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3D Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior Lighting Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures, shaders and lighting environments to create realistic renders. * Construct Reality - Create and maintain the ...

Apply Early

Tolan

3D Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You'll create beautiful, production-ready models and textures yourself, then help bring them into ... Have worked on character-driven products where personality and expressiveness matter. * Have ...

Swaybox Studios

Rhino Designer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Develop detailed 3D models, set drawings, floor plans, and elevation designs in Rhino 3D ... Ensure sets are designed with camera angles, character movement, lighting, and puppet/animation ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ... Strong 3D modeling skills, including reference-based modeling and accurate recreation of physical ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT · On-site

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ... Strong 3D modeling skills, including reference-based modeling and accurate recreation of physical ...

Trove Brands

3D Generalist

Lehi, UT

Portfolios centered on character animation, architectural visualization, automotive rendering, or ... Strong 3D modeling skills, including reference-based modeling and accurate recreation of physical ...

Apply Early

2K

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

Quickly iterate detailed line art character designs. * Create paintovers for 3D visualization to ... Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc. Who You Are: * A ...

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3D Character Modeler information

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$78.5K

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

As of Jul 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 job?

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.

Is 3D character artist a good career?

A 3D character artist is a viable career in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, where demand for high-quality character models continues to grow. Success often requires proficiency in tools like Maya, ZBrush, or Blender, along with a strong portfolio and understanding of anatomy and texturing. The field offers opportunities for creative expression and can be financially rewarding with experience and specialization.

Is 3D modeling a high paying job?

3D character modelers can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, strong portfolios, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender. Salaries vary by location, industry, and skill level, but experienced professionals in the field often earn above average wages for creative roles.

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.

Is 3D modeling still in demand?

3D character modeling remains in demand across industries such as gaming, film, virtual reality, and advertising. Skilled 3D modelers who are proficient with tools like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush and have a strong portfolio are sought after as companies continue to produce high-quality digital content.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Character Modeler position, 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.

What is the salary of 3D character modeler?

The average salary for a 3D character modeler varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn higher salaries. Freelance 3D modelers may have variable income based on project scope and client rates.
More about 3D Character Modeler jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Character Modeler jobs? Cities with the most 3D Character Modeler job openings:
What states have the most 3D Character Modeler jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Character Modeler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 3D Character Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Character Modeler jobs are:
3D Character Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Modeler job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 50% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,472 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Senior Lighting Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.

 

Job Summary

Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire Senior 3D Lighting artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. The role requires a skilled artist with strong understanding of lighting and rendering photorealistic images of primarily organic characters. The ideal candidate will have experience lighting scenes from photo reference and should have a strong understanding of customizing shaders to replicate real interactions between surfaces and light.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Realize the Vision - Elevate high quality 3D character models by optimizing textures, shaders and lighting environments to create realistic renders.
  • Construct Reality - Create and maintain the overall look, color, and quality across multiple sequences to create storylines.
  • Collaborate - Work with artists, leads, and supervisors to understand day to day production needs and push pipeline solutions.
  • Mentor - Elevate the performance and skills of your team by providing helpful critique and spreading your knowledge.
 

Qualifications and Skills

  • 10+ years’ experience as a 3D artist or relevant portfolio
  • Mastery of artistic fundamentals - scale, composition, perspective, proportion, mass and volume, light and color, and surface properties
  • Strong understanding of real-world lighting and photography, exposure, color grading, lens and camera behavior and HDR workflows
  • Mastery of standard art packages such as Maya, Arnold, Substance / Adobe Painter, etc
  • Mastery of look development and lighting for photorealistic renders, including human skin, eyes, teeth and hair. 
  • Skilled in replicating physically accurate lighting environments in 3D
  • Deep understanding of PBR rendering and optimizations using Arnold or similar engines and familiarity working with render farms. 
  • Experience developing tools and automations with Python a plus
  • Experience working within an established studio pipeline and file structure
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have a learning mind-set
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks

Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive Market Leading Pay 
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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