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 Cloud Platform Engineer
$114K - $153K *
Join as a Senior Cloud Platform Engineer to architect and manage a secure multi-cloud ecosystem, scaling infrastructure and mentoring teams on cloud-native best practices, while driving innovation acr...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing environmental and regulatory projects, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction while overseeing budgets, schedules, and multidisciplinary teams from proposal to complet...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Packaging Designer, where you'll innovate and elevate brand presence through cutting-edge packaging and retail display designs, collaborating closely with creative and...
2 days ago
SOLIDWORKS Roles Portfolio Manager
$116K - $125K *
Transform product strategy and innovation in AI-powered CAD solutions. Lead cross-functional teams to define, manage, and launch SOLIDWORKS AI and design products, ensuring alignment with customer nee...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate mechanical design solutions by creating detailed 3D models and drawings. Collaborate with engineers to refine concepts, ensuring designs meet performance and cost constraints while adhering t...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with diverse teams to design and implement innovative civil engineering solutions for land development projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and excellence in execution...
Reposted 3 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Develop high-quality mechanical design solutions, ensuring compliance with project requirements and industry standards. Collaborate across disciplines, providing technical expertise from concept to de...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative air core reactors, ensuring robust electromagnetic and structural integrity while collaborating cross-functionally to meet customer specifications and enhance m...
1 week ago
Computer Vision Engineer, 3D - HYBRID
$200K - $230K *
Transform the computer vision landscape by owning classical CV processes, ensuring smooth, accurate 3D data delivery. Collaborate with research teams to enhance hand-tracking and tackle diverse CV cha...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's transforming user experiences in Campaigns & Recognition. Collaborate with Product Managers and engineers to design impactful web and mobile solutions, enhancing how millions engage...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by joining our Mechanical team, where you'll design innovative HVAC solutions for the Entertainment and Hospitality sector, ensuring compliance with codes and collaborating across...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion the advancement of Virtual Design standards and workflows, collaborating across teams to enhance project delivery. Provide training and support while evaluating emerging technologies to drive...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the advancement of Virtual Design standards and workflows, collaborating across teams to enhance project delivery. Provide training and support while evaluating emerging technologies to optimize...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Reimagine Virtual Design standards and workflows by collaborating across teams, advancing BIM practices, and providing training. Lead the development of Autodesk resources while evaluating emerging te...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the development and implementation of Virtual Design standards and workflows, enhancing project delivery through effective use of technology and data. Collaborate across teams to ensure consisten...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion Virtual Design excellence by leading standards, training, and technology integration across teams. Collaborate to enhance workflows and project delivery, ensuring consistent practices and inn...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize digital project delivery by leading Virtual Design initiatives, enhancing workflows, and managing BIM standards. Collaborate across teams to ensure effective use of design technology and data...
Reposted 6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform the future of Virtual Design by leading standards, training, and technology integration across teams. Collaborate to enhance workflows and drive innovation in project delivery, ensuring cons...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $139K *
Join a dynamic team as a Senior Designer, leading innovative visual projects across branding, campaigns, and presentations. Collaborate with creatives to elevate design quality while mentoring junior...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $139K *
Innovate design solutions by leading brand identities, campaigns, and presentations. Collaborate with creative teams to craft compelling visuals, mentor junior designers, and elevate project quality w...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $139K *
Unlock your creative potential as a Senior Designer, leading impactful projects across branding, presentations, and campaigns. Collaborate with a dynamic team to craft compelling visual narratives tha...
Reposted yesterday
Mechanical Design Manager, Broadcast
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to lead mechanical design for broadcast equipment, specializing in mobile units and studio systems. Drive innovation in layouts, materials, and fabrication while ensuring project e...
2 weeks ago
$71K - $93K *
Elevate product design by developing innovative solutions through collaboration and prototyping. Support cross-functional teams in bringing concepts to life while ensuring alignment with design philos...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Advance innovative design solutions by leading technical projects, collaborating with teams, and driving product development from concept to completion while ensuring alignment with strategic business...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead innovative design projects that drive strategic business goals. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create effective, sustainable solutions while mentoring junior designers and ensuring pr...
4 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.