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3D Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BMI Merchandise

Plush Designer

Lakewood, NJ · On-site

... color studies, and character personality/story development. * Create detailed technical ... Basic 3D modeling or pattern-making experience. * Experience presenting concepts to buyers ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

The ideal candidate combines strong 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation ... Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

The ideal candidate combines strong 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation ... Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

The ideal candidate combines strong 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and animation ... Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$30 - $45/hr

Versatile 3D Modeling: Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and ... Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $45/hr

Versatile 3D Modeling: Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and ... Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $45/hr

Versatile 3D Modeling: Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and ... Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ...

Mercor

Character Animation Expert - AI Focus

New York, NY · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Character and Facial Animation Consultant Type: Contract Compensation: $60-$90/hour Location ... Ensure the model has meaningful tests. * Shape the evaluation pool. Define the profile, expertise ...

Weekday AI

Character and Facial Animation Consultant

$60 - $90/hr

... assess model performance. This is a part-time engagement with opportunities for ongoing ... 3D work, layout, previsualization, environments, or visual effects without substantial character ...

Jam City

Principal 3D Generalist

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $120K/yr

Modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, skinning and shader development experience. * Must have ... Firm grasp of both Environment and Character art process. * Good understanding of human and animal ...

Jam City

Principal 3D Generalist

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $120K/yr

Modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, skinning and shader development experience. * Must have ... Firm grasp of both Environment and Character art process. * Good understanding of human and animal ...

Jam City

Principal 3D Generalist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, skinning and shader development experience. * Must have ... Firm grasp of both Environment and Character art process. * Good understanding of human and animal ...

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How much do 3d character modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d character modeler in the United States is $78,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D character modeler?

A 3D Character Modeler is responsible for creating digital characters for video games, films, animation, and other media. They use specialized software like Blender, ZBrush, and Maya to sculpt, texture, and refine character models based on concept art or creative direction. Their work ensures that characters not only look visually appealing but also function properly in animations and real-time applications. Collaboration with animators, riggers, and designers is essential to maintaining consistency and quality. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of anatomy, and technical proficiency are key to success in this role.

What types of projects or teams do 3D character modelers typically work on?

3D Character Modelers often collaborate with concept artists, animators, riggers, and game designers on projects ranging from video games and animated films to cinematic trailers and virtual reality experiences. While some roles may be specialized and focus solely on character creation, many positions involve working closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure models are optimized for animation, rendering, and in-game performance. The workflow is highly collaborative, with ongoing feedback loops and iteration as part of the creative process. If you enjoy teamwork, contributing to high-impact visual storytelling, and refining your craft through feedback, this environment may be a great fit for you.

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

Excelling as a 3D Character Modeler requires strong artistic ability, knowledge of human and creature anatomy, and proficiency in modeling techniques, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is typically essential, along with experience in texturing tools like Substance Painter. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are highly valued soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to producing visually compelling, technically sound character assets that integrate smoothly into diverse production pipelines.

Are 3D character modelers in high demand?

3D character modelers are in high demand in industries such as gaming, film, and virtual reality, where skilled artists are needed to create detailed and realistic characters. Proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or ZBrush, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects as companies seek talented professionals for various projects.

How much does a 3D character modeler get paid?

The average salary for a 3D character modeler varies depending on experience, location, and industry, typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level modelers may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn higher salaries or freelance rates.

Is a 3D character modeler a good career?

A 3D character modeler is a viable career in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, requiring skills in software like Maya or Blender. The role offers opportunities for creative expression and can lead to freelance or full-time positions, with career growth often linked to experience and portfolio quality.
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3D Character Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Modeler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 61% In-person, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,472 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Plush Designer

BMI Merchandise

Lakewood, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Department: Product Development

Location: Remote or Lakewood, NJ

Reports To: President

Travel: Occasional

About BMI Merchandise

For 40 years, BMI Merchandise has been the leader in redemption merchandise and technology, supplying plush, prizes, and novelties to family entertainment centers and arcade operators across the amusement industry. We take the guesswork out of redemption and we're looking for a Plush Designer who wants to shape what comes out of the claw machine next.

Position Summary

The Plush Designer leads the concept-to-shelf development of BMI's plush toy line, translating market trends, sales opportunities, and operator feedback into huggable, sellable products. This role owns the creative and technical design process — from first sketch through factory-ready spec — and partners closely with sourcing, buying, and sales to keep BMI's plush assortment fresh, on-trend, and profitable.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design original plush characters and product lines, including concept sketches, color studies, and character personality/story development.
  • Create detailed technical specification packages (line drawings, size specs, fabric and trim callouts, safety and fill requirements) for overseas factory production.
  • Research redemption, licensing, and consumer plush trends to identify whitespace opportunities for new product lines and seasonal collections.
  • Collaborate with sourcing and quality teams throughout sampling, approving pre-production and gold-seal samples against design intent, safety standards (ASTM/CPSC), and cost targets.
  • Partner with the buying and marketing teams to align new plush launches with trade show timelines, catalog releases, and eblast/social campaigns.
  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously against tight development calendars and trade show deadlines (IAAPA, Amusement Expo, and others).
  • Present new concepts internally and, occasionally, directly to key redemption operator accounts.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Toy Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of experience designing plush, soft goods, or 3D character products, ideally within toys, redemption, or licensed consumer products.
  • Strong illustration and technical sketching skills; proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop required.
  • Working knowledge of plush construction methods, fabrics, and overseas manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with U.S. toy safety standards (ASTM F963, CPSC) and how they inform design decisions.
  • Excellent organizational skills and comfort managing several product lines at different stages of development at once.
  • Strong collaborator who can take feedback from sales, buying, and operators and translate it into design direction.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience designing for the amusement, redemption, or FEC (family entertainment center) market.
  • Basic 3D modeling or pattern-making experience.
  • Experience presenting concepts to buyers, licensors, or accounts.
What BMI Offers
  • 401k with company match.
  • Competitive salary plus travel allowances.
  • Health, dental, life, and vision benefits.
  • The opportunity to directly shape BMI's plush product line.