but are pluses.
  • Informative tutoring with expert knowledge of tutored subjects
  • Maintaining a booking schedule, which is based on self-declared availability on at least 4 days/week, between 10hrs-20hrs/week
  • Maintaining regular and efficient communication with Tutoring Program Manager and tutored students

Desired Qualifications: All the above plus ability to tutor 2D Design & Animation, Math and English topics.
Working conditions
Tutoring work takes place on campus and virtually online. This tutoring position requires the use of writing materials and computer software.
Physical requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and actively listen. The employee frequently must sit for prolonged periods and use hands and arms for activities such as typing and other computer-related tasks.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change at any time.
Non-benefit Position

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