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Associate Designer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Civil Designer Primary Function: The Civil designer will perform routine design ... Other duties as required Minimum Qualifications / Experience Associates degree in drafting & Design ...

The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG ... Associates degree in Drafting & Design or equivalent certification is preferred. A 4-year Eng Tech ...

Utilize engineering software and tools to create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations ... Associates degree, or certificate, in Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Engineering preferred ...

Axiom Consultants, a Ruekert & Mielke company, is seeking an experienced Structural Designer to ... an Associate's degree, or 5+ years of industry experience * Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Designer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$19.6K

$59K

$88.2K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Madison, WI is $59,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $68,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in Madison, WI?

For Associate Designer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Designer jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Associate Designer jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Associate Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 49% In-person, 25% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,007 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

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Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Overview
Join a Team Where Engineering Excellence Drives Opportunity
At Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), we bring together expertise and innovation to solve the most complex challenges. Since 1978, we've supported mission-driven organizations in designing systems and environments that advance society and improve lives. Today, with more than 900 professionals across 22 offices, we help shape the future of healthcare, science and technology, energy, education, and other vital sectors.
From elevating patient care in Mayo Clinic's world-class hospitals to enabling discovery in high-containment laboratories for U.S. agencies and driving environmental progress with Microsoft's renowned Thermal Energy Center, our work enriches the human experience, safeguards the environment, and pushes the boundaries of possibility.
AEI consistently earns national recognition from leading industry publications, including Building Design+Construction, Engineering News-Record, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, with distinctions such as being named the #1 Laboratory Engineering Firm in the nation and receiving multiple Best of the Best Project awards, underscoring the lasting legacy of our work.
At AEI, you'll join a collaborative community where your expertise fuels innovation, your ideas drive progress, and your work helps shape a brighter future.
As a Mechanical Designer in our Madison office, you will help us empower our clients to achieve energy-efficient building solutions, save global environments, and create a better, greener future for all.
Why We Need You:
In this role, you will convert system design concepts into specific layouts by utilizing information outlined by senior team members.
Expertise of our most successful Mechanical Designer:
  • Associates degree in HVAC or Architectural Design or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in HVAC design and cpmputer aided design.
  • Proficiency with the current version of AutoCAD and/or REVIT used by AEI.
  • Ability to interpret design criteria and convert it into specific layouts.

Effective skills to help you flourish:
  • Ability to work well in a team environment, including carrying out appropriate follow-through with others, and ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
  • Ability to communicate well with individuals at all levels in the organization
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Quick technical comprehension and motivation focused on client outcomes.

When you work here, you can expect:
  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters-because your best work happens when you're supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow-through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs-whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we'll continue to invest in.

If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!
Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/
If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.
AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.