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The differences between 3d modelers and visual 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 visual designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a visual designer has an average salary of $86,495, which is higher than the $75,946 average annual salary of a 3d modeler.
The top three skills for a 3d modeler include animation, adobe photoshop and visualization. The most important skills for a visual designer are sketch, visual design, and graphic design.
| 3D Modeler | Visual Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $75,946 | $86,495 |
| Hourly rate | $36.51 | $41.58 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 1,245 | 46,815 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| 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 visual designer is someone who creates designs for a variety of platforms such as Internet and intranet sites, games, and wearables. The duties of visual designers depend on the specific project or industry in which they are working. Duties include creating user-centered interaction models, working with information technology and business teams to resolve complex issues, and designing logos, icons, and infographics. The qualifications to become a visual designer include possessing strong problem-solving, communication, and negotiation skills and obtaining a bachelor's degree in design.
3d modelers and visual designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| 3D Modeler | Visual Designer | |
| Average salary | $75,946 | $86,495 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $114,000 | Between $51,000 And $143,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | ByteDance |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Start-up |
There are a few differences between a 3d modeler and a visual designer in terms of educational background:
| 3D Modeler | Visual Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 75% |
| Most common major | Animation | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between 3d modelers' and visual designers' demographics:
| 3D Modeler | Visual Designer | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 81.4% Female, 18.6% | Male, 53.1% Female, 46.9% |
| 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% |