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3D Modeler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $45/hr

Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and full environments, across both realistic and stylized art directions. * End-to-End Asset Creation: Take models from concept ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $45/hr

Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and full environments, across both realistic and stylized art directions. * End-to-End Asset Creation: Take models from concept ...

Belcan

NX Tooling Designer & Modeler

Cypress, CA

$38 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create, update, and release 3D models and 2D engineering drawings in Siemens NX, ensuring accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with internal standards. * Manage product data through Teamcenter ...

Stantec

3D Visualization Specialist, Infrastructure

Irvine, CA · On-site

$77K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will focus on creating 3D models, renderings, animations, photo simulations, and presentation graphics for Stantec projects across infrastructure, transportation, water, environmental ...

The Bot Company

3D Vision

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Experience with PyTorch and CUDA, including custom operators, optimized data pipelines, or model acceleration. * Experience building 3D vision systems from scratch - not just using off-the-shelf ...

The Bot Company

3D Vision

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

Experience with PyTorch and CUDA, including custom operators, optimized data pipelines, or model acceleration. * Experience building 3D vision systems from scratch - not just using off-the-shelf ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Senior CAS Modeler

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare Alias data for design reviews, visualization, milling, 3D printing, and vendor releases. * Support the creation of physical models by delivering well-organized, production-ready digital data.

Hyundai Motor Company

Senior CAS Modeler

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare Alias data for design reviews, visualization, milling, 3D printing, and vendor releases. * Support the creation of physical models by delivering well-organized, production-ready digital data.

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All Jobs3D Modeler Jobs3D Modeler Jobs in California

3D Modeler information

See California salary details

$39K

$77.4K

$122.9K

How much do 3d modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d 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.

Are 3D modelers in demand?

3D modelers are in demand across industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design, with employment growth driven by increasing use of 3D visualization and animation. Skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max enhance job prospects, and a strong portfolio is often required. The field offers opportunities for freelance and full-time work, with demand expected to grow as digital content creation expands.

Is a 3D Modeler job a good career?

A 3D Modeler job is a viable career in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, requiring skills in software like Maya or Blender. It offers opportunities for creative expression and growth, with demand increasing for skilled artists in digital media. Career prospects depend on experience, portfolio quality, and proficiency with industry-standard tools.

How much does a 3D Modeler get paid?

The average salary for a 3D Modeler varies depending on experience, location, and industry, typically ranging from $45,000 to $85,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn higher wages.

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

To thrive as a 3D Modeler, you need a strong grasp of modeling techniques, texturing, and digital sculpting, typically supported by a portfolio and relevant education in art or design. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, and certifications can be advantageous. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in collaborative environments. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling and technically accurate models that meet project requirements in industries like gaming, film, and design.

What is a 3D modeler?

3D Modelers are professionals who create three-dimensional digital representations of objects, characters, environments, or products using specialized software. Their work is widely used in industries such as video games, movies, animation, architecture, and product design. 3D Modelers use tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to sculpt, texture, and render models that can be animated or visualized for various purposes. Their skills combine artistic creativity with technical proficiency, ensuring that models are both visually appealing and accurately constructed. The role often involves collaborating with other artists, designers, and engineers to meet project goals.

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

Aspect3D Modeler3D Artist
Primary FocusCreating 3D models and assetsCreating complete visual content, including models, textures, and scenes
Skills & ToolsModeling software (Maya, Blender, 3ds Max)Modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and compositing
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, product designGames, movies, advertising, visual effects
CredentialsOften requires a portfolio, sometimes certifications in modeling softwareSimilar credentials, with broader skills in visual creation

While both roles involve 3D creation, a 3D Modeler specializes in building detailed models, whereas a 3D Artist has a broader scope, including texturing, lighting, and rendering to produce complete visual scenes.

What are some typical challenges 3D modelers face when working on collaborative projects?

3D Modelers often work closely with animators, texture artists, and game designers, which requires strong communication and adaptability. A common challenge is ensuring that models meet both artistic and technical requirements, such as polygon count or compatibility with various software. Additionally, revisions based on feedback can be frequent, so being open to critique and able to iterate quickly is essential. Effective version control and clear documentation also play a big role in successful collaboration.

What does a 3D modeler do?

As a 3D Modeler, your primary responsibilities are to design and build 3D models based on the specifications of your clients. If you work in a shop, you will collaborate with other 3D Modelers and artists to create 3D characters, environments, and other items depending on your clientele. If you are self-employed, then you will work jobs for clients on a case-by-case basis. You will perform most of your 3D modeling work on a computer using software sculpting and texturing programs like ZBrush, Mudbox, and Polypainting. You may also use 3D printing technology to produce prototypes for your clients.

More about 3D Modeler jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Modeler jobs in California?

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3D Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Modeler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,445 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Application Engineer - 3D Visualization & Training - Part Time

Metis Technology Solutions Inc

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

NASA Ames Research Center’s Aviation Simulation Research & Development Branch (Code AFS) develops advanced simulation environments that support air traffic management research, flight simulation, and airspace operations analysis. As these environments grow in complexity, high‑fidelity 3D visual databases and models play a critical role in enabling realistic simulation scenarios for engineers, researchers, and operators.

The Code AF Software Facility is seeking an experienced 3D Visualization & Training Engineer to lead training, curriculum development, and technical integration efforts supporting the production and use of 3D content for flight and air traffic control simulations. This role includes direct support to visual engineers, collaboration with simulation project teams, and subject‑matter expertise in the integration of imagery with commercial image generator systems.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Graphics/Visualization, Engineering, or related discipline
  • 15-20 years of relevant experience developing or using 3D visual databases
  • Experience conducting structured technical training
  • Proficiency with Creator Pro or similar 3D modeling tools
  • Understanding of visual simulation pipelines and real‑time rendering concepts
  • Experience preparing training materials and measurable learning objectives
  • Ability to coordinate with engineering teams and participate in technical reviews
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Other Desired Skills
  • Familiarity with air traffic control and flight simulation concepts
  • Experience working with image generator systems, ideally RSI systems
  • Background supporting simulation engineering teams
Core ResponsibilitiesTraining Development and Delivery
  • Conduct training on development of 3D databases including airports, cities, terrain
  • Provide instruction on creating 3D moving models such as aircraft, spacecraft, and vehicles
  • Teach effective use of Creator Pro for 3D content production
  • Develop structured curriculum for entry-level visual engineers
Technical Expertise and Integration
  • Serve as SME on integrating 3D content with RSI image generator systems
  • Ensure 3D databases meet fidelity, compatibility, and performance requirements
  • Support visual database development tasks
Project Support and Collaboration
  • Attend flight and air traffic control simulation project meetings
  • Collaborate with simulation engineers and stakeholders to align training with needs

EEOE Including Vets and Disability

No visa sponsorship available