ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Character Rigging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kavaliro

Character Artist (Unreal Engine)

Jacksonville, FL

$112.10K - $117.70K/yr

Work with rigging and animation teams to ensure clothing deforms properly during gameplay and ... Optimize character and clothing assets for performance while maintaining high visual fidelity

Kavaliro

Character Artist (Unreal Engine)

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$112.10K - $117.70K/yr

Work with rigging and animation teams to ensure clothing deforms properly during gameplay and ... Optimize character and clothing assets for performance while maintaining high visual fidelity

Roblox

3D Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Strong understanding of character rigging, anatomy, and motion principles. * Proven ability as a 3D character animator, with a demo reel showcasing expressive, polished animation. * Portfolio of key ...

MSSI

Experience in character rigging and skeletal animation. * Strong understanding of timing, pacing and storytelling in animation. * Preferred: Experience with 3D animation and modeling preferred. Equal ...

Thatgamecompany

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

$81K - $114K/yr

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to ... Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning Nice to Haves: * A passionate Gamer * A Sky Player * Human ...

Side

$112K - $117.50K/yr

Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay requirements. * Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to character development. * Actively ...

SPS

Experience in character rigging and skeletal animation. * Strong understanding of timing, pacing and storytelling in animation. * Preferred: Experience with 3D animation and modeling preferred. Equal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCharacter Rigging Jobs

Character Rigging information

See salary details

$10

$19

$37

How much do character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigging in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 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 cities are hiring for Character Rigging jobs? Cities with the most Character Rigging job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigging jobs? The most popular types of Character Rigging jobs are:
What states have the most Character Rigging jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Rigging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Character Rigging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Character Rigging jobs are:
Character Rigging jobs near you
Adjunct Instructor-Digital Animation

Adjunct Instructor-Digital Animation

Brookdale Community College

Lincroft, NJ • On-site

$985/wk

Other

Posted 16 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

Apply