How much does a 3D designer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. 3D designer
Image that illustrates 3D designer

3D designer

47 700 kr

Designers in games and digital media

41 600 - 52 300 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression 3D designer

Average salary 47 700 kr
Males 49 000 kr
Females 44 500 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 29 Vacant jobs ->

What does a 3D designer do? – Tasks and work environment

A 3D designer primarily works with creating three-dimensional models and visual elements for digital media, gaming, film, advertising, and product visualization. The profession often involves working in creative teams where design, technology, and storytelling come together to create engaging and visually appealing experiences. Tasks include modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering 3D objects, and sometimes animation and post-production. The work environment is usually office-based, but remote work has become increasingly common in the industry. Projects can be both technically challenging and artistically demanding, requiring strong collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity.

Salary development over time

The salary development for a 3D designer has been relatively stable in recent years, with some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 46,800 SEK, followed by a slight decrease to 45 700 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased again and reached 47 700 SEK, corresponding to an increase of approximately 4.4% compared to the previous year. This positive trend is linked to the continued strong demand for qualified 3D designers within the gaming and digital media industries, as well as technological advances that require higher skill levels. The market is also influenced by an increased number of international employers and projects, which may push up salary levels further for experienced specialists.

3D designer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 47 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 41,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 52,300 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 287 SEK
  • Men (average): 49 000 SEK/month
  • Women (average): 44 500 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 91% of what men do
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a 3D designer, a post-secondary education in 3D graphics, game development, digital design, or related fields is generally required. Many employers also value practical experience with industry-leading software and a strong portfolio. The pathway to the profession varies, combining formal education, self-study, and internships to meet industry demands.

  • Post-secondary education: 2–3 years (YH, college, or university)
  • Certifications: Courses in programs like Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or similar
  • Internships: Often mandatory part of education
  • Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and interest in design
  • Self-study: Online courses and tutorials are common supplements

Many 3D designers choose to specialize in either gaming, film, or industrial visualization. Those with broad knowledge of both technology and creativity are highly competitive and can work in both large teams and small production companies.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

In addition to base salary, benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, remote work options, and access to modern technology and software are often offered. Some employers also provide bonuses or profit sharing, especially for larger project successes.

Competition and challenges

The job market for 3D designers is dynamic and competitive, especially among junior staff and in urban regions where many companies are established. Technical requirements change rapidly with the development of new tools and platforms, placing high demands on continuous skill development. Portfolios and work samples often weigh more heavily than formal qualifications during recruitment. Challenges can also include insecure project-based employment and high pace during intensive delivery phases. Despite this, demand for skilled 3D designers remains stable, with many opportunities in gaming, film, and advertising.

Tips for aspiring 3D designers

To succeed as a 3D designer, combining technical curiosity with an eye for detail and creative problem-solving is beneficial. Building a strong portfolio through personal projects and internships provides a clear advantage when job hunting. Precision and patience are important, as work often involves processing complex models and scenes over extended periods. Collaboration and communication skills are crucial, especially in larger productions where efforts need to be coordinated. It’s also important to stay flexible and continually update your knowledge of the latest tools and techniques. Finally, initiative is a valuable trait, as employers appreciate those who take responsibility for their own and the project’s development.

Key facts about 3D designers

  • Education level: Post-secondary, 2–3 years
  • Work environment: Office-based or hybrid/remote
  • Typical employment: Project-based or permanent employment
  • Demand: Approximately 620 job openings in the profession
  • Special skills: 3D software and digital creation

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, opportunities open up for advancement to roles such as lead 3D designer, technical artist, art director, or project manager within digital production. Some choose to specialize in animation, visual effects, or real-time rendering, while others start their own businesses or switch industries, for example to industrial design. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for 3D designers due to limited data, but the overall outlook for designers in gaming and digital media is stable. The approximately 620 available positions indicate good opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.

Frequently asked questions about 3D designers

  • What is the average salary of a 3D designer?
    - The average salary for a 3D designer is 47 700 SEK per month.
  • What is the highest salary for a 3D designer?
    - The highest salary is 52,300 SEK per month and belongs to a man in the private sector with advanced post-secondary education.
  • What is the lowest salary for a 3D designer?
    - The lowest salary is 41,600 SEK per month for men and 42,100 SEK for women.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 44 500 SEK while men earn 49 000 SEK, which means women earn 91% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a 3D designer?
    - Typically, a post-secondary education of 2–3 years in 3D graphics, game development, or digital design.
  • What are the future prospects for a 3D designer?
    - There are no exact forecasts, but the number of job openings is high and demand is considered stable.
  • In which fields can a 3D designer work?
    - Common areas include gaming, film, advertising, product visualization, and industrial design.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 14:51:21

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a 3D designer is 52300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a 3D designer is 41600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 86% 45100 kr 45300 kr
35-44 93% 54100 kr 54400 kr
45-54 57800 kr 58200 kr
Snitt 91% 47500 kr 47700 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession 3D designer has the SSYK code 2173, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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