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.
Custom Layout Designer (Analog Layout Designer)
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of high-performance analog designs by collaborating with global teams to create cutting-edge IP for diverse markets. Leverage your engineering expertise in a dynamic environment focus...
3 weeks ago
$79K - $93K *
Lead the charge in CNC machining operations, utilizing advanced programming and troubleshooting skills to enhance production efficiency and quality. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and en...
4 days ago
Structural Engineering Designer
$77K - $87K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of structural engineering through innovative design and collaboration. Gain hands-on experience while working on diverse projects with seasoned professionals in a...
2 weeks ago
$114K *
Join a dynamic team as an Architectural Designer, where you'll leverage your expertise in design and construction methodologies to deliver innovative projects. Collaborate with architects and designer...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI interactions by leading design vision and systems. Drive product strategy, create intuitive experiences, and establish cohesive design across platforms while collaborating close...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate the design vision and systems for AI interactions, leading the creation of innovative user experiences. Drive product strategy and execution from concept to launch, ensuring high-quality desig...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead high-profile construction projects, ensuring timely execution and budget adherence while fostering strong relationships with clients and internal teams. Drive project strategies, planning, and im...
1 week ago
$134K - $240K *
Drive BIM strategy and execution, ensuring workflows and standards are implemented effectively. Collaborate with project teams to enhance model accuracy and data integrity while mentoring coordinators...
1 week ago
$85K - $90K *
Lead the charge in creative excellence by managing a dynamic design team, overseeing high-volume projects, and delivering engaging marketing assets across digital and print platforms while fostering a...
2 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of defense technology by reviewing and checking mechanical designs for a groundbreaking weapon system. Collaborate with experts to ensure precision and compliance...
3 weeks ago
Art Director, Consumer Creative Design (Hybrid)
$125K - $146K *
Elevate your career by leading creative design initiatives that shape compelling visual storytelling and brand experiences across multiple platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive...
Reposted yesterday
$105K - $120K *
Empower your creativity as you design conversion-driven digital experiences. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize landing pages and campaigns, ensuring brand consistency while driving g...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in creating stunning, photo-realistic 3D assets for immersive applications. Collaborate with a dynamic team to optimize workflows and mentor junior artists, ensuring high-quality produ...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $120K *
Unlock creativity by leading motion design projects that elevate brand storytelling across diverse platforms. Collaborate with teams to produce high-quality assets while mentoring junior designers and...
1 week ago
$85K - $150K *
Elevate government client experiences by guiding them through human-centered design processes. Lead discovery sessions to identify pain points and opportunities, ensuring customer needs are central to...
1 week ago
$85K - $150K *
Reimagine service design by guiding government clients through human-centered frameworks. Lead discovery sessions, synthesize insights, and create actionable recommendations to enhance organizational...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive successful design operations by leading a talented team, producing high-quality architectural and fabrication drawings, and coordinating multidisciplinary efforts for innovative projects...
Reposted today
$95K - $115K *
Drive your career forward by leading the technical quality and workflow of residential solar plan sets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and efficiency in design, while mento...
6 days ago
$120K - $185K *
Join a dynamic team as you design and develop CAD plugins, ensuring seamless integration with civil design workflows and GIS systems. Collaborate closely with engineers to enhance data management and...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $247K *
Lead the charge in transforming aerospace vehicle structures through innovative engineering. Drive advanced product development and technical strategy across multiple programs while mentoring a team o...
1 week ago
$77K - $119K *
Lead the charge in architectural design, technical development, and project coordination within a collaborative design team, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence to budgets and schedules for s...
Reposted 2 days ago
Tooling Engineer - Aerospace Manufacturing
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to developing innovative tooling solutions in aerospace manufacturing. You'll manage projects from concept to commissioning, enhancing safety, quality, and efficiency whil...
2 weeks ago
Senior Product Designer, AI Builders
$150K - $205K *
Shape the future of AI by designing intuitive tools that empower users to create and manage automated workflows, bridging the gap between technology and user experience in contact centers...
Reposted yesterday
$125K - $155K *
Take ownership of PCB design for advanced avionics hardware, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal integration and performance in spacecraft and robotic systems within a dynam...
Reposted 2 days ago
$83K - $110K *
Transform piping design for modular systems by leading projects from P&IDs to fabrication. Collaborate with teams to ensure compliance and quality while mentoring junior designers and enhancing design...
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.