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Associate Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Revelyst

Associate Industrial Designer

Irvine, CA

$65K - $75K/yr

The Associate Industrial Designer supports the design and development of Giro's product portfolio across cycling and snow categories, including helmets, goggles, eyewear, and footwear. This role ...

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IXL Learning

Associate Digital Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, is seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated Associate Digital Designer to join our design team and ...

Gap, Inc.

Associate Textile Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Basic understanding of print and textile designs, color matching and creation of colorways * Strong organizational, time management and communication skills * Awareness of product development from ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 6, 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 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?

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.

What does an associate designer do?

An associate designer supports the design team by creating visual concepts, sketches, and prototypes using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. They assist in developing design ideas, preparing presentations, and ensuring projects meet client or company standards, often working under the supervision of senior designers.

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.

How much do associate designers make?

Associate designers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or in high-demand markets can earn more. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
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Associate Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,794 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Associate Designer, Lifestyle Apparel

Athleta

San Francisco, CA

$69K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Athleta

For the past 25 years, we’ve committed ourselves and our brand to a single aim: to empower all women and girls. Inspiration. Collaboration. Connection. Inclusivity. It’s what we do best, and we’re on the hunt for people who share our passion for leading an active lifestyle, growing personally as well as professionally, and creating game-changing products and experiences.

We use business as a force for good by putting people and the planet right up there with profit, which is why Athleta is a certified B Corp. Ready to make a move? Join us. Because we know that alone we’re strong, but together we’re unstoppable.

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 is to partner with cross functional team members who collectively are responsible for ensuring that the product style, fit, and quality are more than worth the price for our customers. Responsibilities include participating in the conceptual development of Athleta Lifestyle Dresses, Skirts, Outerwear, Bottoms, and Tops product lines, including both Knits and Wovens, and ensuring product is consistent with market trends and brand strategies. Must lean into risk taking and be customer curious!

What you'll do
  • Research global markets in order to identify new seasonal trends, silhouettes, fabrics, techniques, product categories and competitive inspiration.
  • Develop concepts and sketches for product line and advocate for design ideas by presenting to internal leadership and cross functional partners.
  • Develop strong internal cross functional relationships with Merchandising, Production, Technical design, Gap Inc Sourcing (GIS), Visual Merchandising and Marketing to ensure product concept to store and site execution is a seamless customer experience.
  • Influence strategy for product area, providing recommendations regarding seasonal themes and edits to line, ensuring product meets business and customer needs.
  • Partner with Production and Tech Design to create tech packs and communicate vision behind fit and product design, ensuring execution, quality, and desired margin targets are achieved.
  • Build cross functional partnerships and consensus, identifying sketch callouts and communicating desired fit and aesthetic to cross functional team.
  • Responsible for fabric and trim selection.
  • Participate in projects and assignments of diverse scope.
Who you are
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative environment, with the ability to juggle multiple seasons at one time and track development deadlines.
  • Possess an elevated sense of style, aesthetic, and color and understand how to translate trends through the lens of the customer and brand filter.
  • Thorough knowledge of silhouette, fit, fabrication, construction, color use, sewing techniques, and trim.
  • Strong computer knowledge including Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel.
  • Confident presentation skills, capable of influencing an audience.
  • Well-crafted communication and organizational skills, inclusive of tracking development deadlines. 
  • 3+ years experience in apparel design

Salary Range: $69,700.00 - $87,100.00
Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skill level, competencies and work location. We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city, county and state requirements.

Benefits at Athleta
  • Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.
  • One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*
  • Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*
  • Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.*
  • Employee stock purchase plan.*
  • Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*
  • See more of the benefits we offer.

*For eligible employees

Gap Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, training and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and make all employment decisions without regard to any protected status. We have received numerous awards for our long-held commitment to equality and will continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging. In 2022, we were recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.

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