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.
$95K - $115K *
Empower your creativity as a Senior Graphic Designer, collaborating across teams to elevate brand identity and drive performance. Lead design initiatives, mentor junior talent, and shape impactful vis...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - FCSWG, AIP/NDS
$118K - $128K *
Drive program success by leading planning, execution, and coordination within the Fire Control organization, integrating Earned Value Management and stakeholder collaboration to achieve objectives and...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the creative execution of visual assets across diverse channels, ensuring brand integrity while guiding designers and producing high-quality deliverables. Collaborate cross-functionally to transl...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Innovate user experiences by crafting polished, production-quality UI across core products. Collaborate with a small team to enhance design systems and deliver fast, reliable interfaces using React, N...
Today
Senior Integration Engineer - Physical Design Oversight
$140K - $181K *
Explore a pivotal role in advanced nuclear reactor design, ensuring integration and oversight of physical design processes. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop strategies and requireme...
Reposted 5 days ago
Principal Specialist, Product Design
$78K - $122K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team to design and develop advanced ATC systems, collaborating across disciplines to deliver innovative engineering solutions from concept to production, ensuring...
1 week ago
$85K - $95K *
Shape the future of architectural design by leading diverse projects, fostering collaboration, and driving sustainable practices while enhancing client relationships and business development efforts a...
Reposted 1 week ago
$108K - $138K *
Drive innovative product design as a Mechanical Engineer III, leading complex projects from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions while mento...
1 week ago
$100K - $115K *
Unlock potential by designing innovative, story-driven missions for an open-world game. Collaborate with a diverse team to create engaging gameplay experiences that adapt to player choices, enhancing...
3 days ago
Intermediate Mechanical Design Engineer
$76K - $105K *
Join us to design and implement innovative mechanical systems. Leverage your expertise in AutoCAD and Solid Works to create detailed drawings and perform engineering calculations, while collaborating...
1 week ago
Area Highway Digital Design Lead
$110K - $130K *
Transform highway infrastructure design by leading digital initiatives, enhancing project delivery, and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. Drive innovation and quality while devel...
6 days ago
$175K - $205K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of autonomous flight by designing and refining mechanical systems. Collaborate with engineers to create innovative solutions, driving designs from concept to produ...
3 weeks ago
Design Release Engineer, Exterior & Interior Accessories
$115K - $140K *
Drive the end-to-end development of vehicle accessories, collaborating across teams to deliver manufacturable solutions. Enhance your engineering prowess in a dynamic setting focused on innovation and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$70K - $95K *
Help us transform ideas into impactful designs by supporting early-phase planning and rendering. Collaborate closely with a mission-driven team to innovate architectural concepts while integrating the...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Designer - Healthcare
$75K - $125K *
Elevate healthcare design by leading project teams in creating innovative, compliant construction documentation. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project goals are met while mentoring junior st...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Designer - Healthcare
$75K - $125K *
Champion innovative design solutions in healthcare projects, leading a team to ensure successful project delivery and documentation. Engage with clients and stakeholders to meet project goals while fo...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Designer - Healthcare
$75K - $125K *
Lead the charge in delivering innovative healthcare design solutions. Collaborate with project teams to ensure successful documentation and construction, while mentoring teammates and fostering client...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Designer - Healthcare
$75K - $125K *
Lead the technical execution of healthcare design projects, guiding teams in documentation and construction. Collaborate with project managers to achieve project goals while fostering client relations...
3 weeks ago
UX Designer III, ProServe - Strategic Partners
$128K - $179K *
Drive innovative design solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams to create exceptional user experiences for strategic partners, balancing visionary concepts with detailed execution to de...
1 week ago
Senior Structural Analyst - Aerospace & Defense
$134K - $247K *
Transform aerospace and automotive structures through advanced structural analysis, optimizing designs and methodologies while collaborating across engineering disciplines to drive innovation and effi...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Develop and implement efficient manufacturing solutions in the automotive sector, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance production processes and drive continuous improvement from concep...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of robust enterprise applications, focused on Java and Spring Framework, while driving agile methodologies and fostering innovative solutions in a collabora...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing innovative iOS products that redefine creative workflows. Collaborate closely with designers and engineers to deliver exceptional user experiences in a fast-paced environ...
1 week ago
$82K - $95K *
Analyze complex drawings to create precise 3D models, enhance collaboration across teams, and proactively resolve conflicts before construction, ensuring quality and efficiency throughout the project...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Shape the future of automotive design quality by leading assurance activities, managing risks, and ensuring compliance from quotation to launch. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance prod...
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.