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Associate Designer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate Instructional Designer Corporate Headquarters 12575 Uline Drive, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 Do you enjoy creating content and helping others succeed? Join Uline as an Associate ...

Electrical Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred * LEED accredited professional qualification preferred Experience: * 3-5+ years of experience in ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical ... Ghafari Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and is committed to ...

Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred * LEED accredited professional qualification preferred Experience: * 3-5+ years of experience in ...

Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $85K/yr

General Summary The Lighting Designer, with some supervision from the Director of Electrical ... Ghafari Associates, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and is committed to ...

Senior Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $26.25/hr

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $26.25/hr

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Lombard, IL

$16.78 - $23.22/hr

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Senior Designer

Lombard, IL · On-site

$16.78 - $23.22/hr

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

... • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Tool Design, or related ... Experience designing tooling for metal stamping or forming processes • Proficiency in CAD ...

Instructional Designer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$83K - $127K/yr

Instructional Designer Camping World Holdings, Inc. is America's largest RV retailer, dedicated to ... Full-time associates are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision ...

Instructional Designer Camping World Holdings, Inc. is America's largest RV retailer, dedicated to ... Full-time associates are offered a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision ...

Senior Designer

Lombard, IL

$16.78 - $23.22/hr

Floor & Decor Sr. Designer leads our design team and provide a seamless start to finish ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

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Associate Designer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$19.3K

$57.9K

$86.5K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Elgin, IL is $57,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $67,200.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Associate Designer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Associate Designer job openings:
Structural Associate Designer

Structural Associate Designer

HBK Engineering, LLC

Oak Brook, IL • On-site, Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

An Associate Designer at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for designing engineering systems for overhead and subsurface utility projects. This role involves owning all phases of the design lifecycle from initiation through construction completion and project closeout. The position requires deploying creative and unique solutions to address complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges while ensuring compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements. Office Locations: Chicago or Oak Brook, IL, Philadelphia or Norristown, PA, Lake Mary FL, or Denver, CO

What You'll Do
  • Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects
  • Deploy creative and unique solutions to address complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges
  • Own all phases of the design lifecycle from project initiation through construction completion and closeout
  • Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, and client-specific enterprise asset management platforms
  • Analyze information from topographical surveys, utility atlas information, field sketches, client records, and manufacturer equipment datasheets
  • Develop utility pole loading models using structural software
  • Generate material and equipment purchase order requests
  • Prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely to meet client requirements
  • Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk
  • Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources
  • Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones
  • Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners
  • Travel as needed, typically less than 25%.
What You'll Bring
  • Associate degree in a related technical field (preferred)
  • Related technical certificates in CADD and related software platforms (preferred)
  • 2+ years of relevant experience
  • Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
  • Strong technology skills and understanding of the Office365 suite of tools
  • In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (Revit) including generating layout drawings and project materials
  • Understanding of remote communication software
  • Ability to quickly come up to speed on in-process projects and hit the ground running
  • Experience collaborating with teams to complete larger projects
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Persistence to see projects through to completion
  • Adaptability to change in a dynamic team environment.
What You'll Get
  • Opportunity to work on diverse overhead and subsurface utility projects
  • Professional development through exposure to complex engineering challenges
  • Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams
  • Travel opportunities for field work and client engagement
  • Career growth within the HBK Organization's Design Track
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and employer paid life insurance. In addition, all full-time roles are also eligible for 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off and holidays. Tuition reimbursement and other role specific company paid professional development opportunities are also available.
Compensation RangeThe anticipated compensation for this position is USD $24.00/Hr. - USD $34.00/Hr. depending on experience and qualifications.Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

Employment Type: OTHER