by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying 3-D Modeling and Design Technology covers A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Technical Knowledge And Skills In The Use Of Three-Dimensional (3-D) Computer Technology To Create Technical Illustrations And Models Used In Manufacturing, Design, Production, And Construction. Includes Instruction In 3-D Computer-Aided Design (Cad), 3-D Printing, 3-D Model Design And Construction, And 3-D Scanning. Continue reading for the important information every 3-d modeling and design technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering 3-d modeling and design technology programs.
In the U.S., 3-d modeling and design technology is a widely-pursued major, with 40 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best 3-D Modeling and Design Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 9 schools to determine the best overall colleges for 3-d modeling and design technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of 3-d modeling and design technology programs later in this article.
Studies in 3-D Modeling and Design Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations 3-d modeling and design technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a 3-d modeling and design technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a 3-d modeling and design technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several 3-d modeling and design technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 9 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 14 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 17 |
People currently working in careers related to 3-d modeling and design technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 40.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 31.4% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 15.3% |
| Some college courses | 7.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.4% |
| Master’s degree | 2.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
| First professional degree | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in 3-d modeling and design technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in 3-d modeling and design technology opens doors to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to 3-d modeling and design technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to 3-d modeling and design technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | 161,833 | 12.3% |
| Mechanical Drafters | 127,074 | 12.6% |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | 114,684 | 13.5% |
| Drafters, All Other | 32,528 | -1.4% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of 3-d modeling and design technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,976 |
| 4 years | $45,788 |
| 5 years | $51,867 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for 3-d modeling and design technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers 3-d modeling and design technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Drafters, All Other | $114,777 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $109,781 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $82,779 |
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
With 9 different 3-d modeling and design technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased 3-d modeling and design technology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in 3-d modeling and design technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
