ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HRPivot

Associate Designer

Vernon, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Associate Designer About the job We are seeking an individual who is creative, experienced, enthusiastic, organized and self-motivatedto join our design team as an Associate Designer . This is a ...

HRPivot

Associate Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Associate Designer About the job We are seeking an individual who is creative, experienced, enthusiastic, organized and self-motivated to join our design team as an Associate Designer . This is a ...

Anyon LLC

Associate Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Salary: $95,000+ Associate Designer The Associate Designer plays a pivotal role in supporting the firms design projects by taking ownership of defined project components while collaborating closely ...

REVOLVE

Associate Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Associate Designer will utilize his or her strong acumen for fashion to create and interpret concepts to generate a final product for a specific brand. He or she will collaborate with different ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Associate Designer

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

The Associate Designer will play a critical role in maintaining organized project documentation, supporting the upkeep of design resources, and assisting with executional tasks that enable A&D and ...

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Associate Designer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Associate Designer will play a critical role in maintaining organized project documentation, supporting the upkeep of design resources, and assisting with executional tasks that enable A&D and ...

TravisMathew

Associate Designer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

The Associate Designer is responsible for assisting Designers in the following menswear categories: polos, wovens, bottoms, jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, hats, footwear, accessories and more. As well ...

Johnny Was

Associate Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$64K/yr

The Associate Designer will coordinate, under the direction of the Designer, the execution of garments in the Johnny Was line. They will also collaborate with cross - functional teams such as sewing ...

Johnny Was

Associate Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$64K/yr

The Associate Designer will coordinate, under the direction of the Designer, the execution of garments in the Johnny Was line. They will also collaborate with cross - functional teams such as sewing ...

Banana Republic

Associate Designer

San Francisco, CA

$69K - $87K/yr

Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, we continue to evolve our heritage of exploration through thoughtfully designed apparel and accessories that blend timeless style with exceptional craftsmanship. Our ...

Gap, Inc.

Associate Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the Role In this role, you will work in an energizing, inclusive, and creative environment focused on concepting and creating sustainable product that exceeds customers' expectations. Your goal ...

Gap Inc.

Associate Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the RoleIn this role, you will work in an energizing, inclusive, and creative environment focused on concepting and creating sustainable product that exceeds customers' expectations. Your goal ...

REVOLVE

Sr. Associate Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Senior Associate Designer for the Denim segment will utilize their acumen for fashion to create and interpret concepts to generate a final product. This is a permanent full time role for a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Designer JobsAssociate Designer Jobs in California

Associate Designer information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$57.8K

$86.4K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in California is $57,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design associate?

A design associate is a professional who supports the design team by assisting with project development, creating visual concepts, and using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. They often collaborate with senior designers and may need a relevant degree or portfolio to qualify for the role.

What Is an Associate Designer?

An associate designer is responsible for assisting the lead designer or art director with the production and design of creative projects. Associate designers can work in a variety of industries, include fashion, graphic design, and interior design. As an associate designer, your job duties vary significantly by industry, but they generally involve researching trends, communicating with clients, and procuring materials necessary for designing the project. Regarding academic qualifications, you need a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or a major related to the specific industry in which you choose to work. Some employers may require previous experience or a portfolio that proves your design skills.

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

To thrive as an Associate Designer, you generally need a strong foundation in design principles, proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and sometimes prototyping platforms like Figma or Sketch is often required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative environments and respond to feedback. These skills ensure you can contribute high-quality, innovative designs that meet client or project objectives in a fast-paced industry.

Which designer is highly paid?

Senior and lead designers, especially those with specialized skills in user experience (UX), user interface (UI), or graphic design, tend to earn the highest salaries in the design field. Experience, industry, location, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma also influence compensation levels.

Is an associate designer the same as a junior designer?

An associate designer is often an entry-level or early-career role that involves supporting senior designers and developing foundational skills. A junior designer typically has less experience and works under supervision, focusing on learning design processes and tools like Adobe Creative Suite. While roles can vary by company, both positions are considered beginner-level and may have overlapping responsibilities, but titles and expectations can differ across organizations.

What does an Associate Designer do?

An Associate Designer is an entry- to mid-level professional who assists in the creation and development of design projects. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or art directors and contribute to tasks such as creating layouts, preparing design concepts, and revising drafts based on feedback. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the industry—such as fashion, graphic design, or interior design—but generally involve supporting the execution of visual or conceptual elements to meet project goals. Associate Designers collaborate with cross-functional teams and help ensure that design work aligns with brand or project standards.

How does an Associate Designer typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Associate Designers work closely with senior designers, project managers, and cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, or product development. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, contributing design ideas, and iterating on feedback from multiple stakeholders. Regular communication—via meetings, design reviews, and digital collaboration tools—is essential to ensure that design concepts align with project goals and brand guidelines. This teamwork helps Associate Designers learn from experienced colleagues and refine their skills in a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Associate Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectAssociate DesignerJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design or related field; some employers may prefer internship experienceBachelor's degree in design or related field; entry-level position
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with senior designers, participates in projects, and supports design teamsAssists in design tasks, learns workflows, and gains practical experience
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across creative agencies, in-house design teams, and studiosCommon entry-level role in similar settings

Associate Designers typically have more responsibilities and may oversee parts of projects, while Junior Designers focus on learning and supporting design tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Associate Designers are often more experienced and involved in project execution.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid designer roles are often senior positions such as Creative Director or Design Director, especially in large corporations or specialized fields like user experience (UX) or product design. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.
More about Associate Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in California? For Associate Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Designer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Designer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in CA? For Associate Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Designer jobs near you
Associate Designer

Associate Designer

HRPivot

Vernon, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Associate Designer
About the job
We are seeking an individual who is creative, experienced, enthusiastic, organized and self-motivatedto join our design team as an Associate Designer. This is a position with growth potential if you are passionate and driven to go above and beyond the job description. Creativity and the ability to work well with a team are musts.
Position is based in Los Angeles, CA.
Job Responsibilities Include:
  • Work with design team to produce seasonal collections
  • Share creative product ideas based on seasonality and trend direction
  • Assist with general design room duties (assign style numbers, photograph samples, work with import and fabric vendors, etc.)
  • Open and build tech packs with precise detailed information
  • Bring thoughtful, brand-right, strategic ideas to concept
  • Assist in sourcing and choosing materials for products
  • Attend fittings when needed
  • Study competitive landscape
  • Attend quarterly meetings to review selling and marketplace trends

Candidate Requirements:
  • 2+ years' experience in the apparel industry
  • Degree in Apparel or Fashion
  • Experience with CAD and Adobe (Photoshop & Illustrator) software
  • Flat sketching skills
  • Color sensibility
  • Ability to recolor artwork & prints
  • Pattern knowledge
  • Knowledge of the wash & dye process, embellishments & different fabrics
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Effective time management and ability to stay organized
  • Able to adapt to a fast-paced ever-changing environment

Apply