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.
Architectural Designer - Data Centers
$90K - $135K *
Shape the future of industrial architecture by leading innovative design solutions for high-profile data centers and mission-critical projects, ensuring quality and functionality across all phases of...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Design innovative aircraft components, ensuring compliance and manufacturability while collaborating with stakeholders to meet project timelines and deliverables in the aerospace sector...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive innovative mechanical design solutions for advanced military systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to create detailed technical documentation and ensure manufacturability. Leverage your ex...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping advanced weapon systems through innovative mechanical design. Leverage your expertise to develop solutions, collaborate with engineers, and create high-quality documentation...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Advance your career by tackling complex mechanical design challenges in military applications. Collaborate with a dynamic engineering team to develop innovative solutions and ensure high-quality docum...
3 days ago
Senior Interior Designer - Workplace
$72K - $109K *
Join a team that's redefining workplace interiors by leading innovative design projects from concept to execution. Inspire creativity, mentor talent, and deliver exceptional environments that enhance...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team as a Lead Product Designer, where you'll craft innovative user experiences for the CBS Sports App. Collaborate closely with cross-functional squads, utilizing AI to drive rapid, im...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Specialist, Design (PCB Layout)
$69K - $128K *
Make your mark at a leading firm as you design innovative PCB layouts that support critical communications systems for military and first responders. Collaborate with experts and enhance your skills i...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate your design career by providing innovative solutions and consultative services to clients. Collaborate with internal teams to enhance project outcomes through creative design, technical expert...
2 weeks ago
Product Designer - New AI Product Verticals
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of innovative AI-powered products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive B2B SaaS experiences, driving projects from concept to launch whil...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $170K *
Drive innovation in mechanical design while supporting and developing next-gen products. Engage in prototyping and documentation to enhance logistics solutions, transforming operations through your ex...
Reposted yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Contribute to the development of modular product designs by executing detailed mechanical, electrical, and structural layouts. Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure manufacturability and complia...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate electrical design processes by developing deliverables for FEL 2, FEL 3, and detail design projects, ensuring timely coordination across teams and quality assurance in a dynamic chemical and r...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Transform your career by leading electrical design projects in the chemical and refining sectors. Collaborate with teams across the globe to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring compliance an...
3 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Engineer innovative mechanical designs that enhance user experiences. Collaborate with engineers to create detailed drawings and construction documents, ensuring safety and functionality in healthcare...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's redefining motion design by creating innovative animated visuals for diverse media. Collaborate with clients to deliver high-quality content while managing multiple projects in a fa...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team as a senior mechanical designer, creating precise CAD drawings and collaborating on innovative projects for energy plants. Leverage your expertise in piping systems and 3D modeling...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Join a team that's redefining retail design by managing innovative studio projects. Oversee design development, coordinate with partners, and ensure excellence across multiple locations while balancin...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Engineer detailed mechanical designs for industrial equipment and systems. Collaborate with project teams to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings, ensuring compliance with standards and supporting fabri...
2 weeks ago
$72K - $109K *
Champion end-to-end service design by uncovering needs, creating journey maps, and driving improvements that enhance customer and business value. Collaborate across teams to embed journey thinking and...
3 days ago
Intermediate Piping Designer - S3D
$80K - $95K *
Transform the design of piping systems for energy projects by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, developing 3D models, and ensuring compliance with industry standards to deliver efficient eng...
3 weeks ago
$78K - $95K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of ICT design for commercial buildings. Collaborate with senior engineers to produce low voltage system designs, manage project deliverables, and enhance your ski...
6 days ago
Senior Product Designer - Workspace & Collaboration
$120K - $145K *
Join us in transforming creative collaboration by designing intuitive workspaces that empower teams. Shape systems that enhance organization, streamline permissions, and foster seamless feedback, ensu...
6 days ago
$112K - $212K *
Transform visual identity by evolving brand systems and creating impactful designs. Collaborate closely with leadership to ensure consistency and creativity across all channels, while pushing the boun...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Bring your expertise to shape innovative digital health experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design user-centered solutions that simplify complex information and enhance health outc...
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.