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Animation Rigging Jobs in Redmond, WA (NOW HIRING)

Animation Rigging information

See Redmond, WA salary details

$15

$29

$40

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging in Redmond, WA is $29.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $33.37 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.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Rigging jobs in Redmond, WA? For Animation Rigging jobs in Redmond, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Rigging jobs in Redmond, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Rigging jobs in Redmond, WA are:
What cities near Redmond, WA are hiring for Animation Rigging jobs? Cities near Redmond, WA with the most Animation Rigging job openings:
Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA • On-site

$3.8K - $10K/wk

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Animation and Production Department (Evergreen) Adjunct
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, Computer Engineering, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master's degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade.
To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .
Position: Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Department
Reports to: Animation and Production Department Chair
The Animation and Production Department at DigiPen Institute of Technology invites applicants for potential future positions of Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Instructor. Join our faculty team and help students develop the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen fields.
Animation and Production courses cover the history, methods, and specialized topics in the field of animation in game and film production. From character rigging to cinematography, students both learn and practice how to tell compelling stories through the magic of moving images. Comprising of talented and creative traditional and CG animators, and filmmakers from the game and film industry, our diverse department faculty bring a deep well of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom.
After completing the application process, you may be invited to participate in the interview process. If accepted, you will be added to our pool of pre-approved adjuncts. The Animation and Production Department hires adjunct faculty from the pool of pre-approved adjuncts each semester on an as-needed basis.
The Animation and Production Department is accepting applications for adjunct instructors for courses in:
  • Animation Fundamentals
  • 3D Character Animation
  • 3D Character Rigging
  • Film and Animation History
  • Other specialized courses in animation and film as needed

This is an ongoing posting. For more information about DigiPen's offerings, visit:
Current Courses | DigiPen
Essential Functions/Duties
  • Teach courses in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
  • Prepare and submit (on Moodle) timely grade reports and other reports on student performance
  • Organize class activities, demos, and assignments and assignments to meet learning outcomes
  • Manage Student Teaching Assistants, if required; supervising their timecards and reviewing their weekly hours
  • Provide input, create, and improve course materials
  • Offer weekly office hours
  • In-person teaching, with online classes when necessary, in Redmond, WA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of the subject areas in which the individual is responsible for instruction
  • Knowledge and understanding of principles of curriculum development
  • Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of effective communication and of effective instruction
  • Specialized knowledge in Fine and Applied Art such as: Art, Illustration and/or Visual Development, etc.
  • Skills in Word, PowerPoint, Moodle, and MS Teams

Qualifications / Competencies
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Animation or related field
  • Relevant academic experience and/or four years of relevant industry experience
  • Demonstrate evidence of teaching experience that supports a diverse student body and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
  • Team player with ability to solve problems independently
  • Solid grounding in interdisciplinary teaching
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Comfortable with technology
  • Ability to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles, special needs, etc.

Salary Range:
$3,888 - $10,887 per term, depending on credit hours, class size, and faculty rank
Not benefits eligible.
Application Procedure:
Applications should include, or you will be asked to provide, the following:
  • A cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae / résumé
  • Digital Art portfolio website
  • Academic Transcripts of most recently attended educational institutions
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Statement of experience on maximizing quality and engagement across broad subjects and perspectives

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete application files will be accepted on a continuous basis and remain active for one year. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Notes:
  • All Adjunct positions are part-time, temporary assignments (for no more than one semester at a time), dependent upon student enrollment and instructional needs, and subject to budget consideration and approval. DigiPen Institute of Technology reserves the right to extend application deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all.
The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.