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How to hire a 3d modeler

3d modeler hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring 3d modelers in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a 3d modeler is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new 3d modeler to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a 3d modeler, step by step

To hire a 3d modeler, you should clearly understand the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, and allocate a budget for the position. You will also need to post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a 3d modeler:

Here's a step-by-step 3d modeler hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a 3d modeler job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new 3d modeler
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a 3d modeler do?

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.

Learn more about the specifics of what a 3d modeler does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the 3d modeler you need to hire. Certain 3d modeler roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A 3d modeler's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, 3d modelers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of 3d modelers.

    Type of 3D ModelerDescriptionHourly rate
    3D ModelerMultimedia artists and animators create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.$24-54
    ArtistAn Artist specializes in creating various artworks or prose; the audience can vary from individuals or the general public. An artist's responsibility depends on the industry, company, or position where they are assigned... Show more$20-52
    Interactive DesignerAn Interactive Designer takes the business product and transforms it into a product that the user interacts with perfectly. They support engineering efforts to develop designs and get the details right.$32-67
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Animation
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Visualization
    • Texture
    • UV
    • Auto CAD
    • Unity
    • ZBrush
    • Revit
    • Game Assets
    • Game Engine
    • Rhino
    • Autodesk Maya
    • Concept Art
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage design collaboration and storyboard creations.
    • Partner with clients and a team of engineers to create detail and effective, multimedia training and sales aids.
    • Lead FX artist in creation, development, and implementation of particle flow and rigid body simulations to production pipeline.
    • Establish project direction and concepts, develop character designs and storyboards, and coordinate art assets from the project team.
    • Refine 3d concepts for production and rapid prototyping
    • Sketch technical drawings for architectural drawings and client presentations.
    More 3d modeler duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your 3d modeler job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A 3d modeler salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a 3d modeler in Mississippi may be lower than in Nevada, and an entry-level 3d modeler usually earns less than a senior-level 3d modeler. Additionally, a 3d modeler with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average 3d modeler salary

    $75,946yearly

    $36.51 hourly rate

    Entry-level 3d modeler salary
    $50,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 20, 2025

    Average 3d modeler salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$117,269$56
    2New Hampshire$113,217$54
    3Connecticut$112,950$54
    4Washington$99,073$48
    5New York$94,133$45
    6Maine$81,529$39
    7North Carolina$79,957$38
    8Virginia$78,745$38
    9Indiana$73,354$35
    10Arizona$68,408$33
    11Tennessee$68,026$33
    12Utah$66,855$32
    13Texas$59,490$29
    14Florida$56,975$27
    15Massachusetts$54,209$26
    16Georgia$51,394$25
    17Alabama$50,329$24
    18South Carolina$40,610$20

    Average 3d modeler salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Apple$144,320$69.38
    2Zoox$135,770$65.27
    3The Walt Disney Company$119,129$57.278
    4RH$117,431$56.46
    5Walmart$105,574$50.76
    6ZeniMax Media$95,705$46.01
    7Blue Sky Studios$91,141$43.82
    8Milton CAT$86,626$41.65
    9Nucor$84,619$40.681
    10Belcan$83,053$39.93
    11Empire Cat$82,112$39.48
    12Arcosa$80,406$38.66
    13Arconic$76,632$36.84
    14Robert Half$75,923$36.50
    15Sargent Electric$74,826$35.97
    16Integration Innovation$71,322$34.29
    17AZZ$69,359$33.35
    18Environmental Tectonics$68,848$33.10
    19Leidos$66,219$31.848
    20Cyient$65,831$31.65
  4. Writing a 3d modeler job description

    A good 3d modeler job description should include a few things:

    • Summary of the role
    • List of responsibilities
    • Required skills and experience

    Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a 3d modeler job description:

    3d modeler job description example

    Basic Job Functions:

    Nucor Building Systems Utah is seeking qualified applicants for the position of 3D Modeler/Steel Detailer at our facility in Brigham City, UT. This is an entry level position. As a Steel Detailer/ BIM Modeler, you will be responsible for drafting all components of a custom metal building including the steel framing, wall panel systems, roof panel systems, and all associated flashings and trims to ensure all components fit together correctly as part of a complete design solution.

    This will include:
    • Creating electronic 2D/3D models of custom-buildings using drafting software
    • Creating construction anchor bolt drawings
    • Creating permit/approval drawings
    • Creating shop drawings and reports for in-house fabrication and production teams
    • Creating erection drawings and bill of materials for field construction use

    Compensation and Benefits :

    Nucor is a pay for Performance Company & We offer a highly Competitive Salary.

    Compensation - Starting @ $20.01/Hour
    •Paid On the Job Training
    •Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Stock purchase plan
    •Annual Bonus plan
    •Tuition Assistance Program
    •Flexibility with working hours

    About Our Company:

    We are North America's most diversified steel and steel products company. But we're also a team forged around a vision for leading our industry by providing unparalleled customer care, building trusted partnerships, and creating sustained value. We strive to provide job security, knowing it inspires confidence in the work our teammates do every day. In addition, we have a long-standing practice of not laying off our teammates due to a lack of work. For us, sustainability means always working toward long-term success , not for short-term gains. It means recognizing where our strength comes from and continuously investing in our future. The company's innovative and teammate-focused culture catapulted Nucor from the little steel company that could to the largest producer and recycler in America.

    Minimum Qualifications:

    High School Diploma or equivalent

    Preferred Qualifications:
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right 3d modeler for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your 3d modeler job on Zippia to find and recruit 3d modeler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites such as dribbble, authentic jobs, working not working, coroflot.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting 3d modelers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new 3d modeler

    Once you have selected a candidate for the 3d modeler position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a 3d modeler?

Before you start to hire 3d modelers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire 3d modelers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $75,946 per year for a 3d modeler, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for 3d modelers in the US typically range between $24 and $54 an hour.

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