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Associate Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Designer Reports to: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Department : Engineering ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

Senior Mechanical Designer Reports to: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Department : Engineering ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

Senior Mechanical Designer**Reports to:** Manager, Mechanical Engineering**Department ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

UX Designer

Dubuque, IA

$75K - $110K/yr

Minimum of 2 years of experience designing user interfaces for web, mobile, or in-vehicle display applications. * Minimum of 2 years of experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including ...

Showroom Cabinet Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

The Showroom Cabinet Designer is responsible for guiding homeowners, contractors, and designers ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Construction Management or ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$18.3K

$55K

$82.2K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 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.

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. In larger markets or specialized fields, salaries can be higher, and roles often require proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

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 gaining experience to advance in design roles.

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 job categories do people searching Associate Designer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Designer jobs in Iowa 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:

Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,004 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Mechanical Designer - Industrial

Baker Group

Ankeny, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

PURPOSE

The Mechanical Designer will specialize in project design documentation for the design build industry, with a focus on the food and beverage, refinery, research laboratories, agricultural, power, and other industrial markets. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Work with engineers to produce clear, complete, detailed and accurate construction documents, utilizing CAD software
  • Develop design drawings for engineering, shop fabrication and field installation of industrial systems
  • Produce general arrangement drawings for review by project team and customers and to be included in construction documents.
  • Create preliminary 3D models using AutoCAD to show equipment, piping, and specialties for review by customers and use by detailers
  • Develop 3D objects from cutsheets and submittals in AutoCAD as required for project design needs
  • Stay updated with new technologies that innovate and improve CAD skills and processes by attending continuing education opportunities
  • Coordinate with designers of other trades/business units


MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Minimum of five (5) years related experience
  • Two-year Associate’s degree in CAD design preferred
  • Industrial experience is preferred
  • Design/Build project experience preferred
  • Experienced with design of hydronic, process piping, and industrial process systems
  • Proficient with AutoCAD and Navisworks
  • Familiarity with process flow diagrams, Process and Instrumentation Drawing (P&IDs), General Arrangement Drawings, and 3D BIM modeling
  • Experience with or ability to learn AutoCAD MEP, Plant 3D, Smart PID preferred


MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Passion for Design/Construction
  • Ability to work collaboratively with clients and Team Members at all levels of the company
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • High level of concentration to mentally work through issues
  • Ability to meet project deadlines
  • Proven problem-solving ability

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk working on a computer
  • Significant field and client interactions on construction job sites, which may require prolonged periods of standing, walking and/or climbing stairs
  • Occasional exposure to variety of temperature and weather conditions
  • Position may require travel

Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.