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Contract 3D Rigging Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring ... Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ...

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC ยท On-site +1

The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production ... An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data ...

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual ... You will also handle character rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger ...

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual ... You will also handle character rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger ...

Visual Effects Animation Artist

Santa Clara, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Anatomage offers 3D software for anatomy and physiology education including a life-sized virtual ... You will also handle character rigging and animation for MetaHumans. While you may have a stronger ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract 3D Rigging Artist information

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$68

How much do contract 3d rigging artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract 3d rigging artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract 3D rigging artist?

Contract 3D Rigging Artists are professionals who specialize in creating the digital skeletons and control systems (rigs) used to animate 3D models in films, video games, and other digital media, typically on a freelance or temporary contract basis. They work with character models to ensure they can be moved and posed realistically by animators. These artists often collaborate closely with modelers, animators, and technical directors to ensure rigs are functional, efficient, and meet the creative needs of the project. Contract rigging artists are hired for specific projects or time periods, giving studios flexibility in staffing for various production cycles.

How does a contract 3D rigging artist typically collaborate with animators and modelers during a project?

As a Contract 3D Rigging Artist, you'll work closely with both modelers and animators to ensure that character rigs function smoothly and meet project requirements. You'll often receive models from the modeling team and will need to create rigs that allow animators to bring the characters or objects to life. Regular communication and feedback sessions are common, as you may need to adjust rigs based on animator input or troubleshoot deformation issues. This collaborative process helps ensure the final animations are both visually appealing and technically sound.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract 3D rigging artist, and why are they important?

A Contract 3D Rigging Artist needs expertise in character rigging, anatomy, and animation principles, typically supported by a degree in animation or related experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python or MEL is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication help artists collaborate smoothly with animators and technical teams. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs that allow for high-quality animation and seamless project delivery.
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Infographic showing various Contract 3D Rigging Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

3D Environment Artist - Talent Pool (2026 Opportunities)

Liquid Development

Portland, OR โ€ข Remote

$26 - $38/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Liquid Development was founded in 2000 and is the largest outsourcing art studio in North America. We offer a fun and cooperative work atmosphere, where collaboration is encouraged among a diversely talented team to remain on the cutting edge of content creation. Everyday Liquid Development is producing work at the forefront of modern game production and the demands for our services continue to grow. Our team has contributed to AAA titles within the Halo, Mass Effect, Borderlands, and Call of Duty franchises - Liquid Development is the team these titles turn to when they need the best.

Check Us Out On ArtStation:
https://www.artstation.com/liquiddevelopment

We're building our 2026 talent pool for exceptional 3D Environment Artists! By applying, you're not applying for a specific role today-instead, you're joining a curated network of creative professionals that we may reach out to as new projects emerge. While this isn't an active opening at the moment, it helps us get to know your style and experience early on. If your skills and experience align with upcoming opportunities, we'll contact you to explore a potential collaboration. Join us now to stay on our radar for exciting future work.

We are currently seeking 3D Environment Artists who is passionate about creating high quality, game-ready environments and eager to contribute to a team of experienced artists on a long-term project. You will be embedded in a collaborative, cross-functional team - working closely with Concept Art, Animation, Engineering, and other teams to create environments that are faithful to the project's visual direction and design intentions.

Within your first 90 days, you will:

  • Learn a proprietary engine quickly and work effectively inside its constraints.
  • Deliver a complete environment area (assets + assembly + materials) that matches concept and art direction.
  • Do it with minimal supervision, asking smart questions early, and communicating progress clearly.

Some of the cool stuff you'll be doing:

  • Collaborate with art leadership to understand and develop artistically consistent captivating worlds
  • Model, texture and integrate in-game environments based on concepts, 3D mock-ups and art direction specifications
  • Build and maintain modular environment kits, including materials and trim sheets
  • Contribute to the project's organization and optimization of both data and production pipelines
  • Track and fix bugs during production and post production

Requirements

What you'll bring to the table:

  • A strong portfolio with recent work showcasing a range of stylistically different pieces showcasing real-time environments, hero assets, or modular kits (**must submit to be considered**)
  • 5+ years of experience in video game production with a track record of shipped projects
  • Possess a strong grasp of composition, visual design, and color theory
  • Proficiency in industry standard 3D modeling, sculpting, and texturing software
  • Experience shipping environment art in multiple game engines.
  • Technical proficiency in game environment art workflows such as topology, UVs, and optimized meshes
  • Strong knowledge of game production pipelines
  • Strong proactive collaboration and communication skills

Bonus Points!

  • Experience with Unreal Engine 5.

This is a fully remote ongoing contract only position. At this time, this position is not available to California residents.

Due to the high volume of applications, we kindly ask you to not reach out to the Liquid Development team. Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email that the hiring team will be reviewing your application. You will hear directly from our Talent Acquisition team once we have an update for you regarding your application status.

Benefits

What's in it for you?

If working on some of the biggest and best titles with some of the coolest people within the games industry isn't enough, we also offer:

  • Work alongside dynamic individuals in the gaming industry
  • Work within a company with upward career growth opportunities
  • Work Fully Remote
  • Full Time Employment Benefits for applicants located in US only include:
    • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
    • Voluntary Long-term / Short-term Disability
    • 401K w/ company match
  • Salary RANGE: $56K - $80K per year ($26/hr to $38/hr)

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

Please be advised that Keywords Studios does not consider unsolicited resumes, or any form of contact initiated by unauthorized third parties, including recruitment or placement agencies, unless a pre-existing, valid agreement is in place. Any fees incurred by unauthorized third parties will not be compensated by Keywords Studios.

AI Notice

Keywords Studios is committed to fair and ethical hiring practices. We expect candidates to conduct themselves with honesty and to participate in all applications and interviews independently, presenting their own knowledge and experience. Candidates should refrain from using AI assistance or third-party tools or services that could influence, capture, or otherwise interfere with the authenticity of the assessment process.

E-Verify Notification

This Organization Participates in E-Verify

Esta Organizacion Participa en E-Verify

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice athttps://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice.ย 

Role Information: EN
Studio: Liquid Development
Location: Americas, United States, Oregon
Area of Work: Art Services
Service: Create
Employment Type: Full Time, Contractor
Working Pattern: Remote