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

As of Sep 9, 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 is a 3D character modeler?

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D character modeler, 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.

Are 3D character modelers in high demand?

3D character modelers are in high demand in industries such as gaming, film, and virtual reality, where skilled artists are needed to create detailed and realistic characters. Proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or ZBrush, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects as companies seek talented professionals for various projects.

How much does a 3D character modeler get paid?

The average salary for a 3D character modeler varies depending on experience, location, and industry, typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level modelers may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn higher salaries or freelance rates.

Is a 3D character modeler a good career?

A 3D character modeler is a viable career in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, requiring skills in software like Maya or Blender. The role offers opportunities for creative expression and can lead to freelance or full-time positions, with career growth often linked to experience and portfolio quality.
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3d Character Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Modeler job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,472 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Assistant Professor (3D Animation) (0070059)

Honolulu, HI • On-site

University of Hawaii
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about University of Hawaiiexternal

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

University Of Hawaii System rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 633 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : UH Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-01806
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - CALL - School of Cinematic Arts
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Position Number:: 0070059
Description
Title: Assistant Professor (3D Animation)
Position Number: 0070059
Hiring Unit: College of Arts, Languages & Letters, School of Cinematic Arts
Location: Manoa
Date Posted: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins 10/15/2026
Salary Information: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Monthly Type: 9 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Other Conditions: Full-time, tenure track position in 3D Animation to begin Fall 2027, pending position clearance and availability of funds.
As Hawai'i's Film School, School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is at the forefront of cinematic arts education in the Pacific. Located in Honolulu at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, SCA is dedicated to academic and creative excellence through its bachelor of arts degree designed to encourage innovation and collaboration with an emphasis on Hawaii, Pacific, and Asia. Focused in the heart of a state with a robust film and television industry, SCA encourages professional development, mentorship and community engagement through a variety of programs, including internships, master classes, and industry screenings. SCA nurtures and empowers students to develop their own unique voice as storytellers. Exploring cinematic arts forms rooted in personal experience and place-based learning through animation, cinema studies, digital cinema production, and screenwriting.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Teach beginning to advanced courses in 3D animation;
  2. Assist in the development, support, and teaching of a curricular program in animation, stressing multiple theoretical, critical, historical, and technical approaches in the study, design, application, and distribution of animation;
  3. Development of creative works or scholarship in your field of specialization, leading to public screenings and presentations;
  4. Involvement in and presentations at nationally recognized professional organizations/conferences in your field;
  5. Work towards the development of internship opportunities for students;
  6. Supervise animation labs;
  7. Involvement in service to the department, university, and community;
  8. Advise student majors in the animation track; and
  9. Other duties as assigned by the Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:
  1. Terminal degree (i.e., M.F.A. or equivalent) in Animation, Digital Arts, Film/Media Arts,or closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing (degree must be completed by August 2027);
  2. Professional industry experience and accomplishment in 3D animation as demonstrated through the creation, direction, and collaboration of projects that include 3D animation;
  3. Experience teaching college level animation classes;
  4. Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and rendering, with advanced expertise in one or more of these areas.
  5. Proficiency in industry-standard software suites and specialized applications, including:
    • Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite
    • ZBrush, Substance Painter, Maxon Cinema 4D or comparable software
  6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, faculty, staff, and administration.

Desirable Qualifications:
  1. Proficiency in and knowledge of 2D animation as demonstrated through creative or professional work.
  2. Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of:
    • 2D animation software including but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable software.
    • Animation history.
  3. Experience in community engagement.

To Apply:
Click on the "Apply" button at the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents:
  1. Letter of application that addresses abilities to meet duties and how minimum and desirable qualifications are met. Applicants should further discuss their suitability, collegiality and enthusiasm for creating and participating in programs across disciplines in a highly collaborative curriculum.
  2. Statement of teaching philosophy;
  3. Curriculum vitae;
  4. Transcript(s) showing highest degree received; copies of transcripts acceptable at time of application, original transcript required at time of hire;
  5. URL link(s) to portfolio, samples, or professional or scholarly work;
  6. List of at least five references and contact information.

Inquiries: Search Committee Chair: Laura Margulies, lmarguli@hawaii.edu
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/

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About University of Hawaii

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The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907

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