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3D Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced Senior 3D ... Take Initiative - Design and enhance our character performance pipeline with new tools and ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced Senior 3D ... Take Initiative - Design and enhance our character performance pipeline with new tools and ...

Swaybox Studios

Rhino Designer

New Orleans, LA

Ensure sets are designed with camera angles, character movement, lighting, and puppet/animation ... layout or set design for animation, film, or television. * Strong proficiency in Rhino 3D ...

Swaybox Studios

Rhino Designer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Ensure sets are designed with camera angles, character movement, lighting, and puppet/animation ... layout or set design for animation, film, or television. * Strong proficiency in Rhino 3D ...

2K

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA

$100K - $148K/yr

... Design team, ultimately bringing the richly imagined world of BioShock to life. What You'll Do ... Quickly iterate detailed line art character designs. * Create paintovers for 3D visualization to ...

Optimal Inc.

Design Release Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$37 - $42.25/hr

CATIA, CAD, CAD Design * CATIA - independently able to create complex 3D proposals recognized as ... character and art in the surface * Guide initial theme set-up, and development through or in ...

Optimal Inc.

Design Release Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$37 - $42.25/hr

CATIA, CAD, CAD Design * CATIA - independently able to create complex 3D proposals recognized as ... character and art in the surface * Guide initial theme set-up, and development through or in ...

Absurd Ventures

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Solid understanding of game development pipelines, including concept art, character design, 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and visual effects. * Proven ability to translate creative concepts into ...

Optimal Inc.

Design Release Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$37 - $42.25/hr

CATIA, CAD, CAD Design * CATIA - independently able to create complex 3D proposals recognized as ... character and art in the surface * Guide initial theme set-up, and development through or in ...

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All Jobs3D Character Design Jobs

3D Character Design information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do 3d character design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d character design 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 3D character design?

3D character design is the process of creating three-dimensional digital models of characters for use in video games, animation, films, virtual reality, and other media. Artists use specialized software to sculpt, texture, and rig characters, bringing them to life with details and personality. The role often involves collaborating with other creative professionals to ensure characters fit the visual style and functionality required by a project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Character Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Character Designer, you need strong artistic skills, knowledge of human and creature anatomy, and proficiency with 3D modeling and sculpting, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, Blender, and familiarity with texturing tools like Substance Painter is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help designers collaborate with teams and bring unique characters to life. These skills ensure that characters are visually compelling, technically sound, and fit project requirements for games, films, or other media.

How does a 3D Character Designer typically collaborate with other team members during a game or film project?

3D Character Designers frequently work closely with concept artists, animators, riggers, and game developers to ensure characters not only look visually appealing but also function well within the intended environment. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are common, where designers make adjustments based on input from art directors and technical leads. Collaborative platforms and project management tools are used to share assets and track progress, ensuring seamless integration of character models into the larger project. Strong communication skills and a willingness to adapt designs based on team needs are essential for success in this role.

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

Aspect3D Character Design3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating character concepts, sketches, and detailed designsBuilding 3D models based on designs or specifications
Skills RequiredConcept art, anatomy, creativity, software like Photoshop and ZBrushModeling, topology, texturing, software like Maya, Blender
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, gaming, animation, filmAnimation studios, game development, VFX companies
Common UsageDesign phase, character developmentModel creation, rigging, optimization

While 3D Character Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing characters, 3D Modeler specializes in creating the actual 3D models based on those designs. Both roles often collaborate closely in the character development process within gaming, animation, and film industries.

More about 3D Character Design jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Character Design jobs? Cities with the most 3D Character Design job openings:
What states have the most 3D Character Design jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Character Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 3D Character Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Character Design jobs are:
3D Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA • On-site

$3K - $10K/wk

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Animation and Production Department (Evergreen) Adjunct
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, Computer Engineering, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master's degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade.
To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .
Position: Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Department
Reports to: Animation and Production Department Chair
The Animation and Production Department at DigiPen Institute of Technology invites applicants for potential future positions of Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Instructor. Join our faculty team and help students develop the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen fields.
Animation and Production courses cover the history, methods, and specialized topics in the field of animation in game and film production. From character rigging to cinematography, students both learn and practice how to tell compelling stories through the magic of moving images. Comprising of talented and creative traditional and CG animators, and filmmakers from the game and film industry, our diverse department faculty bring a deep well of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom.
After completing the application process, you may be invited to participate in the interview process. If accepted, you will be added to our pool of pre-approved adjuncts. The Animation and Production Department hires adjunct faculty from the pool of pre-approved adjuncts each semester on an as-needed basis.
The Animation and Production Department is accepting applications for adjunct instructors for courses in:
  • Animation Fundamentals
  • 3D Character Animation
  • 3D Character Rigging
  • Film and Animation History
  • Other specialized courses in animation and film as needed

This is an ongoing posting. For more information about DigiPen's offerings, visit:
Current Courses | DigiPen
Essential Functions/Duties
  • Teach courses in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
  • Prepare and submit (on Moodle) timely grade reports and other reports on student performance
  • Organize class activities, demos, and assignments and assignments to meet learning outcomes
  • Manage Student Teaching Assistants, if required; supervising their timecards and reviewing their weekly hours
  • Provide input, create, and improve course materials
  • Offer weekly office hours
  • In-person teaching, with online classes when necessary, in Redmond, WA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of the subject areas in which the individual is responsible for instruction
  • Knowledge and understanding of principles of curriculum development
  • Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of effective communication and of effective instruction
  • Specialized knowledge in Fine and Applied Art such as: Art, Illustration and/or Visual Development, etc.
  • Skills in Word, PowerPoint, Moodle, and MS Teams

Qualifications / Competencies
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Animation or related field
  • Relevant academic experience and/or four years of relevant industry experience
  • Demonstrate evidence of teaching experience that supports a diverse student body and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
  • Team player with ability to solve problems independently
  • Solid grounding in interdisciplinary teaching
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Comfortable with technology
  • Ability to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles, special needs, etc.

Salary Range:
$3,888 - $10,887 per term, depending on credit hours, class size, and faculty rank
Not benefits eligible.
Application Procedure:
Applications should include, or you will be asked to provide, the following:
  • A cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae / résumé
  • Digital Art portfolio website
  • Academic Transcripts of most recently attended educational institutions
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Statement of experience on maximizing quality and engagement across broad subjects and perspectives

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete application files will be accepted on a continuous basis and remain active for one year. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Notes:
  • All Adjunct positions are part-time, temporary assignments (for no more than one semester at a time), dependent upon student enrollment and instructional needs, and subject to budget consideration and approval. DigiPen Institute of Technology reserves the right to extend application deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all.
The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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