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 Designer - FIGS Pro, Lounge & Outerwear
$135K - $145K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative, stylish apparel for healthcare professionals, blending functionality with modern aesthetics. Collaborate on seasonal concepts and mentor junior designers to el...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Track and Systems
$165K - $270K *
Partner with us to lead the Construction Management Consultant team as Owner's Representative on a light rail extension program, overseeing trackwork and systems construction, ensuring quality, budget...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Help us design and optimize complex multi-layer PCBs for high-reliability applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and signal integrity while mentoring junio...
1 week ago
$124K - $159K *
Accelerate your career by leading mechanical engineering design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and driving innovation in mechanical systems. Utilize your expertise to ensure pro...
1 week ago
Technical Designer, LOFT - Dresses & Woven Tops
$85K - $92K *
Transform the apparel design process by managing fit approvals and sample development. Collaborate across teams to ensure quality and brand integrity while maintaining effective relationships and meet...
Reposted 5 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while fostering client relationships and mentoring junior staff throughout the project lifecycle...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize public transit infrastructure by supporting design and analysis of bus priority projects. Collaborate with teams to enhance mobility and safety for all users while ensuring compliance with NY...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing public transit infrastructure and policies. Contribute to the planning, design, and implementation of projects that improve mobility and safety for all, while...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing engineering projects, preparing contract documents, and conducting field surveys with minimal oversight. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance infrastr...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of infrastructure by joining a dynamic team focused on innovative design solutions. Collaborate on contract documents, conduct engineering investigations, and develop plans with minim...
3 weeks ago
Design Engineer - Siemens NX/Teamcenter Conversion
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by converting CATIA V5 designs to Siemens NX, ensuring data quality and design intent. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support engineering changes and maintain documentatio...
1 week ago
$200K - $260K *
Pioneer innovative design solutions by collaborating with engineering teams to create seamless user experiences. Utilize AI-driven tools to prototype, test, and refine product interactions, ensuring p...
1 week ago
$75K - $140K *
Partner with us to elevate user experiences by leading complex UX/UI projects. Engage directly with government clients, shaping insights into innovative digital solutions while ensuring accessibility...
Reposted 1 week ago
$75K - $140K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing user experiences for government clients. You'll lead UX initiatives, conduct research, and design intuitive interfaces, ensuring user needs are met through a...
1 week ago
$75K - $140K *
Discover innovative UX design methodologies to enhance user experiences for government clients. Facilitate all phases from research to prototyping, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of digital...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the design and development of innovative Coolant Distribution Units, optimizing mechanical components for high-volume manufacturing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the product...
1 week ago
$200K - $225K *
Drive the future of digital construction by leading VDC strategy and execution across teams. Collaborate with executives to enhance project delivery through innovative technologies and methodologies...
2 weeks ago
Product/Design Engineer - CE Attachments
$80K - $95K *
Empower the product development lifecycle by designing innovative skid-steer and excavator attachments. Oversee projects from concept to production, collaborating with teams to ensure optimal performa...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$226K - $302K *
Innovate the Agent Workspace by unifying sales tools into a cohesive design. Lead the charge in creating intuitive interfaces for agents, enhancing collaboration, and driving product success through u...
1 week ago
$110K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to lead architectural lab programming and planning for cutting-edge science and technology facilities. Collaborate with clients and project teams to create innovative designs that...
1 week ago
Experiential Graphic Designer IV
$98K - $122K *
Join a team that drives innovation in design by leading projects, mentoring talent, and transforming client ideas into impactful visuals across diverse landscapes. Make your mark on multidisciplinary...
Reposted yesterday
Innovation and Design Engineer, Worldwide Design Engineering
$94K - $160K *
Unlock innovative engineering solutions by managing complex design projects for cutting-edge fulfillment systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions while...
5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Support the design and development of tooling solutions for high-speed cable assemblies, collaborating with global engineering teams to enhance manufacturing efficiency and ensure quality standards ar...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform project delivery by leading multidisciplinary design coordination for complex industrial projects, ensuring seamless integration between clients, engineering teams, and external partners thr...
2 weeks ago
Electrical Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
$68K - $104K *
Empower design excellence by leveraging drafting skills in a collaborative team. Engage in creating precise design drawings, utilizing advanced software, and interfacing with vendors to enhance projec...
1 week 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.