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Animation Rigging Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC

... rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional ... Develop storyboards, illustrations, animations, and video graphics that carry a clear message and ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

... rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional ... Develop storyboards, illustrations, animations, and video graphics that carry a clear message and ...

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Animation Rigging information

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$41

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging in Washington is $29.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.15 and $33.75 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 freelance consulting for 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 an animation rigger do?

An animation rigger creates the skeletal structures and control systems that enable characters and objects to move realistically in animation and visual effects. They develop rigs using tools like Maya or Blender, ensuring that models can be animated efficiently and naturally. Rigging requires technical skills, knowledge of anatomy, and an understanding of animation 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 money do you make rigging?

Animation rigging professionals typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior riggers with specialized skills in tools like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can earn higher salaries, especially in larger studios or competitive markets.

How hard is rigging animation?

Rigging animation is a technical skill that requires understanding of 3D modeling, anatomy, and rigging tools such as Maya or Blender. It involves creating a digital skeleton and controls for characters or objects, which can be complex and time-consuming, especially for detailed or realistic rigs. Proficiency in scripting and problem-solving can also be beneficial for efficient rigging workflows.

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.

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Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 71% In-person, and 29% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,289 per year, or $29.5 per hour.
Motion Graphic Designer

Motion Graphic Designer

NJI Media LLC

Washington, DC

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

NJI is an agency where creativity knows no borders. We navigate the complexities of public affairs, charting new paths across industries and continents to deliver work that sparks conversation, shifts perception, and inspires action.


The Role
We're seeking a Video and Motion Graphic Designer who leads with curiosity - someone who does their best work at the intersection of design and motion, and is eager to grow their craft across a wide range of formats and clients.


This role is your entry point into ambitious, multidisciplinary work: animate interactive presentation screens seen on UNGA's stage, bring kinetic logos to life, support social and reel cuts for events, and help our team tell stories that move people - literally.


Note: This is a hybrid position that requires being in our Georgetown office three days per week on a flexible schedule. Our team meets for lunch every Wednesday, and we encourage crew members to join us in person for two additional days of their choosing. NJI does not currently offer relocation fees.


What You'll Do

  • Set Things in Motion: Support campaign and brand work by bringing static concepts to life - lower-thirds, motion graphic packages, animated social content, character rigging, and beyond. 
  • Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional live events, where speed and precision have to coexist.
  • Storyboard to Screen: Develop storyboards, illustrations, animations, and video graphics that carry a clear message and hold up against brand standards at every frame.
  • Create Graphics Package: Own concept and design on graphic packages meant to move, 
  • Anchor in Excellence: Maintain visual consistency and quality across deliverables, with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to craft at every frame.
  • Collaborate Globally: Work closely with a dynamic team to execute concepts aligned with established client brand systems, contributing to projects from brief through delivery.


What You'll Bring

  • Motion Foundation: Proficiency in After Effects is a must. Premier Pro and basic compositing skills are a strong plus. You know how to build a clean, well-organized project file.
  • Illustration & Design Sensibility: You have a working eye for typography, layout, and color. Comfort with icon creation and character and scene illustrations makes you a stronger, more versatile candidate. We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw.
  • A social first mindset: You understand how platforms communicate, have a keen eye for what's on trend and most importantly what makes users engage with content in a meaningful way.
  • Tenure: 2 to 3 years experience as a motion designer. 
  • Portfolio: Your reel or portfolio demonstrates motion range - not perfection, but range. Show us what you're capable of and where you're headed.
  • Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for consistency, catching the smallest errors before they take flight.
  • Adaptability: The ability to pivot with agility and balance efficiency with top-tier quality.
  • Own the System, Not Just the File: Stay current on motion trends, tools, and techniques - and use that knowledge to build reusable animation toolkits (type systems, transitions, lower-third packages, templates) that raise the creative floor across every campaign.
  • BONUS: Are you dabbling in 3D, or emerging AI tools? We value those with wide creative curiosities and encourage passion projects. 

Diversity Commitment. Authenticity is the foundation of boundless creativity. Rooted in diverse life experiences, our team challenges the status quo through our work and culture every day. We are committed to sustaining and improving NJI's inclusive workplace by actively expanding the diversity of our team. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please contact info@njimedia.com.We are unable to offer work visa sponsorship at this time.


Cover Letter. We think of cover letters more in the old-fashioned pen pal sense. Putting pen to page to share your greatest thoughts and interests. So, keep the job summary and skills list in your resume and write something that personally expresses more about who you are and what draws you to NJI and this role.


Apply