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3D Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

As of Jun 11, 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 art-related jobs are about $80,000 a year?

In the field of 3D character modeling, experienced professionals working in gaming, film, or animation studios can earn around $80,000 annually, especially with advanced skills in software like Maya or Blender. Senior 3D modelers with a strong portfolio and specialized expertise often reach this salary level, particularly in larger companies or competitive markets.

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 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.

How much do 3D modellers get paid?

3D character modelers typically earn between $45,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working in gaming, film, or animation can earn higher salaries, especially with proficiency in tools like Maya or Blender.

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.

Will 3D modelers be replaced by AI?

3D character modelers create detailed digital models for use in games, films, and animations. While AI tools can assist with tasks like automating repetitive processes or generating base models, human expertise is still essential for creative decision-making, fine-tuning details, and ensuring quality. AI is more likely to augment rather than replace skilled 3D modelers in the foreseeable future.

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.

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What cities are hiring for 3D Character Modeler jobs? Cities with the most 3D Character Modeler job openings:
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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 59% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 11% 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 Concept Artist (Characters)

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

2K

Novato, CA • On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

As a Senior Character Concept Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ideate the stunning, stylized characters that will inhabit the world of BioShock. Collaborating with a passionate group of game developers you will be responsible for creating high-fidelity art that conceptualizes the look and feel of our game world, and pushes the boundaries of the Visual Art Direction for the game. To ensure a cohesive look across the project you will partner with the Character Art and Tech Art teams as well as other concept artists, and explore the realization of gameplay paces with the Design team, ultimately bringing the richly imagined world of BioShock to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Create detailed, stylized Character Art concepts.
  • Deliver high-fidelity concept art, with sufficient detail and clarity, that will serve as the reference for the Character Art team to execute upon, without ambiguity.
  • Quickly iterate detailed line art character designs.
  • Create paintovers for 3D visualization to help push the limits of the designs.
  • Storyboard as needed to clarify concepts and pitches.
  • Assist in the creation of marketing art and in-game 2D assets when needed.
  • Follow Art Direction and provide solutions to drive excellence and elevate our standards.
  • Brainstorm ideas for characters with Design and Art teams.
  • Sketch explorative thumbnails in 2D and 3D.
  • Proactively identify complex visual or pipeline bottlenecks before they impact production.
  • Continuously explore and propose visual innovations that evolve the Art Direction while staying within the established project constraints.

What We'll Do Together:
At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high standards, pushing for progress and embracing change. We will work closely and constructively across Design, Art, Narrative, and Engineering teams to ensure environmental concepts support both the narrative "look and feel" and functional gameplay requirements. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and identify solutions to overcome developmental obstacles, bridging the gap between artistic vision and technical constraints.
Skills & Experiences:
  • Degree in Fine Art or related work experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in games.
  • Contributed to one AAA title in the role of concept artist.
  • Able to quickly iterate on ideas visually, graciously give and receive constructive feedback, and take direction well.
  • Excellent fundamentals in Human Anatomy.
  • Stylistically versatile, able to faithfully recreate elements of popular and commercial art from multiple eras, and innovate on new ideas.
  • Expertise and knowledge of the AAA Game Concept Art pipeline.
  • Fluent in 2D editing/illustration packages such as Illustrator, Photoshop.
  • BONUS: Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc.

Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • A persistent and self-motivated person with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong owner of your tasks, who strives to drive their work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,200 - $148,320 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
For candidates located in Quebec:
  • Proficiency in French is required.
  • Proficiency in English is required to effectively collaborate with teams based in the United States.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees, we only use 2K.com accounts.

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