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.
DSCA AI Back-End Developer (Software Development Analyst) - 31043
$150K - $170K *
Elevate the development of secure, scalable AI services by designing robust backend systems and integrations within a cloud environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance enterprise...
Yesterday
Project Manager I - Medical Devices
$120K - $190K *
Lead the charge in ensuring compliance for medical devices by managing audits, reviewing documentation, and collaborating with clients. Utilize your expertise in regulatory frameworks to drive quality...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join us to lead a dynamic backend engineering team, driving architecture evolution and fostering collaboration across departments. You'll mentor engineers, manage processes, and ensure system reliabil...
2 days ago
Senior Manager, Product Design
$188K - $282K *
Drive design excellence in fintech by leading a team to enhance payment, billing, and timekeeping solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional partners to shape user experiences that empower legal pro...
3 weeks ago
Designer, Brand Design Systems - Temporary Worker
$111K - $149K *
Unlock potential by generating innovative designs that elevate brand identity. Collaborate with teams to produce high-quality visual content across various platforms while managing multiple projects a...
5 days ago
Industry Process Consultant- Electromagnetic (Remote)
$145K - $170K *
Drive innovation in electromagnetics by partnering with engineering teams to solve complex challenges, develop high-value solutions, and mentor clients in advanced simulation capabilities across diver...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $102K *
Contribute to the design of user-centric digital products across platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create high-fidelity prototypes and workflows that enhance user experience and...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $130K *
Manage the design and implementation of integrated physical security systems, driving innovative solutions in complex environments while fostering collaboration with clients and stakeholders for enhan...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$109K - $140K *
Shape the future of project estimating by leading comprehensive cost analyses, collaborating with diverse teams, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance project success and client relationships i...
1 week ago
$175K - $190K *
Shape the future of search by designing intuitive, engaging experiences that enhance user interactions and drive revenue. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create a seamless journey for neigh...
3 weeks ago
$126K - $176K *
Contribute to project success by managing costs, overseeing bids, and fostering strong client relationships. Engage with diverse teams to ensure transparency and effective communication throughout the...
3 weeks ago
$126K - $176K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that fosters collaboration and growth. Engage in cost management, support project success, and build lasting relationships while advancing your career in a v...
3 weeks ago
$121K - $135K *
Transform your creativity into impactful visual content across diverse media. Collaborate with teams to produce engaging designs that resonate with audiences, ensuring brand consistency in every proje...
3 weeks ago
Director of Product Design, Engage
$195K - $208K *
Reimagine user experiences by leading design for core product features, ensuring seamless integration and customer delight. Collaborate across teams to enhance engagement and trust, shaping the future...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $88K *
Empower your creativity as you design impactful brand assets across various channels, ensuring visual consistency and engaging storytelling. Collaborate with marketing to elevate brand identity and dr...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Design Manager, Strategy Collection
$183K - $289K *
Lead design for an innovative AI-native Strategic Portfolio Management suite. Collaborate with product and engineering leaders to establish design vision and manage a growing team of designers while a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative system designs for security, video, access, and fire alarm solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions, support junior members, and ensure project success through...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform airport advertising environments by conducting site visits, developing signage concepts, and collaborating with design teams. This role combines hands-on fieldwork with creative design to en...
2 weeks ago
Mechanical Design Engineer (Intermediate)
$95K - $115K *
Empower your career by leading mechanical building system projects. Collaborate with clients, mentor junior engineers, and enhance your expertise while driving innovative solutions from design to comp...
1 week ago
Engineering Manager, Object Storage
$150K - $180K *
Lead a talented team in crafting a high-quality, scalable object storage product that enhances the developer experience, balancing technical execution with product thinking to drive meaningful improve...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$126K - $176K *
Lead the charge in managing complex data center projects, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery. Collaborate with diverse teams to foster relationships and drive strategic improvements while e...
1 week ago
$125K - $175K *
Lead and optimize project management efforts, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and teams. Drive strategic improvements and mentor diverse teams to achie...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's shaping developer experiences by creating impactful tutorials, demo apps, and tools. Collaborate across departments to enhance adoption and usability of Render's products while test...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Help us shape the future of our brand by leading creative initiatives across campaigns, digital channels, and events. Collaborate with marketing teams to ensure a consistent visual identity and impact...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $113K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of technology infrastructure in healthcare, education, and commercial projects. Provide technical leadership and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliv...
Yesterday
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.