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Character Rigging Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC

Support campaign and brand work by bringing static concepts to life - lower-thirds, motion graphic packages, animated social content, character rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

Support campaign and brand work by bringing static concepts to life - lower-thirds, motion graphic packages, animated social content, character rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce ...

Offset Strategic Services

Pega System Architect

Sterling, VA

$56.75 - $74.50/hr

We expect competence and character and look for uniquely skilled and passionate individuals bound ... Applicants must have military Airborne, rigger experience. Additionally, these positions assist ...

All JobsCharacter Rigging JobsCharacter Rigging Jobs in Washington

Character Rigging information

See Washington salary details

$11

$21

$43

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigging in Washington is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $27.50 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
Infographic showing various Character Rigging job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,941 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Motion Graphic Designer

Motion Graphic Designer

NJI Media LLC

Washington, DC

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description

NJI is an agency where creativity knows no borders. We navigate the complexities of public affairs, charting new paths across industries and continents to deliver work that sparks conversation, shifts perception, and inspires action.


The Role
We're seeking a Video and Motion Graphic Designer who leads with curiosity - someone who does their best work at the intersection of design and motion, and is eager to grow their craft across a wide range of formats and clients.


This role is your entry point into ambitious, multidisciplinary work: animate interactive presentation screens seen on UNGA's stage, bring kinetic logos to life, support social and reel cuts for events, and help our team tell stories that move people - literally.


Note: This is a hybrid position that requires being in our Georgetown office three days per week on a flexible schedule. Our team meets for lunch every Wednesday, and we encourage crew members to join us in person for two additional days of their choosing. NJI does not currently offer relocation fees.


What You'll Do

  • Set Things in Motion: Support campaign and brand work by bringing static concepts to life - lower-thirds, motion graphic packages, animated social content, character rigging, and beyond. 
  • Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional live events, where speed and precision have to coexist.
  • Storyboard to Screen: Develop storyboards, illustrations, animations, and video graphics that carry a clear message and hold up against brand standards at every frame.
  • Create Graphics Package: Own concept and design on graphic packages meant to move, 
  • Anchor in Excellence: Maintain visual consistency and quality across deliverables, with a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to craft at every frame.
  • Collaborate Globally: Work closely with a dynamic team to execute concepts aligned with established client brand systems, contributing to projects from brief through delivery.


What You'll Bring

  • Motion Foundation: Proficiency in After Effects is a must. Premier Pro and basic compositing skills are a strong plus. You know how to build a clean, well-organized project file.
  • Illustration & Design Sensibility: You have a working eye for typography, layout, and color. Comfort with icon creation and character and scene illustrations makes you a stronger, more versatile candidate. We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw.
  • A social first mindset: You understand how platforms communicate, have a keen eye for what's on trend and most importantly what makes users engage with content in a meaningful way.
  • Tenure: 2 to 3 years experience as a motion designer. 
  • Portfolio: Your reel or portfolio demonstrates motion range - not perfection, but range. Show us what you're capable of and where you're headed.
  • Attention to Detail: A sharp eye for consistency, catching the smallest errors before they take flight.
  • Adaptability: The ability to pivot with agility and balance efficiency with top-tier quality.
  • Own the System, Not Just the File: Stay current on motion trends, tools, and techniques - and use that knowledge to build reusable animation toolkits (type systems, transitions, lower-third packages, templates) that raise the creative floor across every campaign.
  • BONUS: Are you dabbling in 3D, or emerging AI tools? We value those with wide creative curiosities and encourage passion projects. 

Diversity Commitment. Authenticity is the foundation of boundless creativity. Rooted in diverse life experiences, our team challenges the status quo through our work and culture every day. We are committed to sustaining and improving NJI's inclusive workplace by actively expanding the diversity of our team. We encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please contact info@njimedia.com.We are unable to offer work visa sponsorship at this time.


Cover Letter. We think of cover letters more in the old-fashioned pen pal sense. Putting pen to page to share your greatest thoughts and interests. So, keep the job summary and skills list in your resume and write something that personally expresses more about who you are and what draws you to NJI and this role.


Apply