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Trainee 3D Rigging Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123.90K - $130K/yr

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 ...

Side

$112K - $117.50K/yr

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 ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · 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 ...

DK Global

3D Generalist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

We specialize in 3D animated visual aids for attorneys to use in demand packages, mediation, and ... Rigging, and Lighting skills, and be versed in current rendering technology. The artist will create ...

DK Global

3D Generalist

Redlands, CA

$90K - $120K/yr

We specialize in 3D animated visual aids for attorneys to use in demand packages, mediation, and ... Rigging, and Lighting skills, and be versed in current rendering technology. The artist will create ...

Moonlake AI

Technical Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$149.60K - $179.10K/yr

The Role We're looking for a Technical Artist / 3D Generalist who can create high-quality ... 3D workflows * Familiarity with physics-ready assets, rigging, articulation, collision, or ...

ARTHREX

OR

$126.90K - $151.80K/yr

General knowledge of the 3D Realtime Art Pipeline. Including new AI art tools and traditional 3D ... rigging/skinning, VFX nodes, UI Design, creating and modifying shaders. Advanced knowledge of ...

xAI

3D Tutor

Palo Alto, CA · On-site +1

$60 - $100/hr

Deliver high-quality work that demonstrates strong technical fundamentals and artistic sensibility ... Strong skills in modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and animation. * Experience setting up ...

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

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist, you need a basic understanding of 3D modeling, anatomy, and animation principles, often supported by a degree or coursework in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python are typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with animators and other artists. These competencies ensure that characters and objects move realistically and efficiently within a production pipeline.

What are some common challenges faced by a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist when working on their first projects?

As a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist, you may find it challenging to balance technical precision with artistic intent, especially when creating rigs that are both functional and intuitive for animators. Understanding the nuances of different character anatomies and adapting rigs to meet varied animation requirements can be complex. Additionally, you’ll likely need to troubleshoot unexpected deformations and collaborate closely with modelers and animators to ensure the rig meets production needs. Seeking feedback, practicing regularly, and learning from more experienced team members can help you overcome these initial hurdles.

What does a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist do?

A Trainee 3D Rigging Artist is responsible for creating the digital skeletons and control systems that allow 3D models to move realistically in animation or visual effects projects. They work under the guidance of experienced rigging artists to learn industry-standard tools and techniques, such as setting up joints, skinning, and building control rigs. This position is often entry-level and serves as a foundation for more advanced rigging roles in animation, film, or gaming studios.

What is the difference between Trainee 3D Rigging Artist vs Junior 3D Rigging Artist?

AspectTrainee 3D Rigging ArtistJunior 3D Rigging Artist
CredentialsBasic knowledge, often in training or courseworkSome experience, portfolio development
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised projectsIndependent tasks, collaborative teams
Industry UsageEntry-level, training programsEarly career, supporting senior artists

The Trainee 3D Rigging Artist is typically in training, focusing on learning foundational skills, while the Junior 3D Rigging Artist has some experience and handles more independent tasks. Both roles are essential in the early stages of a rigging career, with the trainee focusing on skill development and the junior taking on real-world projects under supervision.

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What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs include:
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Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee 3D Rigging Artist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

Side

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$115.70K - $121.40K/yr

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Side

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 15+ studios in over a dozen countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.

About This Opportunity

Please note, this listing is not for an immediate open position but for our Talent Pool for Co-Development Roles. By applying, you express interest in being considered for future project-based opportunities that align with your skills and experience.

These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability. As projects are initiated or client proposals are developed, we will review candidates from this pool and contact those who most closely align with the specific requirements of the co-development opportunity.

As a 3D Character Artist, you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring life and personality to our projects. This mid-level generalist role focuses on modeling, texturing, and optimizing character assets across a variety of styles for AAA-quality games on PC, console, mobile, and VR/AR platforms.

How We Keep You Engaged

We maintain strong relationships with our talent pool by providing regular updates, industry insights, and information on upcoming opportunities. We will check in to confirm your availability and interest.

Our hiring teams carefully vet and select top candidates who best meet project needs, ensuring that you are matched with the right opportunity when it becomes available.

Next Steps

If you are passionate about contributing to cutting-edge projects and want to be considered for future co-development opportunities, we encourage you to apply to this listing. While there may not be an immediate opening, your application ensures that you will be part of our ongoing talent review for upcoming roles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create high-quality 3D character assets, including organic and hard surface elements, from concept to final game-ready models.
  • Collaborate with art leads, designers, and animators to ensure characters align with the project's artistic vision and technical requirements.
  • Develop textures and materials using industry-standard tools, ensuring assets are optimized for performance across platforms.
  • Work within established pipelines and workflows to maintain consistency and efficiency in asset creation.
  • Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to character development.
  • Actively participate in team critiques, offering and receiving feedback to refine assets.

Requirements

Experience:

    • 3+ years of experience as a Character Artist in the video game industry.
    • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.

Technical Skills:

    • Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard tools.
    • Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, weight, and volume as they relate to character design and animation.
    • Experience with high- and low-poly modeling, texturing, and shading techniques.
    • Knowledge of proper topology, rigging, and skinning practices.

Artistic Skills:

    • Strong eye for detail, form, and style consistency.
    • Ability to adapt to and create a range of visual styles, from realistic to stylized.

Collaboration Skills:

    • Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
    • Ability to incorporate feedback and iterate effectively.

Passion for Gaming: Genuine enthusiasm for creating compelling characters and contributing to immersive game worlds.

Preferred Skills

  • Familiarity with Marvelous Designer for clothing design and simulation.
  • Experience with photogrammetry and procedural workflows.
  • Knowledge of Unreal Engine or Unity for integrating character assets into the game.

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on project needs.

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