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3D Game Artist Salary in the United States

How much does a 3D Game Artist make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Game Artist in the United States is $97,470 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

However, a 3D Game Artist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $112,259
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,115 to $105,211
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $81,509
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D Game Artist Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence 3D Game Artist Salaries

A 3D Game Artist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 3D Game Artist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Game Artist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $64,573
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $79,094
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $95,858
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $131,496
  • Expert (over 8 years): $159,611
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Motion Graphic Design Specialist I less than 1 year $64,573
Motion Graphic Design Specialist II 1-2 years $79,094
3D Game Artist 2-4 years $95,858
Motion Graphic Design Specialist IV 5-8 years $131,496
Motion Graphic Design Specialist V over 8 years $159,611

How Do 3D Game Artist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 3D Game Artists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $107,919.
  • California: $107,510.
  • Massachusetts: $106,077.

Top Paying Cities for 3D Game Artist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $122,939
  • San Francisco: $121,593
  • Oakland: $119,031

3D Game Artist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D Game Artist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 62% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Telecom and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 22% above the average. In contrast, 3D Game Artist positions in Transportation or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Game Artist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D Game Artist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Telecom $118,914 $57.0 22%
Energy & Utilities $116,964 $56.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $116,964 $56.0 20%
Software & Networking $116,964 $56.0 20%
Healthcare $112,091 $54.0 15%

3D Game Artist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D Game Artist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$89,115
Average $97,470/year
$105,211
$7,426
Average $8,123/month
$8,768
$1,714
Average $1,874/week
$2,023
$43
Average $47/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $105,211 $8,768 $2,023 $51
Average $97,470 $8,123 $1,874 $47
25th Percentile $89,115 $7,426 $1,714 $43

Most common benefits for 3D Game Artist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for 3D Game Artist

Here are companies hiring for 3D Game Artist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next 3D Game Artist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 3D Game Artist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Hanley Energy | Ashburn, VA

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    Hanley Energy | Ashburn, VA

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    Hanley Energy | Ashburn, VA

    This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus. Bonus amount and payment terms will be discussed during the recruitment process and are subject to applicabl... more

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    SVP Revenue Growth

    CyLogic | Ashburn, VA

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    Staff Accountant

    ProspectBlue | Ashburn, VA

    ProspectBlue is partnering with a well-established and growing organization in Ashburn, VA to identify a Staff Accountant to join its corporate accounting ... more

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  • Morcom International, Inc. | Ashburn, VA

    Senior Account

    Morcom International, Inc. | Ashburn, VA

    About the Opportunity. ACG Systems is a mission-critical communications platform. Through Morcom, an ACG Systems company, we design, deploy, and support wi... more

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FAQ about 3D Game Artist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for 3D Game Artist?

The Telecom industry offers the highest average compensation for 3D Game Artist roles, with salaries approximately 22% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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