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.
$144K - $192K *
Optimize radar system development by leading FPGA design efforts, translating algorithms into high-performance implementations, and establishing best practices. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team...
1 week ago
$144K - $192K *
Lead FPGA development for advanced airborne radar systems, driving design processes and ensuring seamless integration across teams. Collaborate on innovative solutions from concept to production, enha...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Unlock potential by crafting stunning characters for gameplay and marketing. Collaborate with teams to push visual boundaries while adhering to production schedules and design constraints, ensuring to...
Reposted 2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage architectural design efforts for residential and commercial projects, ensuring quality and compliance from concept to completion. Collaborate with teams to promote consistency and efficiency th...
3 weeks ago
BIM/VDC Coordination Manager-TJ Dyer
$80K - $95K *
Engineer a collaborative BIM Coordination team to optimize plumbing and piping design, ensuring compliance with contract documents and timely project execution while nurturing talent and enhancing ove...
Reposted 2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building and operating a cutting-edge Product Design lab. You'll translate design concepts into reality, manage machining operations, and ensure safety and quality in a...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $170K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of structural engineering by managing diverse projects, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring high-quality deliverables while meeting client ex...
3 weeks ago
Mechanical Design Engineer - Advanced Machine Systems
$83K - $114K *
Shape the future of advanced machine systems by designing innovative mechanical components and collaborating across teams to transform concepts into reliable manufacturing solutions. Drive prototype d...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Elevate fire/life safety engineering by developing compliant designs, collaborating with teams, and ensuring client needs are met. Focus on fire protection systems, alarms, and hazard designs for new...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Shape the future of fire/life safety engineering by developing innovative designs that meet client needs and adhere to industry standards. Collaborate with diverse teams to ensure safety and complianc...
1 week ago
Architect, Senior Design Manager
$110K - $125K *
Optimize team performance by leading architectural projects, managing client relationships, and developing design standards. Drive business growth while ensuring effective operations and fostering sta...
4 days ago
Design Engineer, R&D - Mechanical
$69K - $110K *
Shape the future of medical devices by designing and developing innovative mechanical components, collaborating across teams to ensure project success and quality improvements in a dynamic engineering...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to designing and implementing robust data solutions using Python and PySpark. Collaborate closely with colleagues to transform complex business requirements into effective...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock your potential as a Civil Designer, leading innovative projects in the utility and transportation sectors. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver exceptional engineering solutions while enh...
Reposted 3 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Shape the future of brand identities for high-growth startups by leading the design process from concept to execution. Collaborate closely with clients and a focused team in a fast-paced environment t...
Reposted 1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's shaping brand identities for tech startups. Drive innovative designs and digital experiences while collaborating with clients and a focused team in a fast-paced, creative environmen...
Reposted 1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape innovative brand identities and digital experiences for high-growth startups. You'll lead projects from concept to execution, collaborating with clients and team members to design modern solutio...
Reposted 1 month ago
Senior Technical Designer /Technical Designer, Technical Design
$50K - $150K *
Transform your career by translating creative visions into precise blueprints. As a key member of the Technical Design team, you'll ensure each style reflects our brand's essence while fostering innov...
1 week ago
$180K - $265K *
Transform hardware design by creating and testing innovative circuits for diverse applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to enhance existing products and ensure project success through effec...
2 weeks ago
Sub System Functional Designer
$95K - $115K *
Unlock your potential by collaborating with a dynamic team to design and specify innovative mechatronic sub-systems, ensuring quality and functionality in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape...
2 days ago
$85K - $102K *
Lead the charge in innovative architectural design, collaborating across teams to deliver impactful projects while mentoring others and managing multiple priorities throughout all design phases...
Reposted today
Compositor - Senior (Expression of Interest)
$111K - $123K *
The Senior Compositor is responsible for delivering high-quality visual effects shots efficiently and with minimal guidance. This role involves collaborating with other artists, mentoring junior team...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in shaping innovative architectural designs while mentoring teams and ensuring project excellence across diverse sectors. Enjoy autonomy and collaboration in a dynamic studio environme...
Reposted 1 week ago
$134K - $179K *
Lead a dynamic team in engineering design, ensuring project efficiency and quality from development to closeout while exceeding client expectations and fostering staff growth...
3 weeks ago
Hyundai Design Center - Interior Designer I
$75K - $112K *
Explore the future of automotive design by crafting innovative interior solutions through sketches and digital models, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and traveling internationally to enhan...
Reposted 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.