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Character Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Milton Hershey School

Character Educator

Oakland, PA · On-site

$180K/yr

MHS staff serve as role models for students This is a unique, challenging, and rewarding career and life choice that requires a high level of commitment to student success from both spouses. For ...

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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.

Technical Program Manager, AI Infrastructure

Character.AI

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$157K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Character.AI empowers people to connect, learn and tell stories through interactive entertainment. They are seeking a Technical Program Manager, AI Infrastructure to lead high-impact programs that support model development and serving systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency as they scale AI experiences for millions of users.
Responsibilities:
• Lead planning and execution of major AI infrastructure initiatives spanning training pipelines, data systems, model evaluation, and inference/serving
• Build structures that keep teams aligned: scopes, goals, requirements, timelines, risks, and success metrics
• Partner with engineering, research, and product to translate model and product needs into infrastructure roadmaps and priorities
• Drive cross-functional accountability and communication across teams working on tightly coupled systems
• Track key infrastructure metrics (e.g., reliability, latency, throughput, cost efficiency) and define reporting that surfaces progress and risk
• Identify bottlenecks in infrastructure workflows and lead efforts to improve tooling, automation, and developer velocity
• Support capacity planning and resource allocation to ensure infrastructure scales with model and product growth
• Develop repeatable frameworks and operational patterns that improve execution quality across infrastructure programs
• Serve as a strategic partner to leaders on prioritization, sequencing, and tradeoffs across infrastructure investments
• Work closely with AI cloud providers and serve as the primary bridge between internal engineering teams and external partnership efforts
• Technical understanding of GPU clusters, AI accelerator chips, and cloud providers to effectively evaluate requirements and guide infrastructure decisions.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5–8 years of experience in program management, technical operations, or product execution in a fast-moving, technical environment
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-team initiatives spanning engineering and infrastructure systems
• Strong communication skills with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience working closely with engineering teams on distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, or platform development
• Ability to break down ambiguous problem spaces into clear plans and drive alignment across teams
• Analytical mindset with experience using data to inform decisions and measure impact
• Strong ownership and execution mindset, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Technical understanding of GPU clusters, AI accelerator chips, and cloud providers to effectively evaluate requirements and guide infrastructure decisions.
Company:
Character.ai provides open-ended conversational applications in which users create characters and converse with them. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Menlo Park, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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