How much does a 3D Artist make?

The average salary for a 3D Artist is $68,143 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 1945 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a 3D Artist employees in United States.

The highest salary for a 3D Artist in United States is $87,782 per year.

The lowest salary for a 3D Artist in United States is $53,043 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a 3D Artist or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a 3D Artist.

3D artists wages vary greatly. Median wages are similar to that of other creative and entertainment professions such as modeling or floral design. The most successful 3D artists earn seven figures in a few days by selling their creations to patrons. The role allows for a high degree of creativity and personal expression. Artists can increase their wages by teaching lessons to prospective artists, either as a freelancer or as an employee of a formal school.

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About 68% of 3D artists are satisfied with their salary. 3D artists also have multiple opportunities to gain experience, degrees, and certifications. Holding advanced degrees and sought-after certifications can result in an additional $3,532.80.

Depending on their experience and their location, salaries for 3D artists range from $42,351.14 to $110,043.02. To increase their pay, employees can follow the 3D artist career path by learning new software, earning advanced degrees, and reaching higher seniority levels.

3D artists can expect an average annual salary of $64,609.70. Depending on the type of work they do, whether freelance or as an employee, commissions, tips, and cash bonuses can boost their total pay to $68,142.50.

Experience and knowledge can raise the total pay a 3D artist earns over time. A 3D artist's years of experience will affect the seniority level at which a company hires them, which will change the base salary earned. Additionally, most companies will offer increased bonuses and compensation to employees who stay long-term.

The knowledge a 3D artist brings to the table will also increase the likelihood of earning more money and qualifying for higher seniority levels. For example, Photoshop is standard for graphic design basics, but learning 3D software such as Morphi or AutoCAD can increase job prospects and base salary.

3D artists who receive a job offer can look at the typical salary range and determine if the offer is fair. Knowing the average 3D artist's salary in a particular location can also help in the negotiation process if the proposed salary is too low. Searching for similar 3D artist positions in your area and having this data available to present to a prospective employer could increase the possibility of a successful negotiation.

For a 3D artist with an established job looking to make a higher salary, using this data could also succeed as a negotiation strategy. If recruiters offer an increased salary, this information is also useful, as it encourages a current employer to offer a more competitive salary to keep someone on staff.