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Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pipeline Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท 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 ...

Pipeline Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท 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 ...

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in animations/films. * Minimum of 3 years of experience working at a professional level with practical ...

Character Technical Artist

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Collaborate closely with rigging and animation to ensure characters are animation-ready and behave correctly in-game. * Implement and validate characters in Unreal Engine, ensuring correct setup for ...

Character Technical Artist

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Collaborate closely with rigging and animation to ensure characters are animation-ready and behave correctly in-game. * Implement and validate characters in Unreal Engine, ensuring correct setup for ...

Senior 3D Artist, Technical

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$144K - $173K/yr

Partner with engineers to prototype and guide the development of our movement and rigging systems * Be a subject matter expert on animation and animation technology who cultivates a comprehensive ...

Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software. Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of ...

Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software. Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of ...

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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 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 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 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.
Animator, Gameplay - Temp | Unannounced Game

Animator, Gameplay - Temp | Unannounced Game

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Irvine, CA โ€ข On-site

$30.47 - $56.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Team Name:

Unannounced ProjectJob Title:Animator, Gameplay - Temp | Unannounced GameRequisition ID:R027651Job Description:

At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations - only made possible by building a work environment that nurtures the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.


As an Animator, you'll be animating a diverse range of compelling characters and creatures that support an engaging, dynamic, and satisfying gameplay experience. You'll be working with other artists, designers, and engineers to collaborate on creatively complex assignments to develop an inspiring creative vision, animation style, and production pipeline for this new Blizzard game. Ultimately, you're combining inspiring art with great gameplay while actively communicating and thriving on a small team.


This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA. However, we understand each person's circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore other possible options, including remote work arrangements.


This is roughly a 5-month temporary position.


Responsibilities

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

  • Partner with the animation team to help develop a unique animation style and visual direction for the project
  • Collaborate with designers, tech artists, and engineers to integrate the animation assets into the engine, and identify and troubleshoot any technical issues that might arise
  • Partner with engineers and tech artists to help support and develop an effective animation pipeline for prototyping and a rapid iteration mindset for game development

Minimum Requirements


  • 5+ years' animation experience in a professional environment (Game Studio, Animation Studio, or VFX Studio)
  • Strong understanding of the principles of animation and body mechanics
  • Experience animating characters and creatures in Maya (or equivalent 3D programs)
  • Experience with Unreal Engine
  • Strong understanding of human and creature anatomy and a keen eye toward creatively representing their movements in believable ways
  • Experience with creating animation blend trees; previous experience with node-based animation editors

Extra Points


  • Professional experience working on AAA games for major platforms
  • Experience with prototype/quick iteration environments
  • Experience working with motion capture
  • Experience with basic modeling and rigging

Your Platform


Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.


Our World


Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises includingCall of Duty,World of Warcraft,Overwatch,Diablo,Candy Crush andBubble Witch. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!


Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!


The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.


We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.


We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $30.47 - $56.35 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

Blizzard Entertainment logo

About Blizzard Entertainment

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1991

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