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Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative ...

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

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 ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

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

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$13

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$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:

Animation Rigging jobs near you
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.

Senior Animator

2K Games

Novato, CA • On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Do you love inspiring others and tackling challenging assignments head on? Cloud Chamber is looking for a Senior Animator to help us breathe life into a new and fantastical world. Your primary responsibility will be the creation of exemplary animations. We need you to set the standards that educate and inspire our team!

Job Details

You have experience working within cross-discipline strike teams on collaborative assignments. You are someone who sets an example for a positive collaborative process. You are self‐motivated, have great communication skills, and possess a great team‐player attitude! We're looking for someone who loves animation! Skills, Experience and Qualifications Shipped multiple AAA titles, ideally using Unreal or a comparable engine. Exemplary skills in keyframe stylized 3D animation.

Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems in game engines as they pertain to video game animation. Excellent problem solving and debugging skills. A very strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and silhouette in regard to player character and AI. Excellent understanding of anatomy and caricature. Exceptional skill in animating the human bipedal figure, organic forms, quadrupedal, and mechanical objects.

An exemplary understanding of traditional animation principles and how they support and enhance gameplay. Experience working with Motion Capture data and editing it. Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as FaceFx. Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative and flexible spirit.

Mentorship, coaching, and training experience is a bonus. We are Cloud Chamber: a collaborative team of inspired minds who create games together. We strive to make unique, entertaining, and thoughtful game experiences that engage the world. We believe in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of our thinking. Our focus on open communication and overall well‐being allows each of us to strive for excellence in our work, and happiness in our lives.

If all of this sounds as exciting to you as it is to us, we'd love to meet you. Join us in creating worlds that move people. The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $90,000 and $135,000 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, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an at‐will position and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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