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.
$180K - $200K *
Unlock design potential as you mentor teams, enhance project quality, and drive innovation across multiple disciplines. Collaborate in a dynamic studio environment to deliver impactful architecture th...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$140K - $192K *
Empower a dynamic UX team to innovate and elevate user experiences across digital tax products. Lead design strategy, mentor talent, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful so...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead comprehensive construction management initiatives, overseeing capital projects and ensuring compliance with contract requirements while coordinating with various stakeholders to deliver successfu...
6 days ago
Mechanical Designer - Project Lead
$88K - $105K *
Drive innovative mechanical designs for ergonomic and automated tools, ensuring compliance with specifications. Collaborate across projects, applying technical expertise to enhance customer solutions...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, Ground Systems
$140K - $180K *
Drive the design and development of innovative ground systems for defense platforms, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and efficient operations while optimizing for performance...
3 weeks ago
$87K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading strategic PLM engagements, transforming systems, and guiding clients through complex landscapes. Collaborate across teams to design scalable architectures that align with e...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Drive innovation in product definition by supporting design engineers with CAD models and technical data management, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing design solutions across m...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform product design by leveraging engineering expertise to create innovative solutions. Collaborate across departments to enhance product performance and ensure alignment with customer specificat...
3 days ago
Intermediate Mechanical Designer
$72K - $90K *
Optimize design processes by collaborating with senior staff to deliver innovative HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection solutions. Engage in drafting, technical assistance, and project management to en...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Help us create exceptional digital experiences that elevate our brand across various platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design intuitive, high-performing solutions that balance stor...
1 week ago
$85K - $115K *
Discover your potential as a Graphic Designer, creating impactful visual communications across diverse channels. Leverage your design expertise and advanced software skills to translate complex inform...
3 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative electrical systems for complex rail and transit projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, reliable solutions that enhance community in...
1 week ago
$111K - $204K *
Optimize mechanical designs for advanced industrial equipment, driving projects from concept to release. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance, reliability, and manufacturabil...
2 days ago
Sr. Designer, Design & Development (Toys & Hardlines)
$90K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative product design across puzzles, activities, and packaging. Drive creative excellence and brand integrity while collaborating with partners to deliver market-ready...
3 days ago
Associate Principal, Interior Designer - Living
$102K - $153K *
Lead innovative interior design projects, fostering client relationships and mentoring teams. Drive business development and ensure design excellence in residential and mixed-use environments while su...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $168K *
Drive the design process by conducting user research, creating prototypes, and ensuring high standards across products. Collaborate with clients and engineers in a fully remote environment to deliver...
1 week ago
$222K - $272K *
Help us shape the future of public safety design by leading innovative, user-centered solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform complex data workflows into intuitive experiences...
3 weeks ago
$222K - $272K *
Drive innovative design solutions for public safety data platforms, transforming complex workflows into intuitive user experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to elevate product strategy...
3 weeks ago
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer 2
$80K - $95K *
Optimize complex PCB designs by collaborating with engineers and utilizing CAD tools. Ensure manufacturability and contribute to project feasibility while enhancing design processes and testing new to...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join our team to shape innovative architectural solutions and ensure project success through collaborative efforts and strategic problem-solving. You'll tackle diverse assignments in a dynamic environ...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Technical Design Manager - Client Services
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in designing and implementing complex operational workflows that enhance service delivery and client experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement...
2 weeks ago
$132K - $189K *
Join the charge in crafting innovative user experiences for developer tools, leveraging design and coding skills to enhance geospatial capabilities and streamline API interactions, while collaborating...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate operations by leading a high-impact team, ensuring seamless delivery of customized projects from design to installation while driving quality, safety, and efficiency across multiple concurrent...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Product Designer - Games
$95K - $119K *
Pioneer innovative gameplay experiences by designing engaging products that unite players. Collaborate across teams to transform concepts into captivating physical games, ensuring quality and creativi...
1 week ago
$85K - $150K *
Empower innovation by designing and detailing molds and fixtures, ensuring efficient manufacturing processes while collaborating with engineers and vendors to deliver high-quality solutions...
3 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.