ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merlin Entertainments

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ

$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

Costume Character

Grapevine, TX · On-site

$14/hr

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

Scattermesh

3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art ... Skilled in realistic character creation, including sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and ...

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

$112K - $117.50K/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 ...

Scattermesh

3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art ... Skilled in realistic character creation, including sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art. * Pass ... Mastery of realistic character creation, including sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and ...

Side

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

$123.90K - $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 ...

LEGOLAND

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

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

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$124.40K - $130.60K/yr

... modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art. * Pass ... Mastery of realistic character creation, including sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsCharacter Modeler Jobs

Character Modeler information

See salary details

$22

$40

$76

How much do character modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 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.

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 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.

What does a Character Modeler do?

A Character Modeler is responsible for creating 3D models of characters for use in video games, movies, animation, and other digital media. They use specialized software to sculpt, texture, and refine character models based on concept art and creative direction. The process often involves collaborating with designers, animators, and riggers to ensure the models are both visually appealing and functional for animation or gameplay. Character Modelers need strong artistic skills as well as technical proficiency in software like Maya, ZBrush, or Blender.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, and 82% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)

Side

Fort Lauderdale, FL

$115.70K - $121.40K/yr

Contractor

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Side

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 15+ studios in over a dozen countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.

About This Opportunity

Please note, this listing is not for an immediate open position but for our Talent Pool for Co-Development Roles. By applying, you express interest in being considered for future project-based opportunities that align with your skills and experience.

These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability. As projects are initiated or client proposals are developed, we will review candidates from this pool and contact those who most closely align with the specific requirements of the co-development opportunity.

As a 3D Character Artist, you will play a key role in crafting high-quality characters that bring life and personality to our projects. 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 Keep You Engaged

We maintain strong relationships with our talent pool by providing regular updates, industry insights, and information on upcoming opportunities. We will check in to confirm your availability and interest.

Our hiring teams carefully vet and select top candidates who best meet project needs, ensuring that you are matched with the right opportunity when it becomes available.

Next Steps

If you are passionate about contributing to cutting-edge projects and want to be considered for future co-development opportunities, we encourage you to apply to this listing. While there may not be an immediate opening, your application ensures that you will be part of our ongoing talent review for upcoming roles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create high-quality 3D character assets, including organic and hard surface elements, from concept to final game-ready models.
  • Collaborate with art leads, designers, and animators to ensure characters align with the project's artistic vision and technical requirements.
  • Develop textures and materials using industry-standard tools, ensuring assets are optimized for performance across platforms.
  • Work within established pipelines and workflows to maintain consistency and efficiency in asset creation.
  • Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay requirements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to character development.
  • Actively participate in team critiques, offering and receiving feedback to refine assets.

Requirements

Experience:

    • 3+ years of experience as a Character Artist in the video game industry.
    • Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.

Technical Skills:

    • Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard tools.
    • Strong understanding of anatomy, proportion, weight, and volume as they relate to character design and animation.
    • Experience with high- and low-poly modeling, texturing, and shading techniques.
    • Knowledge of proper topology, rigging, and skinning practices.

Artistic Skills:

    • Strong eye for detail, form, and style consistency.
    • Ability to adapt to and create a range of visual styles, from realistic to stylized.

Collaboration Skills:

    • Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
    • Ability to incorporate feedback and iterate effectively.

Passion for Gaming: Genuine enthusiasm for creating compelling characters and contributing to immersive game worlds.

Preferred Skills

  • Familiarity with Marvelous Designer for clothing design and simulation.
  • Experience with photogrammetry and procedural workflows.
  • Knowledge of Unreal Engine or Unity for integrating character assets into the game.

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on project needs.

Apply