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 Graphic Designer, Leo Industrial Design
$141K - $190K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate visual designs for customer hardware, from packaging to presentations. Collaborate across disciplines to transform complex ideas into engaging visuals, ensuring quality...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to shape innovative facility designs, collaborating with clients and stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions. Leverage your expertise in AutoCAD and project management to drive...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Collaborate with engineering teams to design and develop innovative refrigerated products, ensuring high quality and timely delivery while enhancing customer-focused solutions in the food retail indus...
1 week ago
$140K - $170K *
Transform the product experience for new AI ventures by leading zero-to-one design, setting quality standards, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to create impactful, user-centered...
3 weeks ago
$93K - $146K *
Shape the future of aerospace engineering by designing innovative mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive engineering solutions, ensuring quality and compl...
1 week ago
Senior Designer II, Civil Engineering
$80K - $95K *
Manage diverse civil engineering projects, driving design excellence and mentoring teams. Leverage technical expertise in site design and AutoCAD for successful project execution and client satisfacti...
Reposted 1 week ago
BIM Systems Engineer, Design Services (DS)
$116K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading the implementation and management of BIM technologies to enhance design, construction, and operation of data center facilities. Collaborate with diverse teams to drive inno...
1 week ago
$137K - $230K *
Transform the future of aerospace design by leading CAD standards and mentoring teams in developing cutting-edge thermal and life support systems for artificial-gravity space stations. Drive innovatio...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Shape the future of construction by creating detailed 3D models using Revit and AutoCAD. Collaborate with engineers and designers to enhance project designs and ensure compliance with industry standar...
3 days ago
$75K - $95K *
Join a team that's redefining design by leveraging BIM technology to create innovative 3D models for industrial projects. Collaborate with engineers and designers to enhance project outcomes and strea...
3 days ago
Senior Detailer - Structural Steel
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at a leading detailing firm by ensuring project accuracy and quality control for structural steel/rebar projects while managing outsourced detailing teams and mentoring for best pr...
Reposted yesterday
$135K - $145K *
Create innovative accessories that blend style and utility for healthcare professionals. Lead design initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior designers to elevate the br...
3 weeks ago
Aviation Lead Designer - Special Systems
$110K - $130K *
Drive technical excellence in aviation projects by leading system design and integration across telecom, IT, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure high-quality deliverables while mento...
1 week ago
$110K - $180K *
Champion innovative mechanical design for modular heat pump systems, transforming industrial steam generation. Collaborate on cost-effective, scalable solutions while leading design initiatives and me...
2 weeks ago
NX CAD Programmer / NX Customization Specialist
$68K - $161K *
Unlock potential by developing custom NX applications, automating CAD tasks, and integrating with PLM systems. Collaborate with engineering teams to deliver high-quality solutions while ensuring maint...
2 weeks ago
$83K - $140K *
Transform the gaming experience by enhancing rendering engines and visual pipelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement features and optimize performance for millions of players acro...
1 week ago
$85K - $92K *
Transform the visual landscape of our brand by executing high-impact digital designs and environmental collateral that engage and inspire our community. Collaborate with creative partners to deliver p...
1 week ago
Principal Designer, Networking
$233K - $380K *
Shape innovative product journeys that enhance customer connectivity and streamline problem resolution. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and prototype impactful experiences, ensuring...
Today
Principal Designer, Networking
$233K - $330K *
Join a team that's shaping innovative product journeys, enhancing customer connectivity through thoughtful design and collaboration. Leverage your expertise to influence cross-product experiences and...
Today
Principal Designer, Networking
$233K - $330K *
Shape the future of customer connectivity by designing seamless, cross-product experiences. Collaborate with teams to translate insights into impactful designs, ensuring clarity and coherence in compl...
Today
$104K - $166K *
Champion immersive VR training solutions that enhance public safety. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop animation systems and pipelines, ensuring realistic NPC behavior for effective l...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of operational performance by partnering with a key supplier to enhance processes, implement improvements, and foster sustainable growth through hands-on engagement and continuous impro...
Reposted 1 week ago
$107K - $150K *
Shape the future of electrical engineering by leading a dynamic team to deliver exceptional designs and construction documents that adhere to safety and compliance standards, while driving project suc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$107K - $150K *
Manage a dynamic team to deliver high-quality electrical designs for complex projects. Utilize advanced engineering skills to ensure compliance, safety, and constructability while serving as a primary...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Join a team that's dedicated to crafting innovative retail packaging designs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful visuals, explore sustainable materials, and contribute fresh i...
3 weeks 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.