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3D Game Modeler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tolan

3D Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You'll create beautiful, production-ready models and textures yourself, then help bring them into ... Have shipped stylized 3D work on mobile, games, AR/VR, or real-time interactive products. * Can ...

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 ... Take models from concept and blockout through to final, game-ready delivery, with clean topology ...

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 ... Take models from concept and blockout through to final, game-ready delivery, with clean topology ...

Roblox

Senior Software Engineer, Geometry

San Mateo, CA

$139K - $183K/yr

... 3D game engines or real-time geometry applications. * Technically Proficient: Highly skilled in ... modeling, or simulation.sni Nice-to-Haves: * Experience with WebGL or other web-based 3D frameworks.

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3D Game Modeler information

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$39K

$77.4K

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d game modeler in California is $77,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D game modeler?

A 3D Game Modeler is a digital artist who creates three-dimensional models for video games, including characters, environments, props, and other visual elements. They use specialized software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to design, sculpt, and texture models that are optimized for real-time rendering in game engines. 3D Game Modelers work closely with other team members, such as animators and game designers, to ensure models meet artistic and technical requirements. Their work is essential in bringing the visual aspects of a game to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D game modeler?

To thrive as a 3D Game Modeler, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of 3D modeling principles, and experience with game art pipelines, often supported by a degree in fine arts, 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 are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help you deliver high-quality assets that fit the project's vision. These skills and qualities are essential for creating visually compelling, technically efficient models that enhance the gaming experience and meet production deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D game modelers when working on large-scale gaming projects?

3D Game Modelers working on large-scale games often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in art style across a big team, optimizing models for performance without sacrificing visual quality, and meeting tight production deadlines. Collaboration with animators, texture artists, and game designers is essential to ensure that models integrate smoothly into the game engine and support gameplay requirements. Staying up to date with evolving industry tools and workflows is also crucial, as projects may require adapting to new technologies or pipelines.

Are 3D game modelers in high demand?

3D game modelers are in high demand due to the growth of the gaming industry and the need for realistic, detailed assets. Skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects as companies seek talented artists for game development and virtual environments.

Can you get a job as a 3D game modeler?

A 3D game modeler can find employment in the gaming industry by creating character, environment, and object models using software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. Strong skills in modeling, texturing, and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal are essential, along with a portfolio demonstrating relevant work. Entry-level positions often require a relevant degree or certification and a solid understanding of industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Game Modeler jobs in California?

For 3D Game Modeler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Game Modeler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Game Modeler jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Game Modeler jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Game Modeler job openings:

3D Game Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Game Modeler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,445 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

3D Game Artist, Platform Architecture

Apple

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Have you shipped AAA games? Are you an expert in 3D environment art? Do you enjoy concepting, lighting, animating and bringing 3D environments to life? Then our small multi-disciplinary team of veteran game developers is curious to talk to you about how you could contribute to projects utilizing our proprietary cross-platform game engine and tools.
Description
As an Artist on the Tools & Technology team, you will contribute with your strong 3D artistic background and talents to developing content, features and workflows for all phases of production using the bespoke engine and its tools in collaboration with designers and engineers.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent job-related experience.
Experience as a 3D artist in the games industry including experience modeling, sculpting, material creation and/or lighting.
Experience with look development.
Experience with industry-standard 3D software packages.
Experience with physically based material workflows.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of experience working as a 3D artist in the games industry.
Contributed to the development of two or more shipped games, PC or console.
Strong artistic foundation in design, composition, color and lighting.
Strong understanding of asset workflows in all stages of production.
Strong narrative and environmental story telling skills with regards to set dressing and world building.
Passion for games.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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