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.
$80K - $110K *
Join a team that's focused on impactful urban design. As an Intermediate Architect, you will develop critical documentation and collaborate with diverse disciplines on large-scale projects while enhan...
Reposted 5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate user experiences by leading UX design for innovative sleep health products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and shape features that enhance adult sleep, driving impactful des...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the creative strategy by linking performance data to impactful briefs. Collaborate with designers and media buyers to optimize DTC campaigns, leveraging UGC trends and insights to drive engageme...
6 days ago
$98K - $159K *
Drive your career forward by leading complex data solutions and ensuring effective data management. Utilize your expertise to translate business needs into technical specifications while mentoring oth...
2 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive innovation in 3D CAD design by developing advanced parametric solutions and automation tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product development and streamline complex geomet...
3 weeks ago
Senior AI-Native Designer & Builder, Design System
$134K - $167K *
Join a team that's redefining design systems by leveraging AI to create scalable, innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish visual standards and enhance product experi...
5 days ago
Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
$68K - $104K *
Unlock potential by collaborating with multi-disciplined teams to design structural layouts, troubleshoot design issues, and mentor junior staff while utilizing advanced 3D modeling tools for innovati...
1 week ago
Structural Designer 3 - Nuclear Power
$68K - $104K *
Collaborate with engineers and designers to develop and execute innovative 3D structural layouts, tackle complex design issues, and support project teams in delivering exceptional structural drawings...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
$85K - $135K *
Lead complex mechanical design projects, driving innovation from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product quality and efficiency while providing technical guid...
2 weeks ago
$74K - $95K *
Elevate your career by collaborating with engineers and project managers to design and prepare CAD drawings for diverse civil projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery while working in a dynamic...
1 week ago
$120K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving innovation across full stack development, enhancing user experience and shipping impactful features. Collaborate with teams to implement cutting-edge tools while focusing o...
Reposted 2 days ago
$250K - $250K+*
Develop and implement innovative full-stack solutions, leveraging diverse programming languages and cloud technologies to enhance complex systems and applications while collaborating with cross-functi...
3 days ago
Directeur-trice technique associé-e - Design
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by driving technical vision and production workflows for game systems. Collaborate with diverse teams to create scalable solutions, enhance work methods, and ensure data reliabilit...
1 week ago
Product Architect - New Player Growth
$126K - $230K *
Elevate player engagement by crafting innovative products that attract and retain new Magic players. Lead cross-functional teams to develop engaging experiences and strategies that enhance player jour...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Empower climate resilience by leading innovative designs for green infrastructure and stormwater management projects across NYC. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance urban sustainability and ensu...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Champion innovative design solutions for climate resilience in NYC. Lead engineering projects focused on green infrastructure and stormwater management, ensuring sustainable practices and effective co...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's redefining user experience for nonprofit SaaS applications. Leverage your design expertise to create intuitive interfaces, enhance workflows, and drive AI-powered insights, all whil...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize design processes by creating 3D models and 2D drawings, ensuring compliance with standards and codes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver accurate, high-quality piping designs...
1 week ago
$68K - $102K *
Drive your career forward by developing detailed 3D BIM models and documentation for electrical networks. Collaborate with engineers and project teams to ensure accurate design integration and support...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $102K *
Transform your career by developing and maintaining 3D BIM models for diverse electrical projects. Collaborate with engineers and project teams to deliver high-quality documentation and ensure complia...
3 weeks ago
$68K - $102K *
Shape the future of electrical design by developing detailed BIM models and documentation. Collaborate with engineers and project teams to ensure accurate integration of design requirements, enhancing...
3 weeks ago
$60K - $140K *
Shape the creative vision and execution of innovative design projects, driving excellence from concept to delivery. Lead, mentor, and inspire junior designers while collaborating closely with strategi...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead design direction on complex programs, transforming user needs into innovative products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor designers, and uphold design standards across diverse indus...
6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of user experience by leading design across a complex, multi-product ecosystem. Drive innovation, advocate for design-led thinking, and integrate AI-native workflows to enhance produc...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of interior design by leading innovative projects for federal clients. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver exceptional design solutions across multiple sectors, ensuring excell...
5 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.