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3D Character Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thatgamecompany

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

$81K - $114K/yr

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to join our team! Responsibilities: * Create 3D characters and cosmetics in a visual style aligned ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

As a 3D Character Artist , you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring life and personality to our projects. This mid-level generalist role focuses on modeling, texturing ...

NetEase Games

$103K - $109K/yr

Work closely with 3D character artists, animators, and VFX artists to ensure the successful implementation of designs into the game. * Utilize the game engine editor (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) to ...

Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

You're good at 3D character animation Bonus if you have used mocap and understand the mocap workflow at a studio. Bonus for having your assets on the Unity store. You're excited about the potential ...

Spellbrush

3D Game Programmer (Unity)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You're good at 3D character animation Bonus if you have used mocap and understand the mocap workflow at a studio. Bonus for having your assets on the Unity store. You're excited about the potential ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D or 3D. * Document clearly and can explain the reasoning behind a design choice, not just the choice itself. * Are ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Have a portfolio that shows character design or expressive design work, in 2D or 3D. * Document clearly and can explain the reasoning behind a design choice, not just the choice itself. * Are ...

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3D Character information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do 3d character jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d character in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3d character?

3D Character Artists are professionals who create three-dimensional models of characters for use in video games, movies, animation, and other digital media. They use specialized software to sculpt, texture, and render characters, ensuring they are visually appealing and suitable for animation or gameplay. Their work often involves collaborating with concept artists, animators, and game designers to bring characters to life in a virtual environment.

What are some common challenges 3d character artists face when collaborating with other departments in game development?

3D Character Artists often work closely with animators, riggers, and game designers to ensure that character models are not only visually appealing but also functional within the game engine. A common challenge is balancing high-quality detail with technical limitations like polygon count and texture size, which can require ongoing communication and compromise. Additionally, artists may need to adjust models based on feedback from animation or technical art teams to optimize for movement and real-time performance. Understanding the workflow and constraints of other departments is key to delivering assets that meet both artistic and technical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3d character artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Character Artist, you need strong skills in modeling, sculpting, texturing, and a solid understanding of anatomy, typically supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity are highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for creating visually appealing, technically sound characters that meet artistic and production requirements in games, film, or animation.

What is the difference between 3D Character vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Character3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating detailed, animated characters for games, films, and animationsModeling various objects and environments, including characters, props, and scenes
Skills & ToolsCharacter anatomy, rigging, texturing, animation; software like Maya, Blender, ZBrushHard surface modeling, topology, UV mapping; software like Maya, 3ds Max, Blender
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation houses, film productionVFX companies, game studios, product design firms

While both roles involve 3D modeling, 3D Characters specialize in creating animated, detailed characters for entertainment media, often requiring rigging and texturing skills. 3D Modelers have a broader scope, modeling various objects and environments, including characters, but may not focus on animation or character-specific details.

More about 3D Character jobs

What states have the most 3D Character jobs?

States with the most job openings for 3D Character jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to 3D Character jobs?

For 3D Character jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

3D Character jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

Remote

Thatgamecompany
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Thatgamecompanyexternal

$81K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)
thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to join our team!
Responsibilities:
  • Create 3D characters and cosmetics in a visual style aligned with the world of Sky
  • Skinning character and cosmetic assets
  • Collaborate with project leads, concept artists, designers, and engineers
  • Brainstorm ideas and create rapid 3D prototypes during the concept and design phase
  • Support the rest of the 3D team to create character assets
  • Review and fix bugs of all complexities
  • Contribute to documentation and resource libraries for the art department
  • Promote, contribute to, and participate in a culture of inclusion and diversity

Must Haves:
  • Online portfolio demonstrating character art skills
  • 3+ years of experience as a 3D Character Artist at a game studio
  • Proficient modeling skills in Maya or equivalent
  • Self-motivated, humble, and a team player
  • Open-minded and able to implement feedback from peers and art directors in a timely manner
  • Passion for creating memorable characters for games
  • Understanding of Industry Standard Software such as Photoshop, ZBrush, and Texture Creation/Material Editing (Substance Painter/Unity)
  • Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning

Nice to Haves:
  • A passionate Gamer
  • A Sky Player
  • Human Anatomy & Animal Anatomy knowledge
  • Understanding of clothing construction and real-world materials
  • Strive to create a gaming experience that brings a positive impact to the gaming world
  • Experience creating a game from the ground up
  • Portfolio demonstrating a variety of art styles

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
The salary range for this position is $81,000 USD to $114,000 USD annually, with the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company's compensation practices.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in the Company's standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, and paid time off.
Our base pay is benchmarked against regional market and industry data and is adjusted to reflect the cost of living in your specific geographic area.
We look forward to meeting you!
#L1-Remote

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