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 - $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
Senior Structural Technologist
$80K - $95K *
Empower your career by leading structural drawing production, mentoring junior technologists, and collaborating with engineers on diverse projects. Set standards and ensure quality in multi-family, co...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Technologist
$80K - $95K *
Lead structural drawing production, mentoring junior technologists while ensuring high standards in multi-family, commercial, and institutional projects. Collaborate with engineers and architects to d...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Technologist
$80K - $95K *
Elevate structural drawing production by leading a team in creating precise, buildable drawings for multi-family, commercial, and institutional projects. Collaborate with engineers and mentor junior t...
1 week ago
$80K - $130K *
Lead the charge in managing diverse public-sector projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while fostering strong client relationships and innovative solutions for community development...
3 days ago
$135K - $281K *
Design and prototype innovative computing interfaces for BCI, collaborating with experts across disciplines to enhance user experience and fluidity, while navigating complex constraints and pushing th...
2 days ago
$85K - $130K *
Elevate your career by designing and maintaining character rigs, collaborating with a creative team to push technical boundaries and enhance workflows. Join us in driving innovation and delivering hig...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Grow your career with a dynamic role providing engineering support for Auxiliary Machinery Systems. Engage in project management, technical analysis, and system evaluations to enhance operational effi...
3 days ago
$61K - $111K *
Engage in the design and development of mechanical systems using 3D and 2D modeling. Lead design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure project alignment and quality delivery f...
6 days ago
$61K - $111K *
Unlock potential by leading the design of mechanical systems in 3D/2D environments. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality and compliance in infrastructure projects while managing...
6 days ago
$61K - $111K *
Join a dynamic team to shape the future of mechanical design in infrastructure projects. Lead the development of 3D models and 2D drawings, ensuring quality and compliance while collaborating with mul...
6 days ago
Manufacturing Design Engineer II/III/Sr - Tooling & GSE
$95K - $115K *
Drive the development of tooling and Ground Support Equipment for lunar vehicle production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with engi...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of fire alarm and life safety systems by driving design and technology evaluation. Collaborate with Sales and Operations as a key technical advisor, ensuring compliance with codes and...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Champion advanced restorative workflows by designing complex dental restorations, collaborating with teams, and mentoring junior designers to enhance digital capabilities and improve lab processes...
5 days ago
$80K - $117K *
Lead the development and coordination of design documents for diverse projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and mentoring junior staff to ensure quality and design intent throughout all...
2 weeks ago
Senior Mechanical Designer - New Product Development
$88K - $105K *
Join us to oversee complex mechanical designs from concept to production, ensuring quality and manufacturability. Collaborate with teams to optimize designs, mentor junior designers, and drive improve...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform architectural design by leading innovative projects across diverse sectors. Collaborate with clients and teams to create sustainable solutions while managing multiple projects and mentoring...
3 weeks ago
$96K - $166K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering innovative data center solutions. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to ensure high-quality construction and efficient project management, while enhancing...
2 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Champion innovative packaging design by leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with customers and manufacturing teams to create effective solutions, ensuring designs meet specificati...
1 week ago
Sr. Mechanical & Piping Designer
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to innovative mechanical design packages, leveraging extensive field experience and mathematical skills. Collaborate with teams to ensure precision and adherence to design standards in a mu...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead transformative product design initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver intuitive, high-impact user experiences. Drive strategic direction, elevate design quality, and men...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Join a team that's redefining product design for AI ventures. Lead the creation of innovative products from concept to launch, setting high standards for design quality and user experience while colla...
3 weeks ago
Automotive PCB Design Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of hardware electronics design, specializing in automotive and industrial applications. Collaborate across multiple domains, driving innovation and ensuring complia...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$87K - $105K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of design innovation, leveraging your expertise in CAD to create detailed 3D models and manufacturing documentation while collaborating with engineers to enhance p...
2 weeks ago
$136K - $166K *
Elevate design excellence by developing intricate block-level and full-chip layouts. Collaborate with diverse teams to optimize layouts for performance, power, area, and manufacturability across state...
Reposted 2 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.