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Animation Rigging Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

dbrand

3D Product Render Artist

Mississauga, ON

Basic skills in 3D modelling / rigging / animation. * Advanced skills in shading / texturing / UV mapping / lighting / rendering. * Knowledge of converting industry standard CAD (STEP, STL, OBJ ...

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All JobsAnimation Rigging JobsAnimation Rigging Jobs in Ontario

Animation Rigging information

See Ontario salary details

$11

$33

$72

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging in Ontario is $33.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $43.99 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 popular job titles related to Animation Rigging jobs in Ontario? For Animation Rigging jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Rigging jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Rigging jobs in Ontario are:
Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in Ontario as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,180 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Animation Tools Programmer (All Levels)

Rockstar Games

Oakville, ON • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences. 

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. 

Rockstar is on the lookout for a passionate Animation Tools Programmer. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with our game development teams, across all animation disciplines, and help drive our animation tools technology forward to support the creation of all of Rockstar Games projects. 

The Animation Tools Programmer role will involve developing and maintaining animation related tools and pipelines for our advanced animation systems for large scale games. We're looking for someone with the skills to iterate with our animation and rigging teams to implement the very best tools for character, camera and facial animation.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar's unique game development studio in Oakville, ON.

WHAT WE DO
  • The Rockstar Games Tools Team create and maintain software tools that are used by all game development disciplines to support the creation of all Rockstar Games projects.
  • These software tools range from digital content exporters, a data processing asset pipeline to game, CI/CD automation systems and UI editors.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work within the Tools team on all animation related technology, mainly focused on animation exporters, editors and pipelines.
  • Implement tasks to specification defined by the Lead Tools programmers.
REQUIREMENTS
  • A degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or equivalent.
  • Experience with C++ and/or C#.
  • Strong math skills.
  • Strong team communication skills.
  • Ability to work within a team.
  • Ability to work within a schedule and deliver effectively to deadlines.
PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

  • Experience with MotionBuilder and/or Maya.
  • Experience working with animators and riggers.
  • Games industry experience working on AAA titles.
HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process in order for such applicants to be considered for the position for which they are applying, as well as to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar's reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please notify your recruiter during the interview process.  

** For those based in Toronto, Rockstar will provide accommodations to job applicants and employees as long as such accommodations do not pose an undue hardship on Rockstar, and consistent with its obligations under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

If you've got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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