ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

ALO

3D Visualization Associate

Beverly Hills, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

Coframe

Generative Design Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36 - $45/hr

Coframe is looking for a Generative Design Associate to help shape the web experiences our agents ... This is a hands-on role for an early-career designer with exceptional visual judgment, obsessive ...

New

W3Global Inc.

Design Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Design Associate Position Summary The Design Associate provides technical and administrative support to the Planning and Development team in the planning, design, and construction of educational ...

R Jack Balthazar Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA

The "Design Associate" Role @ R. Jack Balthazar The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and will balance multiple projects and aggressive deadlines. The candidate ...

MAAS Companies

Design Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Design Associate, you support the Planning and Development staff: you read and interpret architectural, engineering, and planning documents, review plans against LAUSD standards and federal ...

MAAS Companies

Design Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Design Associate, you support the Planning and Development staff: you read and interpret architectural, engineering, and planning documents, review plans against LAUSD standards and federal ...

STRUCTION SOLUTIONS

Design Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Struction Solutions is seeking an experienced Design Associate to support the planning, design, and construction of educational facility projects for the Los Angeles Unified School District. This ...

MAAS Companies

Design Associate

Los Angeles, CA

As a Design Associate, you support the Planning and Development staff: you read and interpret architectural, engineering, and planning documents, review plans against LAUSD standards and federal ...

R. Jack Balthazar, Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

About the Role We are seeking a mid-level Design Associate with hands-on experience in experiential event design and a passion for transforming creative concepts into stunning event environments.

R Jack Balthazar Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA

The "Design Associate" Role @ R. Jack Balthazar The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and will balance multiple projects and aggressive deadlines. The candidate ...

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 15, 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.

Design Associate

Carlsmed

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$29 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Carlsmed


Our mission is to improve outcomes and decrease the cost of healthcare for spine surgery and beyond. 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 join our team. Our mission is to utilize data to create personalized surgical plans and medical devices to greatly improve the standard of care for debilitating conditions. As a Design Associate, you will contribute to developing proprietary implants, instrumentation, and design automation systems to enable personalized surgery.


Responsibilities


  • Import and analyze patient CT data
  • Perform complex 3D modeling of patient anatomy and implants
  • Collaborate with engineers, designers, and clinical specialists to complete designs
  • Create surface and solid CAD models according to specifications
  • Work with a design team and individually on CAD projects
  • Review and adjust CAD models with the customer
  • Interface with key production and testing suppliers
  • Produce Design Control documentation
  • Complete job reports
  • Other Research and Design activities as determined by management


Qualifications


  • Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent experience
  • Visual-spatial skills - job requires working with complex 3D models in space
  • CAD, art, architecture, industrial design, or similar experience suitable
  • Experience in medical device sector or related field highly desired


Skills


  • Expertise with 3D modeling or similar
  • Ability to understand anatomy
  • Keen eye for detail
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Desire to excel in a fast-paced MedTech startup


Equal Opportunity Employer


Carlsmed is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. Carlsmed is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know.


Compensation


The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $29.00 - $32.00. Individual compensation is determined based on factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location.


In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in incentive compensation programs and receive a comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits reflect our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees and their families and include 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, and unlimited paid time off (PTO). Your recruiter can provide additional details about our total rewards package during the hiring process.

Apply