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Design Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Origin Design

Entry-Level Civil Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Perform engineering design tasks under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer. * Assist in with engineering calculations, quantity takeoffs, and preparation of technical reports.

efcoforms

CAD Designer 1

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Purpose The CAD Designer 1 role creates accurate erection drawings that visually represent EFCO ... Equipment Support (20%) * Assist with equipment list setup and adjustments for assigned jobs.

efcoforms

CAD Designer 1

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Purpose The CAD Designer 1 role creates accurate erection drawings that visually represent EFCO ... Equipment Support (20%) * Assist with equipment list setup and adjustments for assigned jobs.

EFCO Corp.

CAD Designer 1

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Purpose The CAD Designer 1 role creates accurate erection drawings that visually represent EFCO ... Equipment Support (20%) * Assist with equipment list setup and adjustments for assigned jobs.

EFCO Corp.

CAD Designer 1

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Purpose The CAD Designer 1 role creates accurate erection drawings that visually represent EFCO ... Equipment Support (20%) * Assist with equipment list setup and adjustments for assigned jobs.

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Design Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$23

$36

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Iowa is $23.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design assistant?

Design Assistants are professionals who support designers or design teams in various creative industries, such as fashion, interior, graphic, or product design. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with research, organizing materials, preparing presentations, managing schedules, and helping with the execution of design projects. Design Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently by handling administrative and creative tasks. They often collaborate closely with senior designers, clients, and vendors to bring creative concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Assistant, you need a solid grasp of design principles, proficiency in graphic design or interior design basics, and a relevant educational background such as a degree or diploma in design. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or SketchUp is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly help you stand out in supporting senior designers and collaborating with clients. These competencies ensure efficient workflow, high-quality deliverables, and effective teamwork in fast-paced design environments.

What are some common challenges design assistants face when collaborating with senior designers and clients?

Design Assistants often navigate balancing creative input with following the vision set by senior designers and clients. Communication is key, as misunderstandings can arise regarding project expectations, deadlines, or feedback. Additionally, adapting to shifting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously can be challenging, but these experiences help develop multitasking and problem-solving skills. Building strong relationships with team members and clients fosters a supportive work environment and facilitates professional growth.

What is the difference between Design Assistant vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign AssistantGraphic Designer
CredentialsAssociate's degree or related certificationBachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentSupportive role in design teams, often in studios or corporate settingsIndependent or team-based projects, creative agencies, or in-house departments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design tasks, preparing materials, organizing projectsCreating visual concepts, designing layouts, producing final artwork

While both roles involve visual design, a Design Assistant primarily supports senior designers by handling preparatory and organizational tasks. A Graphic Designer takes on the core creative responsibilities, producing original designs and visual content. The roles often overlap in work environment and credentials, but differ in scope and level of creative independence.

How do you become a design assistant?

To become a design assistant, candidates typically need a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree in design, art, or a related field. Gaining proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and building a strong portfolio are important steps, along with relevant internship or work experience. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are also valuable in this role.

What skills do you need to be a design assistant?

A design assistant needs strong creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Good communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and basic knowledge of design principles are also important for supporting creative projects effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Design Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Design Assistant job openings:

Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,112 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Senior CAD Administrator - Autodesk

Bolton & Menk, Inc

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Bolton & Menk rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Senior CAD Administrator-Autodesk to join our Iowa team. As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. With over 75 years of experience, Bolton & Menk specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond.

We are looking for a Senior CAD Administrator-Autodesk who will help foster our mission that All People Should Live in Safe, Sustainable and Beautiful Communities! You will join our well-established CAD Services team to assist with the set-up, training, and support for our design staff. We use Autodesk Civil 3D extensively for the plan production process and are looking for candidates who have excellent knowledge of Civil 3D.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Maintain and support design software systems (AutoCAD, Civil 3D), including implementation, customization, and troubleshooting of applications and hardware

  • Develop and enforce company-specific templates, workflows, and production standards to optimize efficiency

  • Provide training and technical guidance to staff on design software and procedures; serve as a resource for standardization committees

  • Research and recommend software tools to enhance design processes; apply intermediate programming skills (LISP, VBA, .NET)

  • Assist with engineering technician duties, travel to project sites as needed, and uphold confidentiality and compliance standards

What We Are Looking For:

  • Associate degree in drafting or related degree from an accredited college
  • 7 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Moderate to advanced understanding of the Windows OS environment, printer/plotter and video drivers
  • Advanced knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D and related applications
  • General knowledge of database concepts
  • Effective interpersonal written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail, time management, organization and problem-solving skills

Bolton & Menk will currently not be providing visa sponsorship or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

WHY BOLTON & MENK?
Bolton & Menk, Inc. specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities. Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 1,000 employees throughout more than 40 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina and South Carolina providing services to more than 400 communities and agencies. Learn more about our history here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/about-us/

OUR BENEFITS
At Bolton & Menk, we value our people and provide an exceptional Total Compensation and Benefits Package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Perks of being a Bolton & Menk employee include peace of mind with our benefits package and competitive compensation plan, flexible schedules, and career development opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/careers

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bolton & Menk does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies in response to Bolton & Menk job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team is required after any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team.

It is our responsibility and privilege to embrace the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences necessary to develop infrastructure systems that serve all people. Bolton & Menk, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including disability and vets.

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