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Character Rigging Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Capstone Solutions

RF Tower Foreman

Kent, WA · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

We value honesty and integrity of character, and a strong work ethic. We mentor our employees as we ... Utilize proper procedures for all types of rigging operations. * Accountable and responsible for ...

Capstone Solutions

RF Tower Foreman

Kent, WA · On-site

We value honesty and integrity of character, and a strong work ethic. We mentor our employees as we ... Utilize proper procedures for all types of rigging operations. * Accountable and responsible for ...

Capstone Solutions

RF Tower Foreman

Kent, WA · On-site

We value honesty and integrity of character, and a strong work ethic. We mentor our employees as we ... Utilize proper procedures for all types of rigging operations. * Accountable and responsible for ...

All JobsCharacter Rigging JobsCharacter Rigging Jobs in Seattle, WA

Character Rigging information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$21

$43

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigging in Seattle, WA is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $27.64 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.
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Character Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Rigging job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,182 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Student TA - ANI-3301-A Character Rigging (Luhn), F26

Redmond, WA • On-site

DigiPen Institute of Technology
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about DigiPen Institute of Technologyexternal

$17.13 - $18.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Applicants MUST be current students at DigiPen Institute of Technology to qualify for this position.
  • Student Employment at DigiPen is open to all currently matriculated students if they meet the qualifications for the job.
  • Students may not work during any time when they have a class scheduled, a class is canceled, or a class ends early.
  • Student workers must reside within the State of Washington. Remote work outside of Washington will not be permitted.
Job Title: Student TA - ANI-3301-A Character Rigging (Luhn), F26
Reports to: Eric Luhn
Class Times:
Tuesday - 6:00 - 8:50 p.m.
Essential Functions
A Teaching Assistant (TA) is expected to assist the instructor in the classroom as requested by the instructor. Responsibilities may include equipment setup and/or operation (e.g., running slide decks during lectures), facilitating student presentations, answering student questions during labs, pre-grading assessments, submitting attendance sheets, etc. TAs are expected to assist with grading outside the classroom, meet regularly with the instructor, and may be required to meet with students outside class to answer questions as needed, and/or any other duties as assigned by the instructor.
TAs will meet weekly with the instructor for performance feedback and duty modification and will receive a full evaluation once per semester.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assisting students in labs and during published office hours
  • Meeting students online, if required
  • Providing constructive feedback
  • Accountable for tracking and reporting the amount of time worked

Qualifications/Competencies
  • Have proven proficiency with the course material
  • Be approachable
  • Possess a positive attitude toward learning and a willingness to help others excel
  • Have a love of puzzles
  • Be comfortable interacting with other students on an instructional level as a mentor
  • Arrive on time and be prepared to attend with complete focus during evening class hours
  • Comfortable with multiple aspects of rigging
  • Strong communicator
  • Reliable, punctual, and invested in the success of their fellow students
  • Be self-motivated

Expected dates of employment: September 1 - December 8, 2026
Expected number of hours per week: 4 - 5
*** Once again, students are not permitted to work during any time when they are scheduled for a class. ***
Wage Range:
$17.13 - 18.25 per hour, depending on number of terms worked at DigiPen
Requirements to Apply:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Current Semester Academic Schedule

Working Conditions:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching; and fine finger dexterity. May need to lift up to 25 lbs. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.
DigiPen Student Employee Academic Requirements:
  • Are currently a Matriculated student at DigiPen Institute of Technology
  • Good Academic Standing - not on Academic Warning as defined in DigiPen Course Catalog
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Have taken and passed ANI-3301 with a B or better

Requirement Exceptions:
It is possible to still be selected for a position with DigiPen if you do not meet the requirements above, so don't let that dissuade you from applying!
Once you have applied for - and the supervisor decides to offer you - a position, we will contact the necessary managers (Supervisor, Department Chair, and/or the Dean of Faculty) to complete and sign off on an Academic Waiver form, depending on which requirements need to be waived. Once the Waiver is returned to us, we'll continue you through the hiring process.
Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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