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.
Architectural Project Manager + Design
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to manage and execute interior construction projects, coordinating with clients and stakeholders from concept to completion. This role requires creativity, organization, and a pass...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$166K - $214K *
Grow your career with a collaborative team focusing on user-centered design. You will tackle complex problems and shape seamless experiences across web and mobile applications for a mission-driven Ben...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Champion the integrity of electrical designs by ensuring accuracy and compliance in project documentation. Collaborate with teams to manage multiple projects, providing technical support and maintaini...
Yesterday
$85K - $100K *
Champion the integrity of electrical project documentation by ensuring accuracy and compliance with NEC standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage multiple projects while providing t...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Provide advanced technical leadership in product design and development, focusing on innovation. Collaborate with manufacturing and project management to ensure seamless production startup and support...
3 weeks ago
$163K - $246K *
Shape the future of textile manufacturing by researching and implementing innovative technologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance production processes and ensure quality in enginee...
3 days ago
$194K - $293K *
Innovate processes for engineered surfaces, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize yield and quality. Drive technical solutions and conduct failure analysis to meet aggressive productio...
3 days ago
$105K - $115K *
Champion technical engagement by collaborating with sales teams to align client needs with innovative solutions, ensuring high-value outcomes through expert guidance and strategic recommendations...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing AI development through simulation products. This role blends product management with hands-on customer engagement, driving strategy and roadmap for advanced technolo...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$130K - $180K *
Innovate your career by leading product strategy and execution in AI-driven simulation and autonomy. Collaborate with customers and technical teams to transform complex needs into impactful product so...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Champion innovative technology design by leading integrated systems projects, collaborating with diverse teams to deliver exceptional solutions while mentoring junior staff and ensuring quality standa...
2 days ago
Product Design Engineer - iPhone
$110K - $130K *
Collaborate to innovate and design cutting-edge mobile devices, leading multi-functional projects while ensuring exceptional mechanical solutions and effective communication with vendors and internal...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Champion operational excellence by enhancing day-to-day business functions, managing finance, contracts, and people operations. Drive system improvements and support leadership decisions in a fast-pac...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Optimize daily operations by managing finance, contracts, and people processes. Drive improvements in internal systems and workflows to support rapid growth and scalability in a dynamic, fast-paced en...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform business operations by enhancing finance, contracts, and people systems. Collaborate with leadership to streamline processes and drive efficiency in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Your p...
2 weeks ago
Digital Design Manager | Power Interface
$138K - $165K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic team in designing cutting-edge USB PD controllers. Drive innovation and collaboration across functions to deliver high-performance solutions for consumer, indu...
Reposted 6 days ago
$72K - $88K *
Drive precision manufacturing by independently crafting and optimizing high-precision molds, dies, and tooling. Leverage advanced CNC machining and CAD/CAM expertise to enhance production efficiency i...
3 days ago
$72K - $93K *
Unlock potential by designing advanced DAS and ERRCS systems for diverse facilities. Collaborate with project teams to deliver compliant, innovative solutions while managing documentation and ensuring...
1 week ago
$72K - $93K *
Lead the charge in designing innovative DAS and ERRCS systems for diverse facilities. Collaborate with project teams to deliver high-quality RF solutions, ensuring compliance and efficiency while mana...
1 week ago
$72K - $93K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team designing DAS and ERRCS systems for diverse facilities. Collaborate with project managers and engineers to deliver compliant, innovative solutions while managing d...
1 week ago
$72K - $93K *
Elevate your career by designing cutting-edge DAS and ERRCS systems. Collaborate with project teams to deliver compliant, efficient solutions for diverse facilities while managing technical documentat...
1 week ago
$72K - $93K *
Lead the design and development of DAS/ERRCS systems, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Collaborate with project teams to deliver high-quality RF solutions for diverse facilities while managing docu...
1 week ago
$72K - $93K *
Unlock potential by designing innovative DAS solutions for diverse facilities. Collaborate with project teams to deliver compliant, efficient systems while managing documentation and adhering to indus...
1 week ago
$72K - $93K *
Elevate your career by designing innovative DAS and ERRCS systems for diverse facilities. Collaborate with project teams to deliver compliant, efficient solutions while managing technical documentatio...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize digital user experiences by leading UX design for web and mobile platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business goals into intuitive, conversion-focused designs that...
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.