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Entry Level 3D Game Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Game design skills - especially mechanics design, prototyping concepts and systems design. Game programming skills including 2D and 3D math, physics, FX and UI systems. Strong collaboration skills. A ...

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA

$120.50K - $144.30K/yr

TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and ... Ability to work effectively with game design and technical constraints while maximizing visual ...

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120.50K - $144.30K/yr

TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and ... Ability to work effectively with game design and technical constraints while maximizing visual ...

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Entry Level 3D Game Design information

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$47K

$156K

How much do entry level 3d game design jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 3d game design in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level 3D Game Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 3D Game Designer, you need a foundational understanding of 3D modeling, game design principles, and a relevant degree or coursework in game development or art. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Blender, or Maya, as well as version control systems, is typically expected. Creativity, collaboration skills, and effective communication help you contribute ideas and work seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential for creating engaging game experiences and efficiently realizing creative visions within technical constraints.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level 3D game designers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level 3D game designers often face challenges such as adapting to industry-standard software, understanding complex game engines, and effectively communicating their ideas within multidisciplinary teams. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to regularly practice using popular tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, seek feedback from peers, and participate in collaborative projects to build both technical and soft skills. Embracing continuous learning and being open to constructive criticism are key strategies for success and growth in this role.

What is an entry level 3D game designer?

An entry level 3D game designer is a professional who creates and implements 3D environments, characters, and assets for video games, typically working under the guidance of more experienced designers and developers. They are responsible for building basic models, textures, and animations, as well as helping to design levels and gameplay elements. This role is suitable for individuals who are new to the industry and have foundational skills in 3D modeling software and a passion for gaming.

What is the difference between Entry Level 3D Game Design vs Entry Level 3D Modeling?

AspectEntry Level 3D Game DesignEntry Level 3D Modeling
Required SkillsGame mechanics, level design, scripting basicsModeling, texturing, software proficiency (e.g., Blender, Maya)
Work EnvironmentGame studios, interactive media companiesAnimation studios, visual effects, game development
Common CertificationsGame design courses, software certifications3D modeling certifications, software training
Industry UsageDesigning gameplay and levelsCreating 3D assets and models

Entry Level 3D Game Design focuses on creating engaging gameplay, levels, and scripting, while Entry Level 3D Modeling emphasizes building and texturing 3D assets. Both roles often overlap in game development but serve different core functions within the industry.

More about Entry Level 3D Game Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level 3D Game Design jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level 3D Game Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Design jobs? The most popular types of 3D Game Design jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level 3D Game Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level 3D Game Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level 3D Game Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level 3D Game Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Game Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Adjunct, Digital Media - Game Design and Production

Adjunct, Digital Media - Game Design and Production

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Drexel University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Adjunct, Digital Media - Game Design and Production
Job no: 506711
Work type: Part-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
About the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design:
The creative heart of Drexel University, the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design trains the next generation of scholars, thinkers, makers, and doers in the fields of media, entertainment, design, and the visual and performing arts. Westphal offers 18 undergraduate and nine graduate majors, housed in award-winning facilities that encourage collaboration across creative disciplines. At Westphal, we reimagine the role of design, media, and the arts in building a better future. Our programs challenge students to center sustainability, access, and equity in their approaches to art, fashion, architecture, gaming, entertainment, and scholarship. Through experiential learning, studio-based curriculum, and Drexel's widely-recognized Cooperative Education program (co-op), our students are uniquely positioned to face the world's challenges and define the creative careers of the 21st century.
About the Program
Drexel's Game Design & Production major, nationally ranked as a top program by multiple organizations including the Princeton Review, provides students with a strong, broad-based foundation in digital design and content creation skills in a team project environment. The major supports careers in any industry that wants to speak the language of real-time interactive games. Beyond the obvious entertainment sector of PC, mobile, or console games, graduates from the program can move into any industry in support of simulation, training, marketing, communications, and education.
Students try on a wide variety of roles in game development, from idea to reality, in art and code, discovering the skill areas that they want to pursue. They are advised to focus their minors, elective courses, and team experiences as they progress through the program. The intent is for students to have a T-shaped skillset: broad familiarity in multiple areas with one or two areas of specialty. Students begin making game assets and games in their first terms as freshmen and continue making team-based game projects both small and large throughout their plan of study. Every project enables students to experiment and refine their experience in the many roles required to produce a finished game.
Courses in Drexel's program evolve in response to industry trends and on-demand special topic courses are utilized to rapidly respond to student and industry developments. Gaining familiarity with rapidly changing industry-standard tools is important but it's equally important to be prepared to transfer skills in one tool into a different tool of the same type - to be able to move from a 3D modeling tool like Blender, to 3DS Max, to Maya, or to a proprietary in-house tool you can't touch until you're hired by that specific company. Drexel's program encourages students to become comfortable as tool-agnostic creators.
Job Summary
The adjunct faculty member will employ a variety of strategies to foster student artistic development, learning and discussions, as well as encourage active learning in all students, maintain proper course-related records, evaluate student work and provide students with feedback as to the progress toward meeting the objectives of the course. Each adjunct faculty member is responsible for effectively teaching students in the assigned classroom or remote settings. Each adjunct faculty member is responsible for effectively implementing the mission of the Game Design & Production program, part of the Department of Digital Media. Responsibilities may include teaching days, evenings, or nights, with the potential for online only, in-person only, or a combination of both.
Adjunct positions may include foundation courses for first-years, core skill classes, advanced courses, or special topics courses proposed and developed by the adjunct or other faculty. Currently the program teaches primarily using Unity, Maya, and the Adobe CC suite, including Substance, but Unreal and other tools are common in the program. Some courses are more flexible for student to choose tools, like for team projects, while others can adapt to the experience or preference of the instructor.
Teaching face-to-face at Drexel's Philadelphia campus is the default, but there are opportunities for the right candidate to teach remotely from elsewhere in the US.
Drexel's Game Design & Production is particularly interested in candidates with experience in diversity, equity, and inclusivity efforts as well as diverse professional experiences to bring a wide range of voices and perspectives into the classroom and support a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
Essential Functions
  • Teach required number of credit hours per quarter based on their contract.
  • Teach studio, lecture, and/or practicum courses per their contract.
  • Teach in the format and schedule as assigned.
  • Teach specific technical and/or theory topics in game development and production.
  • Plan and provide instructional experiences that reflect an understanding of the philosophy, objectives, and curriculum of the program.
  • Evaluate student achievement of curricular objectives/outcomes.
  • Maintain communication with the program director regarding any course or student issues.
  • Utilize existing University systems for course and student data and communication management. Training is available in multiple systems, like Blackboard Learn, Office 365, and Zoom.
  • Perform other similar duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Game Design, Development, Art, Programming or related field.
  • Minimum of 3 years of teaching and/or professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in related field.
  • 3 years professional game development experience with one or more published titles.
  • Proven record of over 3 years of teaching and/or mentorship experience.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume, portfolio link(s), and cover letter that indicates your strong areas of expertise when submitting your application.
Advertised: May 12 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 19 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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