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The differences between 3d modelers and freelance designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a 3d modeler, becoming a freelance designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $57,260 average annual salary of a freelance designer.
The top three skills for a 3d modeler include animation, adobe photoshop and visualization. The most important skills for a freelance designer are sketch, CSS, and HTML.
| 3D Modeler | Freelance Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,946 | $57,260 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $27.53 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 1,245 | 45,914 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A 3D modeler is responsible for designing project models by utilizing various software applications and computer tools to represent high-quality digital content that would help the team and clients visualize the object. 3D modelers work closely with the design team to evaluate ideas and identify its feasibility scope on an enhanced digital view, giving them the ability to adjust and revise structures as needed. A 3D modeler must have excellent technical and critical-thinking skills to understand the clients' specifications and recommend solutions through graphics analysis.
Freelance designers are creative, independent contractors who create visual and graphic designs for their clients. They develop text and illustrated versions of brands, messages, and communications with strong visible influence with their clients. Typical activities include networking, seeking projects, and negotiating prices to their customers. They manage client proposals, develop concepts, present solutions, and ensure the timely completion of projects. Freelance visual and graphic designers are creative, self-motivated as well as result and deadline oriented.
3d modelers and freelance designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Modeler | Freelance Designer | |
| Average salary | $75,946 | $57,260 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $114,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | - |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | - |
| Best paying company | Apple | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a 3d modeler and a freelance designer in terms of educational background:
| 3D Modeler | Freelance Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 73% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d modelers' and freelance designers' demographics:
| 3D Modeler | Freelance Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 48.0% Female, 52.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 13% |