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Associate Designer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Parsons Corporation

SmartPlant P&ID Designer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$49.76 - $87.07/hr

The designer will develop and maintain date-centric P&IDs using Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID) or ... Associate Degree in Engineering, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) or Computer-Aided Drafting and ...

Parsons

SmartPlant P&ID Designer

Lexington, KY

$49.76 - $87.07/hr

The designer will develop and maintain date-centric P&IDs using Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID) or ... Associate Degree in Engineering, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) or Computer-Aided Drafting and ...

Hazen and Sawyer

Principal CAD/BIM Designer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$24.75 - $34/hr

Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience, or associate degree/technical certification ... Experience mentoring early-career designers. Preferred Qualifications: * Hands-on Revit experience ...

Welbilt

Sr CAD Designer (49484)

Albany, KY · Hybrid

$21 - $29.25/hr

We win together as one team As a Senior CAD Designer, under minimal supervision, this position is ... Associate degree preferred. * Minimum 7-10 years' experience with CAD and ERP software. (Oracle ...

WELBILT

Sr CAD Designer (49484)

Albany, KY · On-site

$21 - $29.25/hr

We win together as one team As a Senior CAD Designer, under minimal supervision, this position is ... Associate degree preferred. * Minimum 7-10 years' experience with CAD and ERP software. (Oracle ...

KLH Engineers

Lead Mechanical Designer

Fort Thomas, KY · On-site +1

Title: Lead Mechanical Designer Location: Remote-Friendly Market: All of our mechanical team ... An associate's degree or equivalent experience is required. • Experience: 5+ years of experience ...

Actalent

Mechanical Designer/drafter

Louisville, KY · On-site

Mechanical Designer / Drafter The Mechanical Designer / Drafter will focus primarily on creating ... An associate degree in drafting or an equivalent technical education is preferred. * Experience ...

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All JobsAssociate Designer JobsAssociate Designer Jobs in Kentucky

Associate Designer information

See Kentucky salary details

$16.9K

$50.9K

$76K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Kentucky is $50,861.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,100.00 and $59,100.00 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, 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.

Is Associate designer higher than designer?

In most organizations, an Associate Designer is considered a junior or entry-level role, while a Designer is typically a more experienced or mid-level position. The hierarchy can vary depending on the company's structure, but generally, Designers have more responsibilities and require a higher skill level than Associate Designers.

What does an associate designer do?

An associate designer supports the design team by creating visual concepts, drafting layouts, and developing prototypes using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. They assist in project development, collaborate with senior designers, and often gain experience to advance in the design field.

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 or more depending on the industry and location.

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.
More about Associate Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in Kentucky? For Associate Designer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Designer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Designer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Associate Designer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Associate Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in KY? For Associate Designer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,861 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
SmartPlant P&ID Designer

SmartPlant P&ID Designer

Parsons Corporation

Lexington, KY • On-site

$49.76 - $87.07/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Parsons is seeking an experienced SmartPlant P&ID Designer to support multidisciplinary engineering teams in the projects in its federal business unit. The designer will develop and maintain date-centric P&IDs using Hexagon SmartPlant P&ID (SPPID) or Autodesk P&ID/Plant 3D, ensuring compliance with Parsons' digital engineering standards and project requirements.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop, update and maintain P&IDs in SPPID or Autodesk P&ID/Plant 3D.
  • Apply Parsons' standards for tagging, line numbering, symbology, and data integrity.
  • Incorporate process engineering inputs (PFDs, mass balances, narratives, control philosophies).
  • Maintain data-centric relationships between equipment, lines, and instrumentation.
  • Support integration with SmartPlant Foundation, SmartPlant Instrumentation, SmartPlant Electrical, SmartPlant 3D, Autodesk Vault, and BIM 360.
  • Perform QA/QC checks and maintain revision control and redline incorporation.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary coordination meetings and digital model reviews.
  • Provide support to process, mechanical, piping, and I&C engineering teams.
  • Assist with configuration of symbol libraries, rules, and reporting tools.
  • Support design reviews, HAZOPs, and constructability reviews.
  • Train and develop talent on the SmartPlant P&ID Platform.
Required Qualifications:
  • 5-15 years pf experience producing P&IDs for industrial, chemical, and environmental projects.
  • Proficiency with Hexagon SPPID or Autodesk P&ID/Plant 2D.
  • Strong understanding of process equipment, piping systems, and instrumentation.
  • Ability to interpret PFDs, datasheets, control narrative, and vendor drawings.
  • Experience with engineering data standards and configuration management.
  • Ability to work in a multi-discipline, fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate Degree in Engineering, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) or Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD).
  • Experience with SmartPlant Foundation (SPF) or Autodesk Vault/BIM 360.
  • Experience supporting DOE, DOD, EPA, or other federal programs.
  • Familiarity with SP3D, SPI, SPEL, or Autodesk Plant 3D piping/instrumentation modules.
  • Experience working in global delivery models.
  • Knowledge of ISO 15926, CFIHOS, or similar data standards.
Competencies:
  • Strong attention to detail and procedural compliance.
  • Effective communication and coordination skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet schedule commitments.
  • Proactive problem-solving and ownership of deliverables.
  • Commitment to Parsons' digital engineering and quality standards.

Security Clearance Requirement:
None
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $49.76 - $87.07
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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