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Hourly Hard Surface Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3D Artist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: 3D Artist Location: Remote US Duration: 8 months + Extensions Compensation: $50-80/hr Work ... Hard Surface Modeling: * Model assets with a focus on accuracy and realism. * Maintain clean ...

Take advantage of an artistic outlet as your work creatively to complete repairs, usually in an ... Pass background check ABOUT SURFACE EXPERTS Surface Experts is a comprehensive hard surface repair ...

Take advantage of an artistic outlet as your work creatively to complete repairs, usually in an ... ABOUT SURFACE EXPERTS Surface Experts is a comprehensive hard surface repair company. We can fix ...

Take advantage of an artistic outlet as your work creatively to complete repairs, usually in an ... ABOUT SURFACE EXPERTS Surface Experts is a comprehensive hard surface repair company. We can fix ...

... hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX skills Game Engine o Importing assets to game engine o Material setup o Lighting o Scene dressing o Prefab basics o Rendering image sequences ...

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

The ideal Technical Artist will be a technical problem-solver and have a passion for technical ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

The ideal Technical Artist will be a technical problem-solver and have a passion for technical ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

Apprentice

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

If you're looking for a job that allows you to use your artistic skills daily, becoming a Surface ... hard-surface repairs --fixing bathtubs, cabinets, floors, countertops, appliances, furniture ...

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Hourly Hard Surface Artist information

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$13

$51

$190

How much do hourly hard surface artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly hard surface artist in the United States is $51.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $38.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly hard surface artists in a production environment?

Hourly hard surface artists often face tight deadlines and the need to adapt to rapidly changing project requirements. Balancing quality with speed is a common challenge, as clients or supervisors may request frequent revisions. Additionally, collaborating with other team members—such as concept artists, texture artists, and animators—requires strong communication skills to ensure assets fit seamlessly into the overall project. Staying updated with the latest industry tools and workflows is also important for maintaining efficiency and meeting expectations.

What does an hourly hard surface artist do?

An Hourly Hard Surface Artist specializes in creating detailed, realistic 3D models of non-organic objects such as vehicles, weapons, machinery, and architectural elements for video games, films, or other digital media. They work on an hourly basis, often as freelancers or contract workers, and are skilled in modeling, texturing, and sometimes rendering hard-surfaced assets. Their role involves using advanced software tools to ensure models meet technical requirements while maintaining high visual quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an hourly hard surface artist?

To thrive as an Hourly Hard Surface Artist, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, texturing, and digital sculpting, typically supported by a portfolio demonstrating expertise in creating hard surface assets like vehicles and machinery. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, and texturing software like Substance Painter is essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication help artists collaborate efficiently and deliver high-quality assets. These skills ensure that the artist can create visually compelling and technically accurate models that meet project requirements and deadlines.

What is the difference between Hourly Hard Surface Artist vs 3D Modeler?

AspectHourly Hard Surface Artist3D Modeler
Required CredentialsPortfolio, relevant software skillsPortfolio, relevant software skills
Work EnvironmentVFX, gaming, film studiosVFX, gaming, product design
Industry UsageSpecializes in hard surface modeling for visual effects and gamesCreates 3D models for various industries including gaming and product design

While both roles involve 3D modeling skills, an Hourly Hard Surface Artist focuses specifically on creating detailed hard surface assets for visual effects and games, often working on a project basis. A 3D Modeler may work on a broader range of models across multiple industries. The main difference lies in specialization and project focus, with the Hourly Hard Surface Artist emphasizing hard surface techniques for visual fidelity.

More about Hourly Hard Surface Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Hard Surface Artist jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Hard Surface Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hard Surface Artist jobs? The most popular types of Hard Surface Artist jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Hard Surface Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Hard Surface Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hourly Hard Surface Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,858 per year, or $51.4 per hour.