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Assistant Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Yellowstone Landscape

Design Assistant

Roselle, IL

As a Design Assistant, you will work closely with the Landscape Designer and the Business Development team in the production of graphic presentations and proposal documents that will be formally ...

Actalent

Designer

Lake Barrington, IL

$24 - $33/hr

Designer The Designer will use solid modeling tools to create and maintain engineering drawings and ... Partner with Manufacturing to provide technical support, clarify design intent, and assist with ...

New

Omnicom

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

RAPP is seeking a Designer who brings a passion for detail, conceptual thinking, and exceptional hands-on design skills. In this role, you will work across diverse media, translating ideas into ...

Revenue Chicago LLC

Designer

Chicago, IL

The designer will be designing brands, logos, crafting beautiful social media posts, one-pagers that catch your eye, and anything else we (or you) dream up. Looking for a reliable and professional ...

Aria Group Architects Inc

DESIGNER

Oak Park, IL · On-site

About this Role: The Interior Designer at Aria Group is a key member of the architectural and ... * Assist in the initial review of shop submittals and RFIs during the construction phase.

Omnicom

Designer

Chicago, IL

RAPP is seeking a Designer who brings a passion for detail, conceptual thinking, and exceptional hands-on design skills. In this role, you will work across diverse media, translating ideas into ...

Aria Group Architects Inc

DESIGNER

Oak Park, IL · On-site

About this Role: The Interior Designer at Aria Group is a key member of the architectural and ... * Assist in the initial review of shop submittals and RFIs during the construction phase.

SGS & Co

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

Marks, an sgsco company

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

sgsco

Designer

Chicago, IL

The Designer will contribute towards creative thinking from project initiation through completion of final product. An eternal learner - they are excited to put strategic insight and design systems ...

Landor

Designer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $65K/yr

Landor is looking for a Designer to join our Chicago studio. Could this be you? We are Landor, part of WPP. World-leading brand experts, underpinned by the most expansive strategic & creative ...

Landor

Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Landor is looking for a Designer to join our Chicago studio. Could this be you? We are Landor, part of WPP. World-leading brand experts, underpinned by the most expansive strategic & creative ...

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All JobsDesigner JobsAssistant Designer JobsAssistant Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Assistant Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do assistant designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant designer in Chicago, IL is $25.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $29.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant designer?

Although there are assistant designers in many industries, such as graphic design and marketing, in the fashion industry, an assistant designer works under the direction of a lead designer. You create and design new products or improve/modify existing products. Typically, a fashion house’s creative director develops a theme or structure to a collection. These are then interpreted by the art director and designers who create the actual look of each piece for a collection. Your duties are to sketch and design individual pieces, create color boards, and prepare tech sheets, which have the design specifications for the manufacturer to follow during production.

How does an assistant designer typically collaborate with senior designers and other departments during a project?

As an Assistant Designer, you will work closely with senior designers by supporting them in tasks such as creating mood boards, preparing technical drawings, and sourcing materials. Collaboration often extends to working with production teams, merchandisers, and sometimes suppliers to ensure design concepts are accurately developed and executed. Regular team meetings and feedback sessions are common, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and contribute ideas. Effective communication and organization are key to thriving in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite or similar software, and often a relevant degree or diploma in design. Familiarity with design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and experience with project management platforms is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, creativity, effective communication, and the ability to take feedback set successful candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting senior designers, delivering high-quality work, and ensuring smooth project workflows.

What is the difference between Assistant Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectAssistant DesignerJunior Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some experienceBachelor's degree in design or related field, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentSupports senior designers, collaborates on projectsExecutes design tasks under supervision, learns industry standards
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in fashion, graphic, interior design firmsEntry-level role in similar industries, often overlapping with assistant roles

The Assistant Designer typically supports senior designers and requires some experience or certification, while the Junior Designer is an entry-level role focused on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles are common in creative industries like fashion, graphic, and interior design, but the Assistant Designer often involves more support responsibilities and collaboration with senior staff.

How much do assistant designers make?

Assistant designers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What is a assistant designer's salary?

The average salary for an assistant designer typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn more. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
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Infographic showing various Assistant Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,767 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Assistant Designer, Hair (Hybrid - Rosemont, IL)

Claire's

Rosemont, IL • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Claire's rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 176 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

Description
About the Role
As Assistant Designer, you'll provide trend research, CAD, and sample-tracking support for the Hairs line. This is where you learn the category from the ground up.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Hairs Line
  • Support the Hairs line with trend research and competitive shopping

  • Monitor TikTok and other social platforms to support trend research for the CC Hairs line

  • Create CAD sketches and update design files

  • Assist with tech packs and product specifications

Keep the Line Moving
  • Maintain line sheets

  • Organize samples, fabrics, trims, and design materials

  • Track samples to ensure on-time delivery

  • Stay aware of the calendar and timeline to ensure deadlines are met

Support the Team
  • Prepare mood boards, color palettes, and presentation decks

  • Help prepare for design meetings and support presentation setups

  • Communicate with cross-functional teams; update PLM systems and design documentation

  • Absorb and analyze weekly sales information to apply learnings to future seasons

Who You Are
  • Organized - comfortable being the person who makes sure nothing falls through the cracks

  • Curious about design and eager to learn CC Hairs from the ground up

  • A budding creative problem-solver - brings ideas to the table, not just clean execution

  • Comfortable supporting someone else's creative direction while building your own point of view

  • Reliable under deadline pressure

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience

  • 0-2 years of design, product development, or related experience (internships count)

  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop

  • Familiarity with PLM or similar product lifecycle systems a plus

  • Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple deadlines at once

What Claire's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Claire's logo

About Claire's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Claire's is a globally recognized name in the fashion accessories and jewelry industry for young women, teens, tweens, and kids. The company is based in Schaumburg, IL, US with its official website named claires.com. Founded in 1961, Claire's boasts a rich history of accessorizing the world through fun, stylish, and affordable products. Recognized mainly for its ear piercing services, it has pierced over 100 million ears worldwide, demonstrating its prominence in the industry. The company operates under the mission of offering its customers an engaging, fun, and unique experience each time, further emphasizing its customer-first approach.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hoffman Estates, IL, US

Year founded

1960

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