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Character Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA

Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA

Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. * Character Performance experience. * Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and ...

Roblox

Senior 3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $137K/yr

You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform ... quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation ...

New

Roblox

Senior 3D Artist, Technical

San Mateo, CA

$144K - $173K/yr

Partner with engineers to prototype and guide the development of our movement and rigging systems ... Familiarity with scripting languages and node-based character controllers (i.e. Unreal Blueprints ...

Delectus, LLC

Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $32.75/hr

... rigging, hydraulics, pneumatics, and motor/pump alignment * Ability to read and interpret ... Our core values of character, capability, and responsibility shape our approach, ensuring precise ...

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All JobsCharacter Rigging JobsCharacter Rigging Jobs in California

Character Rigging information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$37

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigging in California is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Character Rigging Jobs?

Character rigging is the process of creating an animated person, animal, or other moving object and adding features for movement to make it look more realistic or to match the flow of the storyline. In this role, you develop characters for cartoon shows, animated films, and video games. You create the framework of the character using rigging tools such as Maya or Motionbuilder and manipulate the character to make it jump, run, smile, or do other actions. Once the framework is set, you may add physical features, such as skins and facial shapes, to be used by the animator to develop the movement flow within the show or game.

How to become a character rigger?

To become a character rigger, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation using software like Maya or Blender. A relevant degree or certification in animation, computer graphics, or a related field can be helpful, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating rigging projects and knowledge of anatomy and movement. Gaining experience through internships or personal projects is also valuable for building a professional skill set.

What is character rigging?

Character rigging is the process of creating a digital skeleton for a character model so that it can be posed and animated in 3D software. Riggers add bones, joints, and control systems to a character, allowing animators to move and deform the model realistically. This is a crucial step in the animation pipeline for films, video games, and visual effects, enabling expressive and lifelike character movements.

What are some typical challenges faced in a character rigging role, and how can they be addressed?

Character rigging artists often encounter challenges such as creating rigs that are both flexible for animators and efficient for real-time rendering. Balancing complexity with usability, ensuring deformation looks natural, and maintaining performance in game engines are common hurdles. Collaboration with modelers and animators is essential to iterate on rigs quickly based on feedback. Staying updated with the latest rigging tools and scripting techniques can greatly help in overcoming these challenges and delivering high-quality rigs on tight production schedules.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically senior or lead character rigging positions in large animation studios, film production, or AAA game development, often offering salaries above $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced skills in rigging, scripting, and experience with industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender, along with a strong portfolio and sometimes certifications. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and project scope.

What do character riggers do?

Character riggers create the skeletal structures and control systems that enable 3D characters to move and be animated. They use software like Maya or Blender to build rigs, ensuring characters can perform natural and complex motions for animation projects.

What is the difference between Character Rigging vs 3D Modeler?

AspectCharacter Rigging3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating skeletons and controls for character animationModeling 3D objects and characters
Skills RequiredRigging techniques, anatomy, software like Maya or BlenderModeling, texturing, topology, software like Maya, Blender, 3ds Max
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, VFXGame studios, film, animation, product visualization
CertificationsOften not mandatory but relevant courses in rigging and animationOften not mandatory but relevant in modeling and design courses

While both roles work closely in 3D production, Character Rigging specializes in creating the underlying structure for animation, whereas a 3D Modeler focuses on building the visual and geometric aspects of models. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Character Rigger, you need a solid grasp of anatomy, 3D modeling, and an understanding of animation principles, usually supported by a background in computer graphics or animation. Expertise in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages such as Python or MEL is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills make a rigger stand out when collaborating with animators and modelers. These skills ensure character rigs are both functional and intuitive, resulting in smooth animation workflows and high-quality visual output.
More about Character Rigging jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigging jobs in California? The most popular types of Character Rigging jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Rigging jobs in California? For Character Rigging jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Rigging jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Character Rigging jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Character Rigging jobs? Cities in California with the most Character Rigging job openings:
Character Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Rigging job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,160 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Account Manager

Carlost Inc.

Burlingame, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

High Moon Studios is seeking a talented and self-directed Technical Animator who can join for a 12-month temporary assignment. The candidate must be passionate about making great games, and must be a strong problem-solver and effective communicator.
Responsibilities:
Creation of prototype and production animation content.
Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes.
Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline.
Collaborate with Design, Engineering in the development of in-game animation systems.
Troubleshoot and consistently present solutions to technical issues related to animations.
Roll out production ready rigs/tools/ systems to the animation team.
Provide desk side support for the animation team - helping to resolve technical issues.
Meets project deadlines / milestones, as set by Project Leads.
Requirements:
Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Must have the desire to create great games.
Understanding of animation principals which can be clearly displayed in your demo reel.
Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software.
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging.
3+ years’ experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles


Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and C#.
Experience working with game engine animation systems.
Good knowledge of Motion Capture techniques.
Bonus Qualifications:
Solid understanding of human and animal anatomy.
Scripting in MEL.
About Us
World class games start with world class talent. This is a unique time in Activision’s history – and one of the most exciting opportunities to join us

Activision Blizzard, headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, is the premier worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software like Call of Duty, Destiny and the Blizzard Entertainment Franchises.
High Moon Studios
Founded in 2002, High Moon Studios is an award-winning studio that’s developed for blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty and Transformers. We are 100 people strong, located in the always-sunny beachside city of Carlsbad, California.
Our goal is simple: make game experiences that kick ass and blow minds

High Moon Studios is led by award winning veterans and a crack production staff that have over 200 years of combined development experience. We work hard. We play hard.

It’s time to add world class talent as we partner with Bungie to work on their ground-breaking Destiny Franchise.Employment Type: Full-Time

Apply