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.
$120K - $145K *
Transform user experiences by owning product design for data-driven tools, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create intuitive dashboards and visualizations that enhance operational efficien...
5 days ago
Product Design Prototyper, Human Interface
$120K - $145K *
Innovate user experiences by prototyping cutting-edge interactions in Wearables, VR, and Mobile technology. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to shape the future of human interaction through d...
2 weeks ago
Product Design Prototyper, Human Interface
$120K - $145K *
Join a dynamic team to prototype innovative user experiences in Wearables, VR, and Mobile tech. Collaborate with engineers and researchers to shape the future of interaction, driving product strategy...
2 weeks ago
Product Design Prototyper, Human Interface
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of interaction by designing and prototyping cutting-edge experiences in wearables and VR. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to innovate and implement user-centric solutions th...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Optimize high-reliability PCB designs for automotive applications, focusing on manufacturability and signal integrity. Collaborate with suppliers and engineers to ensure robust production release and...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Transform project execution by leading the development and management of 3D models, ensuring accuracy and coordination across teams while supporting field operations and fabrication efforts in a dynam...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Take ownership of product design, shaping a seamless sports prediction platform. Collaborate with leadership and teams, driving user-centric solutions and iterative improvements across design systems...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $140K *
Champion advanced marine design by creating and maintaining 2D/3D engineering drawings using AutoCAD. Collaborate with engineers to support shipboard systems, ensuring compliance with USCG standards a...
2 days ago
$85K *
Discover a dynamic role where you will design and develop 3D piping models, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure project accuracy while adhering to industry standards and codes. Join us...
Reposted 3 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Lead a talented 3D FX team, driving artistic vision and technical excellence in dynamic sequences for a new streaming series. Mentor artists, solve complex challenges, and ensure high-quality effects...
4 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Designer, leading commercial kitchen projects with advanced design skills and client engagement. Collaborate with a dynamic team, mentor peers, and drive innovative sol...
1 week ago
$96K - $128K *
Champion data integrity by building scalable pipelines and collaborating across teams to enhance analytics. Leverage advanced tools and best practices for efficient data processes while mentoring othe...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$265K - $365K *
Inspire innovation by leading a design team to shape an AI-native product vision, ensuring exceptional quality and user experience while collaborating closely with leadership to drive product strategy...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager Application Engineering
$160K - $180K *
Empower a high-performing engineering team by leading application development initiatives, driving operational excellence, and collaborating with strategic customers to enhance product realization and...
1 week ago
$80K - $90K *
Unlock potential by driving innovative product design through advanced 3D CAD modeling and engineering principles. Collaborate across teams to create aesthetically pleasing, manufacturable consumer pr...
5 days ago
$146K - $194K *
Transform cutting-edge imaging payloads for space by owning the electrical architecture, driving design from concept to flight, and ensuring rapid deployment while mentoring junior engineers and colla...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $100K *
Empower the future of municipal design by leading the production of precise construction documents for water and wastewater projects, ensuring quality and accuracy while mentoring junior staff and mai...
2 days ago
$72K - $109K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming engineering concepts into precise structural designs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality drawings and models for diverse proj...
1 week ago
Physical Designer Engineer, Synthesis/PnR
$186K - $232K *
Lead the physical design of high-performance SoCs, collaborating across teams to ensure successful tapeout and production. Drive integration activities, optimize designs, and ensure power integrity wh...
1 week ago
PCB Designer II/III - Aerospace
$91K - $149K *
Lead the design and documentation of complex PCB projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with engineers, mentor junior designers, and drive continuous improveme...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Elevate your design career by leading innovative residential projects, collaborating with clients to create personalized spaces that reflect their lifestyle while achieving fiscal goals and inspiring...
Reposted 5 days ago
$80K - $90K *
Unlock potential by creating stunning 3D effects for a new streaming series. Collaborate with a talented team to deliver high-quality simulations and solve technical challenges while adhering to produ...
4 weeks ago
$113K - $130K *
Shape the future of infrastructure by leading BIM coordination and digital delivery for multidisciplinary projects. Collaborate with design teams to ensure model accuracy and compliance, while champio...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in shaping intuitive AI-native enterprise products. As a senior designer, you'll tackle complex design challenges, collaborate closely with engineering, and elevate the craft of design...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Create innovative product experiences by designing and building end-to-end solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team, leveraging AI tools and coding to rapidly prototype and implement designs while m...
1 week 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.