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.
$68K - $98K *
Join a team that's dedicated to innovating and enhancing product designs. Collaborate with engineers to create effective solutions, utilizing advanced CAD software to transform concepts into functiona...
1 week ago
$148K - $201K *
Empower innovation by leading technical design and development for complex applications. Collaborate with teams to establish standards, drive solutions, and ensure quality execution, impacting health...
3 weeks ago
$50K - $120K *
Lead the creation of precise 3D models and data for civil projects, ensuring accuracy and quality control. Collaborate with teams to support project management and estimating efforts, while effectivel...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager for 3XN - New York
$95K - $125K *
Lead project management efforts in an innovative, design-focused environment. Oversee all phases of architectural projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create high-quality, valu...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project Manager for 3XN - New York
$95K - $125K *
Lead and coordinate diverse architectural projects through all phases, ensuring design excellence and effective management of budgets and schedules in a dynamic, innovative environment, fostering coll...
Reposted 1 week ago
$115K - $135K *
Transform brand vision into compelling design and imagery. Lead graphic design and art direction for campaigns, mentoring a creative team while ensuring high standards and consistency across all marke...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in the AEC industry. As a key member of our VDC group, you'll support design-build projects through advanced BIM technologies, ensuring efficiency and collaborati...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in Virtual Design and Construction, collaborating with teams to optimize project delivery through innovative BIM applications, 3D coordination, and technical support for successful des...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Explore transformative design opportunities by leading innovative projects across diverse markets. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional architectural solutions while guiding...
Reposted 6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape innovative projects by leading design from visioning to execution. Collaborate with diverse teams and clients to create inspiring environments in commercial and industrial markets while ensuring...
Reposted 6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive your career by leading innovative projects across diverse markets, working closely with clients to create functional and inspiring environments. Collaborate with talented teams to navigate compl...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Site Civil BIM Designer
$95K - $115K *
Redefine site civil design by collaborating with a dynamic team to create innovative solutions for diverse projects, ensuring high-quality standards and efficient workflows while mentoring emerging ta...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of user-centered design by leading complex initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging AI tools to create impactful experiences that meet both user needs an...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Lead the charge in innovative motion design, driving high-end projects from concept to delivery while mentoring talent and collaborating across teams to elevate creative output and maintain industry s...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Innovate mechanical design solutions to enhance diverse projects across healthcare, industrial, and commercial sectors. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality HVAC and specia...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform mechanical design services to enhance construction projects across diverse sectors. Collaborate on HVAC systems, ensuring compliance and innovation while delivering high-quality solutions fo...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop innovative mechanical designs for diverse projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Collaborate across disciplines to deliver high-quality HVAC and specialized systems for various sectors...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive the design vision for a groundbreaking enterprise software platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to simplify complex workflows and enhance user experiences while building and leading...
1 week ago
Staff Product Designer, MarianaOS
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's dedicated to simplifying complex workflows in MarianaOS. You'll design user-centered experiences, grow our design system, and collaborate across functions to enhance usability for h...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative experiential solutions by leading creative teams to design impactful business events. Collaborate with clients to craft engaging experiences that align with strategic objectives, ensu...
5 days ago
Digital Design Engineer at Rivo (Front-End Focus)
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to design and implement engaging front-end experiences for leading eCommerce brands. Leverage your skills in Figma and Shopify to create custom loyalty solutions, collaborating closely...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Solutions Design
$135K *
Drive innovative supply chain solutions by leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and engaging with customers to achieve sales growth and operational excellence in a dynamic enviro...
1 week ago
Sr. Manager, Virtual Design & Construction
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation by leading the Virtual Design & Construction function, defining enterprise strategy and standards, and enhancing digital delivery for data center projects across the organization...
Reposted 5 days ago
$100K - $247K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative structural engineering projects, driving advanced analysis and design for aerospace vehicles. Collaborate with teams to optimize manufacturing processes and ment...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in innovative mechanical design solutions for NASA's future space exploration. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop, analyze, and implement cutting-edge technical products and sy...
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.