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Character Rigging Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Character Rigging information

See Washington salary details

$11

$21

$43

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Character Rigging jobs in Washington?

For Character Rigging jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Character Rigging jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Character Rigging job openings:

Infographic showing various Character Rigging job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,941 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Production Coordinator - MBC PW

Manassas, VA โ€ข On-site

McLean Bible Church
Religious Organizationsย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Part-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee all aspects of live production for gatherings and events at the MBC PW Location.

  • Manage and ensure all production elements and equipment are set up, operational, and maintained, including audio, lighting, video, presentation, and set design.

  • Coordinate and lead a volunteer production team, including recruiting, mentoring, scheduling, and providing spiritual and operational support.


Job description


The PW Production Coordinator oversees all aspects of live production of gatherings and events held at the McLean Bible Church (MBC) PW Location. The PW Production Coordinator manages all production elements and equipment: audio, lighting, video, presentation, and set design. The PW Production Coordinator is responsible for the overall coordination and administration of gathering starting from MBC PW Pastor’s direction through execution of production for weekend gatherings. This is a part-time position at 20 hours per week. 


This person should demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Proven disciple maker
  • Life lived above reproach. 
  • Committed to discipleship and the Great Commission 
  • Organized, Self-starter, Motivated


Duties and responsibilities (Essential Functions)


Coordinate a volunteer team to produce seamless integration and support for all rehearsals, gatherings, events and special programs:

  • Participate in meetings related to weekly services and special programs (with production needs).
  • Create and execute gathering/event plan documents: i.e. stage plots, audio patch sheets, etc.
  • Ensure all production elements are set and operational:
  • Audio: all microphones, instrument interfaces, IEM’s, audio console
  • Stage: decking, soft goods, music stands, set design,
  • Lights: Stage lights, floor lights, special lights as needed, 
  • Presentation: worship lyrics, announcements, sermon notes,
  • Video: cameras, switcher, AMX control panel, projectors, LED walls
  • Broadcast: recording equipment
  • Provide weekly communication of repair needs or areas for improvement to AV Engineering Cooridnator.
  • Ensure the physical security of production equipment.
  • Ensure that stage area and auditorium space is left clean with all equipment put away at end of each event.
  • Brief and transition responsibilities to assigned backup in the event of a scheduled absence.


Lead, develop and establish a weekend volunteer production team:

  • Recruit, mentor, and engage volunteers to assist with production needs.
  • Maintain volunteer schedule in Planning Center Online (PCO)
  • Lead volunteers in weekly devotional and prayer time before each event.


Take the lead on management of all equipment, engineering, and supplies for the PW Location.

  • Work with Production Team to familiarize yourself with all equipment at the PW Location including learning to troubleshoot and repair equipment.
  • Work with location pastor to determine future growth and production-related needs.
  • Develop and execute goals set forth by location pastor to meet production-related needs. 


Provide oversight on all group room space at the PW Location and provide support and training as needed to staff and volunteers.


Qualifications


Experience

  • Four or more years of experience as Production Technician, AV Professional or in a related field
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Prior church experience desired.


Key Traits

  • Vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior and a commitment to godly character and self-discipline in personal lifestyle. 
  • Organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Attention to detail and a passion for accuracy, clarity, and beauty.
  • Action-oriented and displays focus, passion and initiative. Takes appropriate action when something needs to be done.
  • Relates well to all kinds of people, builds effective relationships, communicates effectively both interpersonally and corporately.
  • Organized, creative thinker and highly productive, working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Committed to improvement, seeks constructive criticism, understands strengths and weaknesses.
  • Passion for serving the church.


Competencies


General Expertise

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Knowledge of signal flow and IP media networking (Dante required; NDI/SDVoE/AVB familiarity preferred).
  • Strong leadership and communication skills; experience developing staff and volunteers.
  • Experience with LED walls, broadcast video routers/switchers, intercom, and SMPTE standards.
  • Ability to manage, lead and recruit a team of volunteers


Technical Knowledge

  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Digital Audio Consoles
  • Rigging and safety best practices
  • Lighting Consoles
  • ProPresenter


Working conditions

  • Required to support weekend services and rehearsals at the PW Location.
  • Required to support offsite worship events at PW Location as needed. 
  • Occasional support for churchwide worship/prayer events at the Tysons Location.
  • Use of standard office equipment such as computers and phones.
  • Able to read, speak, and hear. 
  • Ability to differentiate between colors.
  • Must be able to lift and carry items that can weigh 35 pounds or more for short distances. 
  • Occasional use of stairs. 
  • Required local travel to other MBC Locations.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Please contact our HR Department for further information if needed.


Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.







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