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 Manager, Design Delivery - USA
$125K - $150K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI factory design delivery, leading multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful project execution from concept to handover while balancing quality, cost, and o...
2 weeks ago
Sr UX/UI Designer - Brookhaven
$100K - $120K *
Join us to elevate player experiences in Brookhaven by designing intuitive UX/UI solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create seamless interactions and establish design standards that...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Designer, Drafting
$150K - $225K *
Pioneer innovative design solutions as a Staff Product Designer, driving AI-powered workflows and enhancing user experiences in a complex legal tech environment. Collaborate closely with engineering t...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Drive impactful design solutions for developer tools, collaborating closely with engineers and PMs. Own workflows from discovery to delivery, enhancing user experiences and contributing to a robust de...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Design Engineer - Capital Equipment
$102K - $150K *
Join us to drive innovative solutions in Semiconductor Capital Equipment as a Mechanical Engineer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex client needs into high-performance desig...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of innovative applications that empower network teams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create user-centric solutions, transforming complex data into i...
3 weeks ago
$190K - $220K *
Shape the future of product design by leading a dynamic team, setting vision, and enhancing user experiences across platforms while driving design excellence and mentoring talent...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Innovate structural designs for light gauge and cold-formed steel systems, ensuring compliance with California codes. Collaborate across teams to enhance manufacturability and efficiency in modular an...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Champion your career as a Senior UX Designer, leading AI-driven design initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create user-centric experiences, mentor peers, and establish design patte...
2 days ago
$78K - $105K *
Empower the brand's visual identity by creating impactful designs across digital and print channels. Lead projects from conception to execution, ensuring quality and alignment with brand strategy whil...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join us to elevate user experiences through innovative design and AI integration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful solutions that transform tax filing, ensuring alignment wi...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower creativity by transforming ambitious concepts into innovative digital experiences. Collaborate with designers and engineers to prototype and build interactive projects, leveraging your technic...
1 week ago
$93K - $116K *
Lead transformative projects by managing teams, enhancing client relations, and ensuring quality outcomes. Drive financial performance while fostering collaboration and implementing best practices to...
Reposted yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Lead the charge in innovative interior design solutions for government projects, ensuring compliance and functionality across diverse spaces. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver exceptional desig...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...
4 weeks ago
$85K - $150K *
Elevate your career by guiding government clients through innovative design solutions. Leverage human-centered methods to uncover insights, enhance experiences, and drive organizational improvements i...
1 week ago
$145K - $185K *
Grow your career with a leading specialty contractor managing complex heavy civil projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure safety, quality, and client satisfaction while driving project succ...
1 week ago
Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager
$110K - $130K *
Transform your career by leading VDC initiatives to optimize project delivery, enhance collaboration, and improve performance. Mentor teams and drive innovative construction technology practices in co...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr Electrical Computer-aided Design (ECAD) Specialist
$90K - $97K *
Elevate your career by leveraging your expertise in PCB design and documentation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions in high-frequency and digital signal processin...
5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate the gaming experience by crafting immersive environments for a groundbreaking horror title. Collaborate with a dynamic team to create stunning 3D assets and ensure technical excellence while s...
1 week ago
$95K - $110K *
Transform creative visions into reality by leading design projects, mentoring teams, and collaborating with clients. Drive strategic branding initiatives while ensuring high-quality deliverables in a...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $110K *
Transform project delivery by leading Virtual Design and Construction efforts. Collaborate with teams to implement innovative digital practices, ensuring seamless integration from design to constructi...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping intuitive AI experiences through user-centered design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex AI capabilities into accessible solutions that drive busi...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Drive enterprise security architecture initiatives, collaborating with business leaders to design innovative solutions that enhance data protection and compliance across large-scale environments, ensu...
3 days ago
$92K - $135K *
Take ownership of developing innovative software tools and firmware for advanced systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance data management and testing capabilities, ensuring high-quality sol...
3 days 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.