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Animation Rigging Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Velan Studios

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$110K - CA$150K/yr

Generalist skills in modeling, rigging, or related areas. * A passion for game design and how animation supports player feedback, pacing, and readability * Experience with motion capture. * Basic ...

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Animation Rigging information

See Ontario salary details

$11

$33

$72

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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 6% Internship, 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,180 per year, or $33.7 per hour.
Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Gameplay Animator (Senior+/Lead)

Velan Studios

Toronto, ON • On-site

CA$110K - CA$150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company.

We are looking for a Senior Gameplay Animator with the experience and passion to drive our gameplay mechanics to the next level. You’ll play a key role in defining how our characters move, respond and feel, crafting animation that’s both expressive and tightly integrated with gameplay. You should be equally comfortable working in a small, fast-paced prototyping team as you are creating polished, production-quality animation for larger projects. You will be actively collaborating with artists, engineers and designers to develop amazing gameplay feel. And your passion for bringing characters to life should only be matched by your love of diving into engine to bring all your animations together for an unforgettable gameplay experience.

Senior Gameplay Animator Responsibilities

  • Help define and drive the game’s animation style with expressive, solid body mechanics that makes gameplay feel amazing.
  • Take ownership of the full gameplay animation process, from rough prototypes to polished game performances.
  • Drive in-engine development with excellent engine competency, including animation systems, state machines and other procedural animation techniques.
  • Collaborate with designers and engineers to explore new ideas, solve tricky gameplay challenges, and push what’s possible through animation.
  • Document tools and workflows.
  • Mentor other animators, offering feedback, guidance, and support.
  • Champion animation across the studio — always pushing for clarity, responsiveness, and that breath of life within every press of a button.
  • Project Lead role based on project*

What is expected of an Art Lead at Velan Studios?

Lead roles are assigned on a per-project basis and not tied directly to the level of an employee’s position. Leads champion best practices that relate to their area of expertise but also represent all aspects of it in interdisciplinary discussions regarding scope, planning, tools, features and team updates.

As the project matures, leads may also be part of hiring and mentoring of any additional artists that might be needed within their field to accomplish project goals in a timely manner and to a high level of quality. Leads may also be expected to help assess their performance and aid in their career development.

Requirements

  • 7+ years of professional experience animating for games, with a focus on gameplay.
  • A standout demo reel that shows clear body mechanics, timing, and personality.
  • Expert in Maya or equivalent 3D animation software.
  • Hands-on experience working in-engine, with focus on general state machine structures.
  • Proactive and self-directed, with a good sense of when to explore and when to get things done.
  • Able to effectively communicate technical needs and issues to Engineering/Tech Art/Design.
  • Above all, deeply curious and passionate about creating responsive, character forward animation that makes gameplay feel amazing.

Big Pluses

  • Experience leading small animation teams or driving animation direction
  • Reel should include game or engine captures of your animations in gameplay context.
  • Familiarity with motion matching, procedural animation, or other modern runtime techniques.
  • Generalist skills in modeling, rigging, or related areas.
  • A passion for game design and how animation supports player feedback, pacing, and readability
  • Experience with motion capture.
  • Basic scripting or tool-building experience (Python, MEL, or similar) to streamline workflows or prototype ideas.

This is a hybrid or onsite position. Hybrid is 3 days a week in studio. Our studios are located in Troy, NY and Toronto, ON.
The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below* per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations. In addition to your salary, our comprehensive compensation package includes various perks, such as potential annual bonuses (though they are not guaranteed), health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and flexible time-off benefits.
Canada Salary Ranges
Senior: $85,000. - $120,000. CAD
Specialist: $110,000.-$150,000. CAD
Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.