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.
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in product innovation. Own strategy and execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform customer insights into impactful solutions that drive business success and enh...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer - Desktop Application
$180K - $195K *
Drive the development of the Hypori app for Windows while enhancing iOS and Android functionalities. Collaborate in an agile environment, focusing on secure software practices, troubleshooting, and de...
Reposted 5 days ago
$95K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering complex automation projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closeout. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet safety, budget...
Reposted 4 days ago
AI Infrastructure Engineer [Tooling]
$130K - $160K *
Empower AI innovation by designing and building robust tooling for deploying AI agents in production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance infrastructure reliability and developer experi...
1 week ago
$110K - $160K *
The Data Engineer will work with clients to develop enterprise-grade data platforms, services, and pipelines, focusing on creating and executing comprehensive data strategies. This role requires stron...
Reposted 6 days ago
$125K - $160K *
Lead the development of enterprise-grade data platforms and pipelines, collaborating with clients to ensure performance and reliability. This role emphasizes communication, problem-solving, and innova...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $160K *
Architect robust data platforms and pipelines, enhancing performance and reliability. Collaborate with teams to solve complex data challenges and drive innovation in data exploitation practices...
1 week ago
$138K - $163K *
Lead and inspire software engineering teams to deliver innovative solutions, ensuring high-quality standards and alignment with business goals. Foster a collaborative culture while driving continuous...
3 days ago
Engineering Manager, Governance & Access
$150K - $180K *
Empower our team to build innovative security and governance solutions, shaping access management for both human and agent users. Lead a small, dynamic group as we define architectural foundations and...
1 month ago
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer II
$85K - $134K *
Advance data hall designs and infrastructure projects, optimizing efficiency and scalability while collaborating with teams to ensure compliance and support project delivery...
1 month ago
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer II
$85K - $134K *
Manage moderate-complexity data hall designs and infrastructure projects, driving operational improvements and design optimizations while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient...
1 month ago
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer II
$85K - $134K *
Design and optimize medium-complexity data hall infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and support project delivery...
1 month ago
AI Infrastructure DC Design Engineer II
$85K - $134K *
Engage in the design and optimization of data hall infrastructure, managing moderate-complexity projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and scalabili...
1 month ago
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician – SECRET clearance required
$75K - $101K *
Join a team that's shaping military training through advanced simulation technologies. You'll manage and integrate systems, ensuring seamless operation for training exercises across various military u...
Yesterday
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician – SECRET clearance required
$75K - $101K *
Drive the integration and management of military simulation systems, ensuring optimal performance and security. Collaborate with teams to support training requirements for military units, enhancing op...
Yesterday
$100K - $160K *
The Integration Engineer will develop APIs and integration capabilities to connect data, services, and systems within a DevSecOps practice. This role involves understanding stakeholder needs, ensuring...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $160K *
The Integration Engineer will develop APIs and integration capabilities to connect data, services, and systems within a DevSecOps practice. This role involves understanding stakeholder needs, ensuring...
Reposted 6 days ago
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician
$75K - $101K *
Manage and integrate military simulation systems to enhance training effectiveness. Collaborate with teams to ensure system functionality, security, and support for joint exercises, while maintaining...
Yesterday
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician
$75K - $101K *
Join a dynamic team as a Joint Live Virtual Constructive Gaming Technician, where you'll manage and integrate military simulation systems, ensuring optimal performance and security for training enviro...
Yesterday
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician
$75K - $101K *
Elevate your career as a Joint Live Virtual Constructive Gaming Technician, driving innovative training solutions for military units. Collaborate on system integration and administration to enhance mi...
Yesterday
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician
$75K - $101K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of military training through advanced simulation technologies. Leverage your expertise in system integration and administration to enhance training environments f...
Yesterday
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician
$75K - $101K *
Contribute to cutting-edge military training solutions by managing simulation systems, ensuring seamless integration with command systems, and supporting training for military units. Your expertise wi...
2 days ago
Live Virtual Constructive and Gaming (LVCG) Technician
$75K - $101K *
Unlock potential by managing and integrating military simulation systems, ensuring optimal performance and security. Collaborate on training solutions for military units, enhancing operational readine...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform structural engineering solutions by designing and analyzing systems for mission-critical environments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency in...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in transforming tax software by eliminating manual tasks through AI. Own product outcomes, shape new concepts, and drive client success in an agile environment, ensuring measurable imp...
3 weeks 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.