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3D Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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.
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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:
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.
Assistant Professor of Studio and Digital Arts, 3D Modeling & Animation

Assistant Professor of Studio and Digital Arts, 3D Modeling & Animation

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Liberty University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Faculty are essential to Liberty University's mission of Training Champions for Christ. It is expected that a faculty member model a personal commitment to the goals and values of Liberty University, engage in an active commitment to, and experience of, personal spiritual formation within a biblically informed Christian worldview. Faculty should view their teaching, engagement with students, and scholarship as a means to a significant educational end. They should strive to employ a variety of techniques for the development of good learning conditions, view each student as a unique individual, and insofar as it is possible, provide for individual differences, abilities, and interests.
The Assistant Professor's primary role is to teach in their areas of expertise, maintain the integrity of course and instructional programs, and to ensure that their delivery is in alignment with the University mission and vision for the student experience. As such, faculty are responsible for creating an academic atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration for individual dignity. Faculty members may be asked to aid in the development of curriculum in the residential and distance education environments, as well as engage in research/scholarship or creative activity that varies depending upon the expectations of their respective college or school and any additional activities involving service to students and their professional discipline.
Faculty attain the rank of Assistant Professor based upon scholarly and professional achievements. An earned doctoral degree or a terminal master's degree at an accredited institution in an area relevant to the faculty member's area of teaching or a professional certificate (e.g., CPA) is preferred but not required.
Assistant Professors are contracted for 10, 11, or 12 months (30, 33, or 36 load hours, respectively). Release from contracted teaching load is determined each semester by the Dean, per Liberty University Faculty Handbook.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in 3D-focused studio art disciplines.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to effective instruction in 3D art, animation, and related technologies.
  • Maintain a student-centered teaching philosophy that balances foundational instruction with advanced, career-oriented skill development.
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff on program development and curricular innovation.
  • Engage with emerging technologies-including AI-assisted tools and real-time production workflows-as they relate to contemporary creative practice.
  • Support and advance Liberty University's mission through excellence in teaching, service, and professional engagement.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
Education
  • MFA in Studio Art, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, Game Design, or a closely related field.

Experience
  • Minimum of three years of teaching experience beyond a Teaching Assistant role and/or significant professional industry experience.

Technical Expertise
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: 3D modeling, rendering, lighting, texturing, character animation, or digital production workflows.
  • Experience with tools such as Blender, Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine, Unity, or 3ds Max.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Specialization in areas related to 3D modeling, animation, environments, texturing, lighting, or rendering.
  • Strong teaching skills with demonstrated communication, collaboration, and creative excellence.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
A successful candidate will possess effective communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University in a variety of environments with strong organizational skills, computer, and scheduling skills. Applicants must have the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information and an ability to understand, speak, and write in English to convey messages and correspond articulately and professionally.
Applicants should have excellent problem-solving skills with intuitive reasoning and the ability to analyze information/events while applying accurate judgment to solve problems that are both routine and complex. Candidates must be flexible in a swiftly changing environment.
There may be times this position requires travel to local and campus locations. Candidates are regularly required to sit to perform desk work or type on a keyboard, stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus, hear and speak to effectively communicate, as well as handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop to conduct business, regularly lifting 10 or fewer pounds.
The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well-lit, and the noise level is moderate. The working environment also includes the facilitation of events off campus.
The use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance are required.
This job description is designed to provide an employee with a basic understanding of the essential functions, duties, and responsibilities entailed in the performance of the job with Liberty University (LU). It is not intended to be all-inclusive. This description does not constitute an employment contract, either expressed or implied. Employment with Liberty University is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or LU with or without advance notice for any reason or for no reason at all. Only the President is authorized to make changes to any LU policy. Job functions and responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of management. Efforts will be made to provide advanced notice of such changes whenever possible.
Time Type
Full time
Location
Onsite
Pay Range
Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's rank, contract length, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.
The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.
$67,700.00 - $85,000.00
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

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