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Associate Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description The Waldinger Corporation has an opportunity for a qualified Designer in our Des Moines ... Associate's Degree in Engineering, Construction, Drafting Technology, or related field, or ...

New

MSI Mold Builders of Cedar Rapids, IA is looking to hire a full-time Mold Designer . Are you detail ... QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma and working towards Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent ...

MSI Mold Builders of Cedar Rapids, IA is looking to hire a full-time Mold Designer . Are you detail ... QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma and working towards Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent ...

MSI Mold Builders of Cedar Rapids, IA is looking to hire a full-time Mold Designer . Are you detail ... QUALIFICATIONS High School Diploma and working towards Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent ...

Senior Designer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$96K - $102K/yr

The Senior Designer position is responsible for generating advanced creative designs and channeling ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Interior Design or related field. AAP/EEO Statement CKF provides ...

Senior Designer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$96K - $102K/yr

The Senior Designer position is responsible for generating advanced creative designs and channeling ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Interior Design or related field. AAP/EEO Statement CKF provides ...

As a Web Designer, you will... * Work with internal design and development teams to create visually ... Associates or Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience. * At least one year of ...

Structural Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

Position Title: Structural Designer Pay Rate : $65,100 - $101,000 Multiple factors, including ... Associate to four year degree with emphasis on computer aided design, CAD, and drafting, or ...

Mechanical Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Mechanical Designer The mechanical designer is responsible for creating and developing innovative ... Associates Degree in Mechanical Engineering Design or related degree. * 2+ years of experience in ...

Structural Designer Your Role at BSI A key member of our Civil/Structural team, the Structural ... Associate Civil/Structural Engineering Technology Degree and/or Computer Drafting and Design Degree ...

Structural Designer Your Role at BSI A key member of our Civil/Structural team, the Structural ... Associate Civil/Structural Engineering Technology Degree and/or Computer Drafting and Design Degree ...

Designer - Civil

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Associate's Degree in an accredited Civil Engineering Technology program or Bachelor's Degree in an accredited Civil Engineering program * Ability to travel to various job sites and office locations ...

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Associate Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$18.3K

$55K

$82.2K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Iowa is $55,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $63,900.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in Iowa? For Associate Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Designer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in IA? For Associate Designer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Designer

$62K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


The Waldinger Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description

The Waldinger Corporation has an opportunity for a qualified Designer in our Des Moines, IA Office.
Job Summary:
Supports engineering, operations, and field teams by delivering accurate, coordinated models and documentation that contribute to successful project execution.

Responsibilities

Engineering Documentation & Modeling

  • Develop and maintain Revit models for HVAC, plumbing, piping, and related mechanical systems based on engineering design intent.
  • Convert engineering sketches, markups, and direction into coordinated construction documents.
  • Produce floor plans, schedules, details, sections, and other project deliverables required for permit, bidding, and construction.
  • Maintain organized project files and ensure documentation is completed in accordance with company standards.

Revit Standards & Workflow

  • Support the development and maintenance of Revit templates, families, standards, and drafting resources.
  • Assist with model setup, project organization, and implementation of engineering drafting standards.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and quality within the engineering modeling workflow.
  • Support adoption of new software tools, workflows, and technologies that improve project delivery.

Project Coordination

  • Coordinate with engineers, architects, owners, contractors, and other disciplines to ensure accurate model representation and project alignment.
  • Participate in model reviews and interdisciplinary coordination efforts to identify and resolve conflicts.
  • Assist engineering staff with project documentation, drawing updates, and design revisions throughout the project lifecycle.

Project Support

  • Participate in project planning and design review activities.
  • Support field personnel and project teams by incorporating design revisions and documenting as-built conditions.
  • Conduct occasional site visits to verify existing conditions and support project documentation efforts.


Requirements:
Job Related Experience: 0-3 years of Revit design experience

Education: Associate's Degree in Engineering, Construction, Drafting Technology, or related field, or equivalent experience

Certification: Revit preferred

Physical Demands: Sedentary

Travel Requirements: No Travel


We Offer:
•Paid holidays
•Health, dental and vision insurance
•Growth potential with a stable company
•Paid vacation
•Health club reimbursement
•Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
•401k with company match and profit-sharing
•Continuing education and advancement opportunities
•Tuition reimbursement
•Term, AD&D and Dependent Life insurances
•Prepaid Legal
The Waldinger Corporation is an EOE, including disability/vets.
The Waldinger Corporation participates in E-Verify.