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Character Rigger Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

OR · On-site

$120K - $126K/yr

Do you think a lot about how modular rigging systems enable quick iteration, how streamlined DCC pipelines empower artists, or how to achieve feature-quality character animation within real-time ...

Character Rigger information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$27

$38

How much do character rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigger in Oregon is $27.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.38 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Character Rigger do?

A Character Rigger is responsible for creating digital skeletons and control systems that allow 3D characters to move realistically in animations, films, and games. They build rigs that deform correctly and provide animators with intuitive controls for posing and motion. This role requires strong knowledge of anatomy, technical skills in software like Maya or Blender, and scripting abilities for automation. Riggers work closely with animators and modelers to ensure smooth character motion and realistic deformation.

What does a rigger do for a job?

A character rigger creates the skeletal structures and controls that allow 3D characters to move and be animated in digital environments. They use specialized software like Maya or Blender and need strong knowledge of anatomy, rigging techniques, and scripting to develop functional and efficient rigs for animation. Rigging is essential in fields like video game development, film, and visual effects.

How to become a character rigger?

To become a character rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, animation, and rigging software such as Maya or Blender. Gaining skills in anatomy, weight painting, and scripting, along with a portfolio demonstrating rigging projects, is essential; some professionals also pursue relevant degrees or certifications in animation or computer graphics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Character Rigger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Rigger, you need strong knowledge of anatomy, animation principles, and technical proficiency in 3D rigging, often supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are key soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable character riggers to build functional, efficient rigs that meet animators' needs and support seamless production workflows.

What does a typical day look like for a Character Rigger working on a production team?

A typical day for a Character Rigger involves creating or refining the skeletal structures and controls that allow 3D characters to move realistically in animation. You’ll often collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and technical directors to troubleshoot issues, implement feedback, and ensure rigs fit the artistic and technical requirements of the project. Daily tasks may include building new rigs, adjusting skin weights, writing scripts to automate repetitive processes, and participating in team meetings. This collaborative and iterative process helps ensure characters animate smoothly and efficiently throughout the production pipeline.

How much does a character designer get paid?

A character rigger's salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled riggers with proficiency in tools like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can earn higher salaries, especially in larger studios or with specialized expertise.

How much do character riggers get paid?

Character riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level riggers may start lower, while experienced professionals working on high-profile projects or in major studios can earn higher salaries. Skills in software like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigger jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Character Rigger jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Character Rigger jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Character Rigger jobs in Oregon are:

$120K - $126K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Would you like to work on something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters? Do you think a lot about how modular rigging systems enable quick iteration, how streamlined DCC pipelines empower artists, or how to achieve feature-quality character animation within real-time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG!

As a Tech Art Lead at teamLFG, you'll collaborate closely with the art team to bring iconic characters to life from pre-production and beyond for a completely new world at PlayStation. Your ability to craft exceptional character rigs and efficient art workflows with a high degree of autonomy will delight animators and contribute to a class-leading action game!

As a member of our tight-knit art team, you'll balance craft expertise with a player-first mindset and willingness to contribute beyond your role to improve the prototype experience. Help build and deliver functional and innovative rigs in prototypes and establish scalable pipelines for production. Most importantly, you will work with a fun, diverse, cross-discipline team devoted to building a new universe from scratch.

We look for candidates who value joining a mission-focused team with a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and viewpoints.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Lead the Tech Art discipline & define the team's goals while also contributing directly as an IC in early stages of the project
  • Build and manage the Technical Art team, including mentoring and management of internal Tech Artists and overseeing external Tech Art work
  • Work closely with the Art Director to find innovative methods for bringing the team's artistic vision to screen
  • Ensure visual aspects of the game are performant across all platforms (PC, console)
  • Collaborate with project leadership to define and oversee the Technical Art roadmap, working cross team with technical artists, animators & designers to inform these decisions
  • Create custom tools to enhance the game's visual fidelity and performance.
  • Develop and refine workflows and pipelines that boost production efficiency and foster team collaboration.
  • Introduce new features to the art team by showcasing examples, giving presentations, and producing relevant documentation.
  • Engage in proactive communication with all stakeholders to ensure shared objectives and preemptively manage any challenges.  

REQUIRED SKILLS  

  • Experience in rigging workflow & pipeline creation
  • Production experience with standard content creation tools such as Maya, Substance Painter, and Photoshop as well as professional experience using Python
  • Ability to independently translate art team goals into creative solutions with a thorough understanding of cost, efficiency, and quality tradeoffs
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Experience in producing clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation, with the ability to simplify complex topics
  • Experience in managing and resolving stability, performance, and memory issues across different platforms.
  • Experience with Unreal Engine
  • Experience managing external resources effectively
  • Experience shipping across multiple platforms (PC, console)

 

Nice to have Skills

  • Ability to creatively solve problems for a wide variety of asks during R+D, as demonstrated by prior success in incubation environments
  • Ability to create unique custom shaders and effects that are efficient, scalable and deliver on the team's vision. 
  • Ability to create and hook up gameplay VFX assets
  • Experience creating/managing modular environment systems