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.
Sr. Analyst, Architecture and Design
$80K - $95K *
Engage in architectural design management for newbuild and refurbishment projects, coordinating external teams and ensuring design intents align with brand values while promoting innovative solutions...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Analyst, Architecture and Design
$95K - $115K *
Transform ship design through effective management of complex projects, guiding cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve innovative, budget-conscious designs that meet brand aspirations whil...
Reposted 1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Deliver innovative mechanical engineering solutions while leading multidisciplinary teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring project compliance and efficiency from conception through complet...
Reposted today
$100K - $120K *
Drive innovation by leading mechanical engineering projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring code compliance for commercial and institutional buildings. Foster client relationships...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$63K - $118K *
Transform user experiences by designing engaging, responsive web interfaces across multiple brands. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create intuitive journeys and high-quality visuals that d...
1 week ago
$83K - $115K *
Advance your career by leading systems engineering activities in nuclear projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, ensure compliance, and drive technical solutions from...
1 week ago
Project Engineer III - Component Development
$121K - $169K *
Lead the charge in managing ordnance hardware lifecycle for a cutting-edge launch vehicle. Oversee project schedules, budgets, and supplier coordination to ensure timely delivery and operational succe...
5 days ago
Project Developer | Residential Remodeling
$80K - $95K *
Transform high-end residential spaces by guiding clients through the design-build process. Leverage your project management and sales expertise to ensure seamless transitions from concept to construct...
1 week ago
Sr. Design Engineering Specialist
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of energy with innovative transformer solutions. Collaborate on designs, enhance product performance, and contribute to sustainable initiatives while leveraging y...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Designer 2 - Footwear Innovation
$82K - $108K *
Innovate your career by exploring and creating future footwear solutions. Collaborate with athletes and partners to develop prototypes, validate concepts, and enhance Arc'teryx's footwear DNA through...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer - Structural Analyst
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's revolutionizing mechanical systems by conducting structural analysis and testing, optimizing designs, and directly engaging with hardware from concept to deployment in dynamic envir...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $130K *
Drive your career forward by mastering advanced compositing techniques to deliver stunning visuals for feature films or episodic content, collaborating with a creative team in a dynamic production env...
Reposted 1 week ago
Project Architect - Residential
$105K - $125K *
Elevate residential architecture by leading diverse projects from design to completion. Collaborate closely with teams to deliver high-quality results while managing timelines and budgets, ensuring cl...
Reposted yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Join us to deliver technical expertise on complex, multidiscipline projects. Collaborate with engineers and architects, manage project execution, and ensure quality standards while mentoring less expe...
1 week ago
$83K - $104K *
Join a team that's driving strategic marketing initiatives and influencing success. Collaborate with leaders to develop compelling narratives and innovative strategies that elevate project pursuits an...
Reposted yesterday
Account Manager- Manufacturing
$184K - $217K *
Drive growth as a Sales Account Manager, overseeing client relationships and software adoption. Collaborate with stakeholders to align solutions with business goals, ensuring retention and identifying...
1 week ago
$236K *
Contribute to the design and testing of autonomous hardware systems for heavy machinery, ensuring high performance and safety standards while collaborating with vendors and leading verification effort...
Reposted 6 days ago
Solutions Architect / Lead Developer
$120K - $145K *
Lead our innovative team in designing cloud-native solutions for vital regulatory platforms, overseeing technical direction and mentoring engineers in a FISMA Moderate environment to ensure high-quali...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Designer (18-Month Assignment)
$120K - $170K *
Unlock your potential by leading innovative workplace design projects, collaborating with diverse teams, and delivering exceptional solutions that meet evolving business needs while ensuring project s...
1 week ago
NoC Design Engineer, Multimedia Lab
$162K - $316K *
Unlock potential by designing cutting-edge video codec hardware solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to develop scalable systems that enhance performance for billions of users, ensuring technica...
1 week ago
$76K - $102K *
Take ownership of electrical design projects, ensuring quality and compliance while mentoring junior staff. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions on time and within...
4 weeks ago
Mechanical Engineer III - Component Development
$121K - $169K *
Lead innovative mechanical engineering projects, driving design and development across multiple disciplines for a cutting-edge orbital launch vehicle. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure...
5 days ago
$186K - $300K *
Deliver innovative, user-centric designs for web applications, enhancing agreement management through AI. Collaborate across teams to define features, optimize workflows, and create cohesive experienc...
1 week ago
$97K - $135K *
Join a dynamic team to lead and manage diverse architectural projects, ensuring quality and client satisfaction while fostering collaboration and innovation. Drive project success through effective co...
1 week ago
$90K - $115K *
Elevate your career by managing diverse projects, fostering client relationships, and leading design teams. Utilize your expertise to ensure quality deliverables while driving innovation and collabora...
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.