ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skechers

Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

The Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of fashion trends, market conditions, consumer expectations, technologies and the manufacturing process with their design excellence ...

Skechers

Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

The Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of fashion trends, market conditions, consumer expectations, technologies and the manufacturing process with their design excellence ...

Carlsmed

Design Associate

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$29 - $32/hr

The Carlsmed aprevo personalized surgery platform is designed to improve the standard of care for spine surgery one patient at a time. Position Description Carlsmed is seeking a Design Associate to ...

Carlsmed

Design Associate

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

The Carlsmed aprevo personalized surgery platform is designed to improve the standard of care for spine surgery one patient at a time. Position Description Carlsmed is seeking a Design Associate to ...

Carlsmed

Design Associate

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$29 - $32/hr

The Carlsmed aprevo ® personalized surgery platform is designed to improve the standard of care for spine surgery one patient at a time. Position Description Carlsmed is seeking a Design Associate ...

Carlsmed

Design Associate

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$29 - $32/hr

The Carlsmed aprevo ® personalized surgery platform is designed to improve the standard of care for spine surgery one patient at a time. Position Description Carlsmed is seeking a Design Associate ...

Skechers

Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of fashion trends, market conditions, consumer expectations, technologies and the manufacturing process with their design excellence ...

ALO

3D Visualization Associate

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

As a 3D Visualization Associate at ALO, you will assist the Architecture and Store Design Team on 3D modeling and developing retail store designs. ALO is growing fast and we are looking for an ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 7, 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.
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
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.

Graduate Designer / Associate Project Manager

GHD

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

GHD rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Help us build the future and we'll help you build a rewarding and purposeful career. 

Our global network is made up of architects, designers, planners, engineers, and environmental scientists all working towards the same goal. 
Join a team that brings inspirational architecture, landscapes, townscapes and places to our world, and we'll provide you unlimited space to grow.

Who are we looking for?  

At GHD we are looking for a new Graduate Designer / Associate Project Manager to join the Architecture Design Studio team at our San Francisco, Tustin, Anchorage or Guam offices. This role is focused on offering hands-on exposure to project management and the opportunity to build core planning, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.

Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in office, three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

Working with an energetic and high performing team, this position offers a variety of work and will see you involved in: 

  • Architectural Design: Contribute to the planning, design, construction, testing, communication, evaluation, and implementation of architectural solutions.
  • Engineering Drawings: Carry out a range of activities under the guidance of more senior colleagues to create engineering drawings for the communication, evaluation, and implementation of engineering solutions.
  • Engineering Solutions Design: Contribute to the development of, and implement feasibility testing of, proposed engineering solutions to provide feedback and data to validate the design.
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) System: Help with building/construction activities by designing layouts and maps that reflect the property scope and the parameters of buildings/constructions.
  • Construction Advice: Provide professional advice relating to construction regulations and best practice with regard to the maintenance, alteration, and construction of buildings.
  • Building Surveys: Undertake building and technical surveys, with support and guidance from experienced surveyors, to determine the building condition and identify defects and associated risks. Includes conducting a wide range of surveys on complex sites.
  • Personal Capability Building: Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities as well as formal and informal training and coaching. Develop and maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
  • Feasibility Studies: Contribute to and support feasibility studies from a technological and organizational perspective, and document findings.
  • Bid Solicitation/Request for Proposal/Tender Analysis: Analyze parts of the bid solicitation project requirements and gather and assess information related to the feasibility of these requirements for the organization.
  • Client & Customer Management (External): Help senior colleagues manage client and customer relationships by using relevant sales or client systems.

What you will bring to the Team

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Level in Architecture or equivalent.

Experience

  • General Experience: 0-2 years of experience in related field.

#LI-AL1

Salary Range: $65,000 to $70,000 based on experience and location.

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, national origin, sex (including same sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, disability or handicap, citizenship status, service member status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

What GHD employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

GHD logo

About GHD

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are committed to solving the world's biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation. GHD is a global professional services company that is a leader in engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals, yet we are proudly 'One GHD' across more than 200 offices, spanning five continents - Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are passionate about building lasting relationships with our partners and clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waterloo, ON, CA

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All GHD Jobs

Apply