ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

3D Rendering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Rendering Engine Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$172K - $213K/yr

Apple Maps offers a constantly evolving and increasingly detailed 3D world, and our team renders ... We're looking for a Rendering Engine Software Engineer who is excited by the challenge of rendering ...

Apple

Senior Rendering Engine Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$151K - $199K/yr

Apple Maps offers a constantly evolving and increasingly detailed 3D world, and our team renders ... We're looking for a Senior Rendering Engine Software Engineer who is excited by the challenge of ...

Moon

Senior Product Manager (3D Tool)

Glendale, CA · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including 3D rendering engineers and UX/UI designers, to deliver high-impact product releases for the 3D platform. * Manage the product roadmap for the 3D ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobs3D Rendering Jobs3D Rendering Jobs in California

3D Rendering information

See California salary details

$19

$38

$67

How much do 3d rendering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d rendering in California is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do 3D renderers make?

3D renderers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized renderers with advanced skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with additional certifications.

How to become a 3D renderer?

To become a 3D renderer, develop skills in 3D modeling and rendering software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. Obtain a relevant degree or certification in computer graphics or digital art, build a strong portfolio showcasing your work, and gain experience through internships or freelance projects to improve your skills and industry knowledge.

What is a 3D Rendering job?

A 3D Rendering job involves creating realistic or stylized digital images of objects, environments, or scenes using specialized software. Professionals in this field use 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, and rendering techniques to produce visuals for industries like architecture, gaming, product design, and marketing. They may work with clients, designers, or engineers to bring concepts to life through photorealistic or artistic representations. Strong technical skills in software like Blender, 3ds Max, or V-Ray are essential. The role may also involve optimizing renders for different media, ensuring high-quality output.

What jobs require 3D rendering?

Jobs that require 3D rendering include 3D artist, architectural visualizer, game designer, product designer, and visual effects artist. These roles often involve creating realistic or stylized 3D models and scenes using software like Blender, 3ds Max, or Maya, and may require skills in modeling, texturing, and lighting. 3D rendering is essential in industries such as architecture, gaming, film, advertising, and product development.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in 3D Rendering?

Professionals in 3D Rendering spend their days creating and refining 3D models, applying textures and materials, setting up lighting, and generating high-quality images or animations based on project requirements. They often collaborate closely with designers, architects, animators, and project managers to ensure visual outputs align with the overall creative vision. Daily tasks may include adjusting render settings, troubleshooting technical issues, reviewing feedback from clients or supervisors, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. This dynamic workflow helps develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Rendering position, and why are they important?

To thrive in 3D Rendering, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, lighting, texturing, and rendering concepts, often supported by a degree or certification in graphics, animation, or a related field. Expertise in software such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Blender, Maya, V-Ray, or Unreal Engine is typically required, alongside knowledge of rendering workflows and file formats. Attention to detail, creativity, time management, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications are important because they ensure the delivery of visually compelling and technically accurate imagery that meets client or project specifications on deadline.

Is 3D rendering a good career?

3D rendering is a viable career for those skilled in computer graphics, modeling, and software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. It offers opportunities in industries like architecture, gaming, film, and product design, often requiring a strong portfolio and proficiency in rendering techniques. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and individual skill development.
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rendering jobs in California? The most popular types of 3D Rendering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to 3D Rendering jobs in California? For 3D Rendering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Rendering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Rendering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for 3D Rendering jobs? Cities in California with the most 3D Rendering job openings:
3D Rendering jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Rendering job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,995 per year, or $38.9 per hour.
Rendering Engine Software Engineer

Rendering Engine Software Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$172K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 667 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple Maps offers a constantly evolving and increasingly detailed 3D world, and our team renders every frame of it. We develop the graphics engine that powers the mapping and navigation experiences across Apple's entire device ecosystem, from Watch to Vision Pro, as well as the Web. We're looking for a Rendering Engine Software Engineer who is excited by the challenge of rendering our planet beautifully and performantly in real time.
Description
We are the Map Display team, and every day our work is used by hundreds of millions of people to explore and navigate the world. We own the 3D visual experience inside Apple Maps and the graphics engine that fuels a thriving ecosystem of first- and third-party applications. You'll work at the intersection of art and engineering, developing novel algorithms, pushing rendering techniques forward, and collaborating with world-class designers and cartographers to make every pixel perfect. Whether it's the 3D imagery and splats of Yosemite National Park, the historical landmarks of Rome, the streets of Paris, or the transit systems of Tokyo, you'll have a hand in how people interact with our world.
Minimum Qualifications
BA/BS plus 3 years of hands-on experience building real-time 3D rendering applications
Proficiency writing C++ that is safe, performant, readable, and built to last
Experience with one or more modern graphics APIs (e.g., Metal, Vulkan, Direct3D 12, WebGPU) and shading languages (e.g., MSL, HLSL, GLSL, WGSL)
Ability to use 3D geometry and linear algebra to solve graphics problems
Methodical debugging mindset and tenacious problem-solving instincts
Sense of ownership of the features you ship
Preferred Qualifications
Experience navigating the entire lifecycle of software development, from whiteboarding designs to shipping quality, optimized code
Proficiency using profiling tools and performance optimization for mobile platforms
Familiarity with AR/VR rendering technologies and the unique challenges of immersive environments

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

View All Apple Jobs

Apply