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.
Database Architect - InteleShare
$108K - $145K *
Contribute to the design and optimization of scalable database architectures that enhance healthcare imaging solutions, ensuring high performance and reliability while collaborating across teams to su...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Shape the future of product strategy by leading a high-performing team, driving innovation, and ensuring alignment across operations and technology to deliver exceptional customer value and measurable...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining healthcare solutions by leading technical demos and driving enterprise sales. Collaborate with executives to translate needs into impactful presentations, ensuring succes...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation by designing and optimizing scalable data solutions for enterprise investment data management, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance analytics and reporting capabilitie...
5 days ago
Principal Consulting Engineer - VMware Cloud Foundation Operations
$164K - $240K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of private cloud architecture by designing, deploying, and optimizing solutions. Leverage your expertise to drive standards, mentor teams, and cultivate robust cli...
Reposted 1 week ago
Domain Architect (Technology Integration Management Office)
$114K - $190K *
Lead the charge in crafting target-state architecture that integrates business processes, applications, and data. Your role will shape enterprise transformation while ensuring alignment with strategic...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Test Manager, Professional Services
$132K - $198K *
Elevate quality assurance practices by leading test strategy and execution for customer implementations. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality, mitigate risks, and establish scalable testi...
Reposted 1 week ago
$112K - $137K *
Unlock potential by designing and developing interactive dashboards that enhance program performance insights. Collaborate with teams to translate data into actionable visualizations, driving informed...
4 weeks ago
Principal Architect, EDT Cloud Data & Analytics (Remote)
$135K - $225K *
Transform the enterprise data & analytics platform on Azure, ensuring operational excellence, security, and reliability. Lead DevOps automation and Infrastructure as Code initiatives to support global...
5 days ago
Industry Principal - Electronics & High-Tech
$200K - $282K *
Shape the future of industry engagement by leveraging expertise to define growth strategies, mentor teams, and strengthen executive relationships. Drive market positioning and influence PTC's solution...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop and enhance software solutions, collaborating with senior developers to ensure alignment with industry standards and methodologies. Engage in all phases of the development process while workin...
3 weeks ago
SYSTEM VIRTUAL PLATFORM DEVELOPER
$130K - $155K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in 5G and 6G network products by developing virtual models and enhancing SoC verification. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize pre-silicon software develop...
2 weeks ago
Project Planner - Environmental
$112K - $196K *
Lead a dynamic team in urban/environmental planning, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance on large-scale projects while managing budgets and timelines effectively...
1 week ago
Staff Systems Engineer - AV Sensing Design
$189K - $290K *
Join a team that's redefining autonomous sensing systems, providing technical leadership in sensor suite design and integration. Collaborate across functions to tackle engineering challenges and drive...
3 weeks ago
Deputy Design Manager I, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$95K - $115K *
Drive project success by supporting design management for data center projects. Collaborate across disciplines, manage documentation, and enhance communication to ensure timely delivery and client sat...
1 month ago
Mechanical BIM Specialist, Data Centers - Remote (U.S.)
$80K - $95K *
Transform project delivery by developing and coordinating mechanical BIM models and documentation. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure accuracy and compliance while supporting high-prof...
3 days ago
Solutions Architect - Pre-Sales (FedD154)
$120K - $145K *
Empower our defense solutions by acting as a trusted technical advisor, engaging with customers to understand their needs, and delivering compelling product demonstrations that showcase our technology...
3 weeks ago
Specialist Solutions Architecture, Link
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of online payments by driving revenue growth and optimizing checkout experiences. Collaborate with sales and engineering teams to influence product strategy and enhance customer relat...
3 weeks ago
Industrial Engineer, Project Engineering - Remote (US)
$83K - $104K *
Drive innovative solutions in warehouse design and operations, optimizing processes and implementing automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and ensure compliance wit...
2 days ago
Senior/Staff Full Stack Software Engineer
$180K - $240K *
Build innovative software solutions for federal partners, focusing on full-stack development, user experience, and secure integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful app...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower impactful visitor experiences by leading narrative design projects. Collaborate with clients and teams to create engaging, accessible exhibits through research, storytelling, and audience advo...
3 days ago
Network Specialist - Launch Team
$100K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to ensure seamless network connectivity for dock deployments. Collaborate with IT teams, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and enhance customer confidence through effective communi...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $87K *
Transform client implementations by leading discovery, planning, and execution. Own project scope, timelines, and budgets to ensure successful adoption of solutions that align with business goals and...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion the evolution of a large B2B website by leveraging advanced Webflow expertise. Own strategy, design, and operations while enhancing user experience and driving conversions through data-driven...
Today
Vice President of Business Development
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in driving enterprise-level growth strategies, optimizing partnerships, and enhancing study volume across a clinical research network. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure...
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.