Salary AI Book a Demo

3D Max Designer Salary in California

How much does a 3D Max Designer make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 3D Max Designer in California is $82,420 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $96,734
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $76,602 to $89,913
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $71,304
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 3D Max Designer Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence 3D Max Designer Salaries

A 3D Max Designer'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 Max Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 3D Max Designer'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): $79,990
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $80,251
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $81,379
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $82,940
  • Expert (over 8 years): $83,148
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level 3D Max Designer less than 1 year $79,990
Early Career Level 3D Max Designer 1-2 years $80,251
Mid-Level Level 3D Max Designer 2-4 years $81,379
Senior-Level Level 3D Max Designer 5-8 years $82,940
Expert Level 3D Max Designer over 8 years $83,148

How Do 3D Max Designer 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 Max Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $82,734.
  • California: $82,420.
  • Massachusetts: $81,321.

Top Paying Cities for 3D Max Designer

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:

  • Los Angeles: $82,562
  • West Hollywood: $82,502
  • Dodgertown: $82,561

3D Max Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 3D Max Designer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 32% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 3D Max Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 3D Max Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 3D Max Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $98,904 $48.0 20%
Biotechnology $94,783 $46.0 15%
Chemicals $92,310 $44.0 12%
Energy & Utilities $90,662 $44.0 10%
Financial Services $89,014 $43.0 8%

3D Max Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 3D Max Designer'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$76,602
Average $82,420/year
$89,913
$6,383
Average $6,868/month
$7,493
$1,473
Average $1,585/week
$1,729
$37
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,913 $7,493 $1,729 $43
Average $82,420 $6,868 $1,585 $40
25th Percentile $76,602 $6,383 $1,473 $37

Find Your Next 3D Max Designer Job

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

  • Drexel Building Supply | WRIGHTSTOWN, WI

    Truss Designer

    Drexel Building Supply | WRIGHTSTOWN, WI

    Description: The Drexel Way. We don't just sell lumber. we Supply. Happiness. Drexel is Team Member-owned and community-driven. With six retail hubs and th... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Crew Carwash | NOBLESVILLE, IN

    INTERIOR DESIGNER

    Crew Carwash | NOBLESVILLE, IN

    As an Interior Clean Team Member at Crew Carwash, you’ll deliver an exceptional interior cleaning experience for every vehicle. Working on-site in a fast-p... more

    7 Days Ago

  • BP Energy | CRESTWOOD, TX

    Project Designer

    BP Energy | CRESTWOOD, TX

    BP Energy is seeking a Project Designer to help shape innovative energy infrastructure across traditional and low‑carbon portfolios. In this role, you will... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Cox Automotive | QUEEN PARK, VT

    Lead Product Designer

    Cox Automotive | QUEEN PARK, VT

    Cox Automotive is seeking a Lead Product Designer to shape intuitive, impactful digital experiences across our automotive brands. You will own end-to-end d... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Cox Automotive | WINOOSKI, VT

    Lead Product Designer

    Cox Automotive | WINOOSKI, VT

    Cox Automotive is seeking a Lead Product Designer to shape intuitive, impactful digital experiences across our automotive brands. You will own end-to-end d... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Cox Automotive | PINEWOOD, VT

    Lead Product Designer

    Cox Automotive | PINEWOOD, VT

    Cox Automotive is seeking a Lead Product Designer to shape intuitive, impactful digital experiences across our automotive brands. You will own end-to-end d... more

    8 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst