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Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of ... Sculpt, model, and texture characters to meet the artistic and technical requirements of the ...

Absurd Ventures

Lead Character Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of ... Sculpt, model, and texture characters to meet the artistic and technical requirements of the ...

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

What you'll bring to the team Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic ... Workplace - Children are our role models. Their curiosity, creativity and imagination inspire ...

Merlin Entertainments

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic to create unforgettable, joy ... Workplace- Children are our role models. Their curiosity, creativity and imagination inspire ...

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

What you'll bring to the team Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic ... Workplace- Children are our role models. Their curiosity, creativity and imagination inspire ...

Thatgamecompany

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)

$81K - $114K/yr

3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to ... Proficient modeling skills in Maya or equivalent * Self-motivated, humble, and a team player * Open ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123K - $130K/yr

This mid-level generalist role focuses on modeling, texturing, and optimizing character assets across a variety of styles for AAA-quality games on PC, console, mobile, and VR/AR platforms. How We ...

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How much do character modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for character modeler in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 3D modeling still in demand?

3D modeling remains in demand across industries such as gaming, film, animation, and virtual reality, with skilled character modelers being essential for creating realistic assets. Proficiency in software like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush and staying updated with industry trends can enhance job prospects in this field.

What does a character modeler do?

A character modeler creates 3D digital models of characters for use in video games, movies, or animations. They use software like Maya or Blender to sculpt, texture, and optimize models for rendering and animation, often collaborating with artists and animators to ensure the models meet project requirements.

How does a character modeler typically collaborate with other team members during a game or film production?

Character modelers work closely with concept artists, riggers, animators, and texture artists throughout the production process. They often receive 2D concept art and translate it into 3D models, while collaborating with riggers to ensure that models are suitable for animation and deformation. Regular feedback sessions and asset reviews with art directors and other departments help ensure the character fits the artistic and technical requirements of the project. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as character modelers may need to make adjustments based on feedback or changing project needs.

Is character design a good career?

Character modeling is a viable career in the entertainment and gaming industries, requiring skills in 3D software like Maya or Blender and a strong understanding of anatomy and design. It offers opportunities for creative expression and growth, with demand increasing as digital media expands. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio and staying updated with industry tools and trends.

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

AspectCharacter Modeler3D Artist
CredentialsPortfolio, 3D modeling software skillsPortfolio, 3D software skills, sometimes formal education
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation companies, VFX housesGame studios, animation, advertising, film
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming, animation, VFX for detailed character creationBroader, includes environment, props, characters

While both roles involve 3D modeling, a Character Modeler specializes in creating detailed character models for games, films, and animations. A 3D Artist has a broader scope, working on characters, environments, and props across various media. The Character Modeler focuses more on character-specific skills, whereas the 3D Artist may handle diverse assets, often requiring a wider skill set.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Modeler, you need strong artistic ability, knowledge of human and animal anatomy, and proficiency in 3D modeling, usually supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Adobe Photoshop is typically required, along with familiarity with topology and texturing workflows. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are critical soft skills for producing compelling characters and working with other artists and animators. These abilities ensure high-quality character assets that meet both artistic vision and technical requirements in animation, gaming, or film production.

How much does a character modeler make?

The average salary for a character modeler ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level modelers typically earn less, while experienced professionals working in gaming, film, or animation studios can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced skills in software like Maya or ZBrush.
More about Character Modeler jobs
What states have the most Character Modeler jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Modeler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Character Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Character Modeler jobs are:
Character Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Modeler job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Lead Character Artist

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA

$170K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Character Artist to join our dynamic team. As Lead Character Artist, you will be responsible for creating and overseeing the production of high-quality character assets. You will have a direct impact on the visual identity of our games, bringing characters to life with stunning detail and artistic excellence. 

Core Responsibilities 

  • Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality character models. 
  • Collaborate with the Art Director to define the visual style of characters. 
  • Sculpt, model, and texture characters to meet the artistic and technical requirements of the project. 
  • Contribute in planning, organization and prioritization of tasks with Production for internal, OS, and co dev partners. 
  • Create and maintain character pipeline documentation for training and onboarding 
  • Proactively identify risks in character art production timelines and effectively communicate risks to Production and Directors. 
  • Mentor and provide feedback to other character artists. 
  • Ensure character assets are optimized for performance and memory usage. 
  • Work closely with rigging, animation, and technical art teams to ensure characters are ready for implementation. 
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in character art. 

Core Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Game Art, or related field. 
  • 7+ years of experience in character art within the video game industry. 
  • Strong proficiency in Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. 
  • Significant experience in Unreal Engine 
  • Excellent understanding of anatomy, form, and silhouette. 
  • Experience with PBR and hand-painted texturing workflows. 
  • Proven track record of creating high-quality character models for AAA titles. 
  • Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively across departments. 

Plus if... 

  • Experience with character rigging and skinning. 
  • Knowledge of Marvelous Designer or similar tools for clothing simulation. 
  • Experience with rigid body dynamics and cloth simulation in Unreal Engine 
  • Previous work in a leadership role on a major game title. 

Description 

  • Full-time job with benefits. 
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA. 
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeway. 

The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $200,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. 

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