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$14

$26

$36

How much do freelance character rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance character rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Character Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Character Rigger, you need a strong understanding of anatomy, rigging principles, and 3D animation pipelines, often supported by a background in computer graphics or animation. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python or MEL is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with animators and clients to deliver high-quality rigs. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs that meet production needs and enable seamless animation workflow.

What are some common challenges freelance character riggers face when working with clients remotely?

Freelance character riggers often encounter challenges such as managing client expectations regarding rig functionality, adapting rigs for various animation styles, and ensuring clear communication about project requirements and deadlines. Since work is typically done remotely, it's crucial to establish efficient feedback loops and share progress through video calls or annotated playblasts. Additionally, freelancers need to be proactive in troubleshooting and providing documentation so clients can easily use and modify the rigs as needed.

What are freelance character riggers?

Freelance character riggers are professionals who specialize in creating the digital skeletons and controls that allow 3D character models to move realistically in animation, games, or visual effects. Unlike full-time employees, they work independently and are hired on a project-by-project basis by studios, game developers, or animation companies. Their responsibilities include building rigs for characters, refining deformation, and ensuring that models are ready for animators to bring to life. Freelance riggers often collaborate remotely and may handle multiple projects for different clients at the same time.

What is the difference between Freelance Character Rigger vs Freelance 3D Modeler?

AspectFreelance Character RiggerFreelance 3D Modeler
CredentialsKnowledge of rigging software, anatomy, and animation principlesProficiency in 3D modeling software, sculpting, and texturing
Work EnvironmentOften works remotely for animation studios, game developers, or independent projectsWorks remotely or on-site creating 3D assets for games, films, or visualization
Industry UsageUsed in animation, gaming, and VFX industries for character setupUsed across gaming, film, and product visualization for creating 3D models

While both roles involve 3D skills, a Freelance Character Rigger specializes in creating the skeletons and controls that animate characters, whereas a Freelance 3D Modeler focuses on building the visual 3D assets. They often collaborate but require different technical expertise and tools.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigger jobs? The most popular types of Character Rigger jobs are:
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Freelance Character Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Character Rigger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 9% Full Time, 86% Part Time, 2% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, 2D Animation (On Campus)
Salary: $2,440 (lecture) – $3,340 (studio) per class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Target Fill Date: June 1st, 2026
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for an Adjunct Professor who has expertise in 2D Animation. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Animation program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.
RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Animation workflows, with an emphasis on character motion studies, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
Required Qualifications
  • A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Animation, Game Art, Game Design, relevant Motion Graphics, OR a bachelors degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
  • Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading 2D Animation software, including, but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony (required), Storyboard Pro (required), Adobe Photoshop (bonus) Adobe After Effects (bonus), etc
  • Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Animation or related digital media.
  • A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Animation or related digital media, demonstrated through published short/feature films, series work, studio credits, freelance projects, portfolio, and/or client-based productions.
  • Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise in 2D animation production workflows, including character animation, scene development, and rigging/puppetry in Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with storyboarding, motion graphics, or visual development pipelines is also valued.
  • Courses taught may include 2D Animation I–IV (motion studies through advanced scene work), Drawing + Acting for Animation, Storyboarding, and Motion Graphics.
  • Candidates should have experience with character animation, performance-based animation, and scene development using Toon Boom Harmony. Experience with puppetry and rigging workflows in Toon Boom Harmony is strongly encouraged.
  • Knowledge of Storyboard Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and After Effects is preferred.
Working Conditions
This position involves teaching in a higher education environment and may include in-person and/or online instruction depending on course assignment. The role may require a flexible schedule, including daytime and evening hours. Work is typically performed in a classroom, studio, and/or computer-based environment and involves regular use of digital tools and software. The position requires interaction with students in both individual and group settings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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