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.
Electrical Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
$68K - $104K *
Transform your drafting skills in a hybrid role, collaborating with engineers and designers to create precise design drawings and master sketches, while gaining hands-on experience in 3D design softwa...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Engage your expertise as a Principal UX Researcher, driving strategic insights and research initiatives across global design teams. Collaborate to enhance user experiences and foster an insight-led cu...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $176K *
Empower the future of aerospace and automotive manufacturing by ensuring the stability and reliability of advanced Additive Manufacturing equipment, driving improvements in performance and efficiency...
1 week ago
Founding Product Designer/Engineer
$160K - $220K *
Lead the charge in designing and engineering innovative AI interfaces, shaping user interactions from concept to production while collaborating closely with customers and backend teams to create seaml...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's redefining art leadership in live-service games. You'll empower Art Leads, enhance team operations, and ensure high-quality art delivery across our portfolio, fostering creativity a...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Explore your potential as a key team member, driving innovative design solutions and collaborating with a dynamic group across various projects to deliver excellence and elevate community impact...
Reposted today
Department Manager - Mechanical
$132K - $165K *
Drive operational excellence by managing technical product quality, leading teams, and developing strategic marketing programs to achieve long-term goals and profitability while fostering collaboratio...
1 week ago
$167K - $251K *
Elevate user experiences by leading design projects from concept to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive interfaces that integrate AI, ensuring a cohesive design system...
1 week ago
$167K - $251K *
Champion innovative product design by leading projects from concept to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create user-centered solutions that integrate AI, ensuring intuitive experienc...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform your career by joining a dynamic team of Application Developers. Lead the design and development of enterprise-level applications, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage and elevate construction projects from handoff to closeout, ensuring safety, budget adherence, and quality assurance. Collaborate with diverse teams to deliver successful outcomes while leading...
3 weeks ago
Senior Video Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $134K *
Join a team that's shaping compelling narratives through expert video editing. Leverage your creativity and technical skills to enhance storytelling across diverse projects while mentoring junior edit...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead innovative security design projects, collaborating with teams and clients to optimize physical security and telecommunications solutions while addressing complex challenges in a dynamic environme...
Reposted 5 days ago
$205K - $220K *
Transform the future of electronics by leading PCB design and layout in Altium Designer. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready designs, focusing on power el...
5 days ago
Senior Video Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $134K *
Take ownership of video editing projects, transforming concepts into compelling narratives through expert editing, sound design, and collaboration with creative teams. Guide junior editors while manag...
6 days ago
Senior Video Designer (AVP/Associate Creative Director)
$105K - $134K *
Explore your creativity as a Senior Video Designer, shaping compelling narratives through expert editing and collaboration. You'll manage diverse projects, guiding junior editors while delivering high...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize CNC programming processes to enhance production efficiency and quality. Collaborate with teams to develop innovative machining strategies, ensuring compliance with standards while integrating...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative structural design through expert REVIT support, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on diverse projects, from brief engagements to extensive multi-office endeavors, ensuring to...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$85K - $120K *
Unlock the potential of diverse projects by providing expert REVIT support and training to structural teams, enhancing model creation and documentation standards through collaboration and innovation i...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$83K - $110K *
Lead innovative electrical design projects, managing multiple deliverables while collaborating with a diverse team. Drive the development of building electrical systems, including EV charging infrastr...
6 days ago
$83K - $110K *
Elevate your career by managing diverse electrical design projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with codes while mentoring junior engineers and enhancing design...
6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform user experiences by designing intuitive web and mobile interactions, ensuring a seamless blend of AI features and visual consistency, while collaborating closely with engineers to deliver im...
3 weeks ago
Engineering Designer III- Civil/Site
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career by leading diverse land development projects, from concept to completion. Collaborate on site layout, grading, stormwater management, and utility design while ensuring compliance w...
3 days ago
Interior Designer, 5 - 8 Years
$85K - $102K *
Join a dynamic team to create innovative interior designs for hospitality projects. Lead design sessions, manage budgets, and collaborate with clients while fostering a positive work environment. Brin...
1 week ago
$150K - $170K *
Elevate the Virtual Design and Construction practice by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing digital workflows, and driving operational excellence across diverse client portfolios while fostering...
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.