2

Entry Level 3D Modeler Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Ability to take feedback and apply it consistently * Entry level candidates will be considered if ... 3D modeling. The priority is clean production artwork, technical accuracy, SVG cleanup, and ...

Entry Level 3D Modeler information

See Iowa salary details

$37.1K

$73.7K

$116.9K

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

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 3d modeler in Iowa is $73,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,900.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level 3D modeler?

To thrive as an Entry Level 3D Modeler, you need a solid understanding of 3D modeling principles, basic art and design concepts, and often a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your work. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max is typically required, and knowledge of texturing and rendering tools is beneficial. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important because they enable you to produce high-quality 3D assets that meet project specifications and contribute effectively to team-based creative workflows.

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

Entry-level 3D modelers often face challenges such as adapting to different software workflows, meeting tight deadlines, and interpreting complex design briefs. Building proficiency in industry-standard tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max is key, as is learning to communicate effectively with team members such as animators, designers, and project leads. Seeking feedback, participating in team discussions, and practicing time management can help new modelers grow their skills and confidence in a collaborative studio environment.

What does an entry level 3D modeler do?

An entry-level 3D modeler creates basic three-dimensional digital models for use in industries such as video games, animation, film, and product design. They use software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to build and texture models based on concepts or references provided by their team. Their work often involves collaborating with other artists and designers, making revisions based on feedback, and learning industry-standard workflows. Entry-level modelers focus on developing their skills and building a strong portfolio to advance their careers.

What does an entry level 3D modeler do?

As an entry-level 3D modeler, you design and build three-dimensional creations for a company. Your responsibilities are to create images of people, places, and processes and bring them to life in a 3D model. For each project, you sculpt a prototype before using modeling software to create the finished product. Your exact duties can change with the current company projects, but the basics of this job are fairly consistent. Some common industries that require 3D modelers include the video game industry, film, and the medical field, in which you recreate surgical operations in the digital world.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Modeler jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of 3D Modeler jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level 3D Modeler jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level 3D Modeler jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level 3D Modeler jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level 3D Modeler job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level 3D Modeler job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,706 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Vector/SVG Production Designer

QA Graphics

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.


Job description

Opportunity

QA Graphics is looking for a Vector/SVG Production Designer to join our in house creative team in Ankeny, Iowa.

This is a production focused design role for someone with strong Adobe Illustrator skills, clean vector artwork ability, and excellent attention to detail. The right person does not need years of industry experience, but they do need the ability to follow standards, work from reference images, learn quickly, and produce consistent artwork.

This is not a general creative design position. The focus is technical vector production, clean SVG artwork, file quality, consistency, and repeatable output.

QA Graphics specializes in visual design for the building automation industry. Our team creates system graphics, floor plan graphics, 3D graphics, equipment graphics, animations, and related visual solutions used by contractors, engineers, facility teams, and building owners.

This full time position is available immediately and will be located at QA Graphics’ office in Ankeny, Iowa.

Company

QA Graphics is a leader in the building automation industry. The company specializes in HVAC graphic development services, system graphics, floor plan graphics, 3D graphics, animation, and related visual solutions.

All core production work is completed in house by our team in Iowa. We do not outsource our graphic production work.

Visit www.qagraphics.com to learn more.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Vector/SVG Production Designer will work with our design team to create clean, accurate, and consistent vector assets.

  • Create vector artwork from reference images, screenshots, drawings, and other source material
  • Manually trace and recreate artwork using Adobe Illustrator
  • Build clean, scalable SVG artwork
  • Maintain a consistent visual style across large groups of assets
  • Organize files with clean layers, naming, and artboard structure
  • Optimize SVG files for quality and performance
  • Follow established QA Graphics file setup, naming, and production standards
  • Make revisions based on team feedback
  • Maintain organized project files and meet assigned deadlines
  • Work in a structured, team based production environment

Qualifications

  • Strong Adobe Illustrator skills required
  • Strong vector illustration ability
  • Experience with manual vector tracing
  • Experience creating or exporting SVG files
  • Strong Pen Tool and Bezier curve skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to follow standards and repeat a consistent process
  • Ability to work from reference images
  • Good organization and time management skills
  • Ability to take feedback and apply it consistently
  • Entry level candidates will be considered if they have a strong portfolio
  • Must be able to work in person at our Ankeny, Iowa office

Additional Desired Skills

  • SVG file optimization
  • Raster to vector conversion
  • Technical illustration
  • Icon design
  • Color management
  • Gradient and shading control
  • AI, SVG, EPS, PDF, and DXF file handling
  • Adobe Photoshop experience
  • HTML5 or SVG animation experience
  • Experience with detailed production artwork
  • Experience with 3D reference workflows is helpful but not required

Not the Main Focus

This position is not primarily focused on logo design, brand identity, marketing graphics, web design, motion graphics, or 3D modeling.

The priority is clean production artwork, technical accuracy, SVG cleanup, and consistent vector library development.

Compensation

Pay is determined based on experience and portfolio quality. Entry level candidates will be considered.

QA Graphics offers full benefits, including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with matching, paid time off, and both long term and short term insurance.

Company Description

QA Graphics is a full-service outsourcing company, providing custom HVAC system graphics, as well as design services for interactive platforms. We help clients visualize their needs and simply their lives. Our talented designers come form a wide range of backgrounds to provide the personal attention and expertise needed to being our clients’ ideas to life.