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.
Packaging Systems Design Engineer III
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by designing and implementing packaging systems for food and beverage projects. Collaborate with engineers to ensure efficient installation and commissioning, while managing multiple...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Engage healthcare professionals by driving sales growth and managing client relationships. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored solutions while exceeding targets in a remote/hybrid environment w...
3 days ago
$135K - $175K *
Drive the design and layout of high-density PCBs for advanced robotics, collaborating with engineers and vendors to ensure optimal performance and manufacturability. Your expertise will shape the futu...
6 days ago
$140K - $160K *
Lead the design of AI-driven user experiences for complex enterprise applications, transforming intricate workflows into intuitive solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and en...
2 weeks ago
Interior Design Project Manager
$88K - $105K *
Partner with us to lead and manage commercial interior design projects, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence while fostering collaboration and client relationships for successful project o...
3 days ago
Interior Design Project Manager
$88K - $105K *
Manage and oversee project activities, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence. Collaborate with teams and clients to deliver successful interior design projects while fostering a positive de...
3 days ago
CAE Senior Principal Software Architect (Design)
$171K - $314K *
Take ownership of architectural strategies for complex engineering applications, driving innovation and scalability across multiple programs. Collaborate with teams to enhance software performance and...
1 week ago
Electrical Designer - Substation (High Voltage)
$80K - $95K *
Innovate within a dynamic team to deliver high-quality substation designs, managing projects from concept to completion while collaborating with engineers and clients to ensure excellence in electrica...
3 days ago
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's transforming concepts into detailed construction documents. Collaborate across disciplines to ensure accuracy and compliance while developing innovative architectural designs and BI...
4 days ago
Specialist, Mechanical Design Engineer
$85K - $100K *
Optimize mechanical designs by applying engineering principles to enhance product performance, support production, and ensure compliance with quality standards while collaborating with a multidiscipli...
3 weeks ago
$98K - $167K *
Lead the charge in creating precise 3D models and 2D drawings for naval and aerospace parts, transforming outdated technical data into manufacturing-ready designs while managing changes throughout the...
1 week ago
$80K - $128K *
Elevate our proposal visual strategy by crafting compelling graphics and narratives. Collaborate with diverse teams to transform complex ideas into engaging visuals for federal submissions, enhancing...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $95K *
Elevate project delivery by leveraging VDC expertise in design analysis, coordination, and BIM technologies. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes throughout the design-build cycle, ensuring su...
2 weeks ago
$180K - $240K *
Seeking a Head of Design to lead product and brand initiatives, transforming complex ideas into user-friendly experiences while evolving visual identities. Collaborate closely with founders and a smal...
2 weeks ago
Lead Engineer - Mechanical Design Build
$100K - $120K *
Transform the future of engineering by leading innovative mechanical designs for mission-critical facilities. Drive projects from concept to completion, ensuring reliability and efficiency in HVAC and...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior ICT / Security Designer
$110K - $130K *
Join us to design cutting-edge ICT and Security systems for diverse projects. Leverage your expertise to ensure project excellence in a collaborative environment focused on sustainable practices and i...
Reposted 1 week ago
$92K - $110K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of renewable energy through innovative mechanical design. Lead complex projects, mentor junior designers, and ensure high-quality deliverables in power generation...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $120K *
Champion innovative building information modeling solutions and lead cross-functional teams to enhance design technology initiatives, ensuring quality, efficiency, and progressive project delivery wit...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$99K - $166K *
Drive innovation by enhancing Teamcenter solutions through development and optimization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver effective solutions, troubleshoot issues, and support Agile...
Reposted 1 week ago
$99K - $166K *
Champion innovative Teamcenter solutions by collaborating with stakeholders to design, develop, and optimize customizations. Leverage Agile methodologies to enhance application performance and provide...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead a dynamic design practice, fostering client relationships and team growth while overseeing complex projects and driving business development in the Atlanta market. Your expertise will shape our d...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive design excellence as a Principal, collaborating across disciplines to deliver innovative interior solutions, inspire team growth, mentor talent, and engage client partnerships to enhance environ...
Reposted 1 week ago
$60K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing precision mechanical devices for film and broadcast. Collaborate on innovative projects, from concept to production, while engaging with engineers and supplie...
2 days ago
$57K - $107K *
Optimize design processes by collaborating with teams to create innovative tooling solutions that meet customer specifications while ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards...
1 week ago
Mechanical Engineering Design Lead
$200K - $260K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of transit infrastructure by leading mechanical design for HVAC and vertical transportation systems. This senior role involves project management and technical lea...
2 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.