3D designers turn concepts into compelling digital and physical experiences. They create models, environments, animations, and visualizations for industries such as technology, entertainment, architecture, product design, advertising, and manufacturing. Explore vetted 3D Designer opportunities on Ladders, including roles with compensation of $100,000 or more.
Responsibilities vary by industry and employer, but often include building and refining 3D models, developing textures and materials, lighting and rendering scenes, creating animations, and preparing assets for production. Designers may collaborate with art directors, engineers, product teams, animators, and clients to translate briefs and technical requirements into polished visual work.
Employers commonly seek strong visual design fundamentals, spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly. Depending on the role, useful experience may include 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, real-time workflows, and visualization. Tools vary across teams and may include Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, or real-time engines such as Unreal Engine.
3D designers can specialize in areas such as product visualization, architectural visualization, character and environment art, motion design, virtual production, or interactive experiences. With experience, professionals may advance to senior designer, lead artist, art director, or other creative leadership roles. Requirements and compensation depend on specialization, experience, location, and employer.
Browse Ladders for vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Explore 3D Designer listings, compare role requirements, and discover opportunities that align with your creative strengths and career goals.
Senior Structural Designer 1 - Nuclear
$77K - $118K *
Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Creative - US Remote
$75K - $100K *
Tackle a diverse array of standard-complexity projects, driving efforts from planning through execution while ensuring timelines are met and communications are clear. Collaborate effectively with clie...
Reposted yesterday
$168K - $245K *
Elevate user experiences as a Senior Product Designer, crafting intuitive mobile and web solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to balance speed and quality, driving engagement and retenti...
1 week ago
Motion Designer (Performance) - San Francisco or US Remote
$85K - $125K *
Unlock potential by transforming briefs and data insights into high-performing ads. Collaborate with creative strategists to produce engaging content that resonates with the US market while staying ah...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate data engineering capabilities by designing robust ETL/ELT workflows, ensuring data quality, and implementing scalable solutions on AWS and Kubernetes. Collaborate with teams to optimize perfor...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's focused on delivering successful project outcomes by building comprehensive schedules, defining responsibilities, and managing timelines effectively to ensure client satisfaction an...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $185K *
Transform project delivery by managing IT initiatives for California agencies. Collaborate with state staff to ensure timely, budget-compliant outcomes while leveraging Agile methodologies and large s...
3 weeks ago
BIM/VDC Engineering Services Specialist
$57K - $108K *
Engage in innovative BIM/VDC projects, delivering precise drafting services and managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with clients to create detailed piping drawings and advanc...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Help us advance high-quality digital design by coordinating BIM workflows across multidisciplinary projects. Leverage your expertise in Revit and Autodesk technologies to ensure model integrity, suppo...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the design of user-centered digital experiences across platforms, blending creativity and technology. Collaborate with teams to create impactful solutions that engage users and align with strateg...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by designing and optimizing cloud-based data platforms, ensuring scalability and performance across relational, NoSQL, and vector databases while collaborating with AI and engineering...
Reposted 6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform healthcare project management by leading complex construction initiatives. Collaborate with clients to ensure project success from planning to completion, while managing resources, budgets...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative online learning experiences for top organizations. Lead major design projects, collaborate with product teams, and conduct user research to create impactful solut...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a dynamic team as you drive growth by designing tailored software solutions for schools. Leverage your technical expertise to engage clients, deliver impactful demos, and collaborate with cross-f...
Reposted 1 month ago
$125K - $170K *
Lead the charge in optimizing data pipelines and infrastructure, driving enterprise analytics initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to harness vast datasets, enabling strategic business...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Substation Physical Designer 2 - Grid
$77K - $118K *
Elevate substation design by collaborating with engineers to create detailed drawings and plans for high voltage systems, ensuring compliance with client standards and incorporating vendor information...
3 days ago
Senior Structural Designer 1 - Grid
$77K - $118K *
Empower your career by joining a dynamic substation design team, collaborating on innovative electrical layout projects. Utilize advanced modeling tools to tackle structural challenges and mentor juni...
Today
$130K - $170K *
Lead the transformation of HCM systems by overseeing the transition to Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM while ensuring the stability and efficiency of existing Workday operations. Collaborate with HR and tech...
Today
Staff Backend Engineer, Internal
$229K - $270K *
Shape the future of backend systems as a technical leader, driving architecture and development for internal pentesting capabilities. Collaborate across teams to enhance data workflows and ensure high...
2 days ago
Principal (Partner), Industrials & Manufacturing
$175K - $210K *
Accelerate progress at a senior leadership level, driving business growth and transformational results for clients across various industries. Build C-suite relationships, lead complex engagements, and...
4 days ago
$75K - $100K *
Elevate your career by leading residential capital projects from inception to completion. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, budget-friendly delivery of managed WiFi solutions w...
4 days ago
$140K - $185K *
Inspire the evolution of a brand by leading innovative design for campaigns and web experiences. Collaborate across teams to develop scalable brand systems, mentor creatives, and direct impactful stor...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Investment Designer (Rewards and Commerce)
$124K - $149K *
Reimagine player engagement by designing innovative reward systems that enhance gameplay experiences. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create compelling content that captivates and retains players i...
2 weeks ago
Virtual Propulsion Engineer-3D Combustion, Airflow, Exhaust
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining internal combustion engine technology through advanced 3D CFD analysis. Utilize your expertise in combustion modeling and fuel systems to enhance engine performance and e...
Reposted 3 days ago
Project Manager, Industrial Controls Implementation
$116K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team to drive the planning and execution of PLC updates, ensuring seamless operations across automated warehouse sites while coordinating with cross-functional partners and enhancing de...
Reposted 1 week ago
What does a 3D designer do?
A 3D designer creates digital models, scenes, animations, and visualizations. The work may support products, architecture, games, film, advertising, or other experiences, depending on the employer.
What skills are important for 3D designer jobs?
Commonly valued skills include 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, visual design, spatial reasoning, collaboration, and clear communication. Specific requirements differ by role and industry.
Which software do 3D designers use?
Tools vary by specialty and team. Common examples include Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine.
What industries hire 3D designers?
3D designers work across technology, entertainment, architecture, product design, advertising, manufacturing, and other fields that use three-dimensional visualization or digital content.
Can 3D designers find jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Yes. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including opportunities that may suit experienced 3D designers. Compensation depends on factors such as experience, specialty, location, and employer.