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The differences between 3d modelers and production artists 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 production artist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a 3d modeler has an average salary of $75,946, which is higher than the $61,870 average annual salary of a production artist.
The top three skills for a 3d modeler include animation, adobe photoshop and visualization. The most important skills for a production artist are graphic design, adobe photoshop, and adobe creative suite.
| 3D Modeler | Production Artist | |
| Yearly salary | $75,946 | $61,870 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $29.75 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 1,245 | 59,103 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| 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.
A production artist is responsible for managing digital content, meeting clients' standard specifications and requests for successful project completion. Production artists must have computer proficiency, especially on utilizing various software tools and applications to create illustrations and layouts. They also work closely with the creative team, cooperating in brainstorming sessions to ensure the consistency for each assigned task. A production artist should be keen on details, adjusting outputs as needed to maintain the highest quality for the actual presentation.
3d modelers and production artists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Modeler | Production Artist | |
| Average salary | $75,946 | $61,870 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $114,000 | Between $40,000 And $94,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a 3d modeler and a production artist in terms of educational background:
| 3D Modeler | Production Artist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d modelers' and production artists' demographics:
| 3D Modeler | Production Artist | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 57.2% Female, 42.8% |
| 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% |