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3D Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior 3D Designer

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$70 - $77/hr

Senior 3D Designer, Remote. Start date is ASAP for this 2-month contract position. Job Title: Senior 3D Designer Location-Type: Remote (must work Eastern Standard Time core hours, 9-5 EST) Start Date:

smartdept. is searching for a 3D Product Visualization Designer for a product design client located remotely. The ideal candidate will come with 3+ years of experience. This is a project based, fully ...

Back to Careers Full-Time Chicago, IL / Remote 3D Generalist and Motion Designer Marketing & Design Go Abacus is looking for a talented and versatile 3D Generalist and Motion Designer to join our ...

New

Designer II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$71 - $85/hr

Prepare program and schematic proposals and develop 3D designs in Revit and other 3D modeling software for client review/approval. * Assist or prepare presentation materials for client review. * Meet ...

BIM Designer

Mundelein, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

BIM Designer Location: Onsite first month for training (flexible hours), then hybrid in downtown ... Strong proficiency in Autodesk Revit for 3D modeling and 2D documentation * Understanding of ...

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3D Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$29

$52

How much do 3d designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d designer in Chicago, IL is $29.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $37.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D designer?

A 3D designer creates three-dimensional graphic elements for a wide variety of uses, including web design. They use computer graphic design software to model items such as architectural buildings, video games, and consumer product designs. This type of design may consider both functional and visual aspects. The work of a 3D designer can be found in almost any industry.

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

To thrive as a 3D Designer, you need a solid background in art and design principles, proficiency in 3D modeling, and often a degree in graphic design, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with rendering engines and CAD tools are typically required. Creativity, strong attention to detail, and effective communication skills help a 3D Designer excel in collaborative and client-driven environments. These competencies ensure the delivery of high-quality, visually compelling 3D assets that meet project objectives and client expectations.

How does a 3D designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

3D Designers work closely with various teams such as product managers, engineers, and marketing professionals to ensure their designs meet both technical requirements and business objectives. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss design concepts, integrating feedback from stakeholders, and coordinating with developers or manufacturers to resolve technical constraints. This cross-functional teamwork helps maintain consistency in the visual style and ensures the final product aligns with the project's goals. Effective communication and adaptability are key to navigating these collaborations successfully.

What is the difference between 3D Designer vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Designer3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating visual concepts, layouts, and designs for projectsBuilding detailed 3D models based on specifications
Skills & ToolsDesign software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design tools), creativityModeling software (e.g., Blender, Maya), technical modeling skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, advertising agencies, gaming, filmAnimation studios, game development, product visualization
Typical TasksConcept development, visual storytelling, layout designModel creation, texturing, rigging

While both roles involve 3D work, 3D Designers focus on conceptual and visual design, whereas 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D models. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a 3D Designer a good career?

A 3D Designer is a viable career option in industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design, requiring skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. The profession offers opportunities for creativity, project-based work, and freelance or full-time employment, with demand growing as visual content becomes increasingly important across sectors.

What does a 3D Designer do?

A 3D Designer creates three-dimensional models, visualizations, and animations for various industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design. They use software like AutoCAD, Blender, or Maya to develop detailed designs, often collaborating with clients and teams to meet project specifications and deadlines.

What jobs can you do with a 3D Designer?

A 3D Designer can work in industries such as gaming, film, architecture, product design, and advertising, creating visual models, animations, and prototypes using software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. They may find roles as 3D artists, visualizers, modelers, or animators, often collaborating with teams and requiring skills in rendering and visualization tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of 3D Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to 3D Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For 3D Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for 3D Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most 3D Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,164 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Senior 3D Designer

Mondo

Chicago, IL โ€ข Remote

$70 - $77/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Apply now: Senior 3D Designer, Remote. Start date is ASAP for this 2-month contract position. Job Title: Senior 3D Designer Location-Type: Remote (must work Eastern Standard Time core hours, 9-5 EST) Start Date: ASAP Duration: Contract, 2 months (opportunity to extend) Compensation Range: $70-$77/hr Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, and 401K Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for visa sponsorship Job Description:
  • The client is seeking a Senior 3D Designer to independently concept, design, and deliver custom experiential pop-up activations across multiple simultaneous projects for leading consumer brands.
Job Summary
  • •Develop original concepts and bring experiential pop-up activations to life from ideation through final build, working autonomously with minimal direction.
  • •Create 3D designs and renderings for custom retail and consumer event installations, incorporating materiality, texture, and storytelling to drive brand experiences.
  • •Collaborate with an art director to support process and ideation across multiple concurrent client projects.
  • •Produce 2D design assets alongside 3D work, maintaining a strong visual eye across both disciplines.
  • •Partner with fabrication vendors to understand and manage the logistical and structural requirements of physical builds.
  • •Deliver high-quality work quickly and accurately within tight timelines, with potential travel to event locations.
  • •Contribute to brainstorming and concept development across a variety of consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, and Client brand activations.
Minimum Requirements:
  • 8-10 years of experience in 3D design with a focus on experiential, pop-up, or event environments.
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software, with the ability to work fast and accurately under deadline.
  • Experience with 2D design tools and workflows.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite 
  • Demonstrated experience working with fabrication vendors and understanding physical build logistics.
  • Portfolio showcasing conceptual experiential work with a strong sense of materiality and texture-driven storytelling.
  • Background spanning multiple industries, such as consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, or Client and beauty brands.
  • Fully available for the duration of the engagement - not currently in a full-time role.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with SketchUp.
  • Experience designing interactive or technology-driven pop-up experiences, such as kiosks, gaming activations, or branded retail environments.
  • Familiarity with event logistics and potential comfort with project-related travel.