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Character Rigging Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Carlost Inc.

Customer Success Manager

New York, NY

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 ...

Hireframe

Rigger

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$26.50 - $34.25/hr

Duties and Responsibilities Create high‐quality 3D animations using Blender Work with existing character and environment assets for episodic content Animate character performances, actions, and ...

Hireframe

3D Animator

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

... rigged or game-style 3D assets Ability to interpret storyboards, scripts, or creative direction Portfolio demonstrating character animation work Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative ...

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Character Rigging information

See New York salary details

$11

$20

$41

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigging in New York is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

Are riggers in high demand?

Character rigging is a specialized skill in the animation and gaming industries, and demand for riggers is steady as studios seek skilled professionals to create flexible, efficient character models. Job opportunities often require proficiency in rigging tools like Maya or Blender and a strong understanding of anatomy and movement. The industry values experience and technical skills, making rigging a viable career path with consistent demand.

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.

More about Character Rigging jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigging jobs in New York? The most popular types of Character Rigging jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Rigging jobs in New York? For Character Rigging jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Rigging jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Character Rigging jobs in New York are:
Character Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Rigging job openings in New York as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,411 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Remote 3D Rigger for Plushie Roblox Characters

The Forever Studio

Manhattan, NY • Remote

$26.50 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

An independent game studio is seeking a 3D Rigger to create efficient and Roblox-compatible rigs for their plushie characters. The successful candidate will rig plushie models for various body types, ensure expressive movement, and test integration within Roblox Studio. Candidates should have proven experience in character rigging, particularly with Maya or Blender, along with strong skills in deformation and skinning.

This role promotes collaboration with the art and animation team to enhance gameplay experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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