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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 ...

All JobsCharacter Rigging JobsCharacter Rigging Jobs in New York

Character Rigging information

See New York salary details

$11

$20

$41

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.

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.
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Character Rigging jobs near you
Adjunct Instructor-Digital Animation

Adjunct Instructor-Digital Animation

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, NJ • On-site

$985/wk

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview
The College seeks to build a pool of qualified applicants to teach future sections .
Responsibilities
Teach courses in subject matter as assigned.
Courses include:
DIGM 115 - Digital Editing: After Effects
DIGM 116 - Production & Storyboarding: Photoshop
DIGM 121 - Maya I: 3D Modeling
DIGM 122 - Maya II: Fundamentals
DIGM 125 - Digital Editing: Composite
DIGM 126 - Digital Sculpting: ZBrush
DIGM 221 - Maya III: Rendering
DIGM 222 - Maya IV: Advanced Modeling and Character Rigging
DIGM 235 - Previsualization and Career Development
DIGM 298 - Design and Production Capstone
GAME 105 - Introduction to Unity
GAME 115 - Game Concept Design
GAME 205 - Game Character Design
GAME 206 - Game Level Design
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
  • Master's degree in Animation, Game Design or related area required.
  • Experience teaching preferred.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Considerations:
  • Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend courses may be available in Lincroft, Western Monmouth and Higher Education Centers.
  • Knowledge of Monmouth County and its communities.

Application Documents
Cover Letter, CV, Other, Resume, Unofficial Transcript
Pay Rate
$985 per credit hour

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