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.
$170K - $197K *
Transform client relationships by leading diverse teams and driving strategic projects. Leverage your extensive cost management expertise to deliver exceptional value while fostering growth and mentor...
3 days ago
$170K - $197K *
Champion client relationships and lead diverse teams to deliver exceptional project outcomes. Leverage your extensive cost management expertise to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth in a dy...
3 days ago
$75K - $94K *
Drive innovative interior design solutions by collaborating with clients and teams to create functional spaces that meet diverse needs while adhering to budget and timelines. Leverage expertise in des...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $94K *
Transform client spaces by leading innovative interior design projects, ensuring functional layouts and procurement support while collaborating with diverse teams to meet specifications, budgets, and...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $94K *
Join a team that's redefining interior design by delivering innovative space solutions. Lead projects from concept to completion, ensuring client satisfaction while managing budgets, timelines, and te...
4 weeks ago
$75K - $94K *
Transform client spaces by leading interior design projects, ensuring optimal functionality and aesthetics. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative designs within budget and timelines, while ment...
4 weeks ago
Product Development Engineer - Mechanical Design
$100K - $168K *
Innovate your career by leading the design and development of high-speed IO products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability and meet customer requirements while driving p...
1 week ago
Project Engineer, Chassis Electric Routing - TRATON R&D US, LLC
$80K - $95K *
Transform engineering solutions by driving innovative projects, solving complex challenges, and collaborating across teams to enhance product performance and reliability from concept through productio...
Yesterday
Project Design Engineer, Structural
$80K - $95K *
Manage structural projects across New York, oversee junior staff, and serve as primary client contact while ensuring design quality and collaboration within the team to shape departmental growth and s...
Reposted 2 days ago
Sr Interior Designer - Workplace & Science + Technology
$118K - $142K *
Innovate high-performing interior spaces by leading design teams, mentoring talent, and collaborating with clients. Drive project vision and excellence from concept to completion, ensuring impactful e...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in designing and engineering innovative solutions, coordinating project phases while fostering collaboration across teams to ensure outstanding results and efficiency in manufacturing...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $125K *
Engage in building and operating data pipelines that transform vast telemetry and manufacturing data into reliable datasets, driving key business decisions across product and service areas. Collaborat...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovation by designing and enhancing mechanical products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet performance and safety standards while utilizing advanced CAD software f...
Reposted 1 week ago
Interior Designer - Healthcare Practice
$100K - $110K *
Drive design excellence by leading innovative healthcare and corporate projects. Collaborate with diverse teams to mentor talent and ensure high-quality outcomes while managing multiple projects from...
Reposted 1 week ago
Interior Designer - Healthcare Practice
$100K - $110K *
Shape the future of healthcare design by leading innovative projects, mentoring talent, and collaborating with diverse teams. Drive excellence in design while managing multiple projects from concept t...
3 weeks ago
Interior Designer - Healthcare Practice
$100K - $110K *
Elevate your career by leading innovative design solutions in healthcare and corporate projects. Collaborate with a diverse team to create impactful environments while mentoring junior talent and driv...
3 weeks ago
Staff Industrial Designer - Hand Tools
$80K - $95K *
Innovate by driving user-centered design solutions in a collaborative environment. Leverage your creativity and design expertise to enhance our Hand Tools category, balancing aesthetics and functional...
4 days ago
$91K - $130K *
Elevate your career by joining a dynamic team focused on designing and implementing advanced mechanical systems for automated production lines, ensuring safety and efficiency in energetic manufacturin...
2 weeks ago
$75K - $95K *
Drive the design and development of medical device components, collaborating within a cross-functional team to integrate innovative solutions that meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards while...
Reposted 1 month ago
$100K - $140K *
Unlock potential by mastering CNC programming and operation for precision parts. Collaborate with engineers to ensure rapid prototyping and high-quality manufacturing, driving innovation in robotics a...
1 week ago
Staff Product Designer, Drafting
$150K - $225K *
Pioneer innovative design solutions as a Staff Product Designer, driving AI-powered workflows and enhancing user experiences in a complex legal tech environment. Collaborate closely with engineering t...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Designer, Drafting
$150K - $225K *
Drive innovative design solutions for AI-powered legal workflows, collaborating closely with engineering to enhance user experiences. Own complex product areas from ideation to execution, shaping stra...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Designer, Drafting
$150K - $225K *
Empower legal tech innovation by leading design for AI-driven playbook automations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to shape user-centered experiences, driving product vision from ideation to...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower innovative building designs by leading mechanical engineering teams. Drive the design of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems across diverse sectors, ensuring high-quality deliverables...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Reimagine solar solutions by leveraging your expertise to design and implement customized energy systems. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver innovative, economically viable designs while st...
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.