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Design Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Learn and apply cold-formed steel framing design. * Assist in preparing technical specifications. * Conduct occasional job site visits (travel as needed). * Collaborate with other disciplines to ...

Assistant Project Manager

Dulles, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Assistant Project Manager

Dulles, VA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Dynalectric Company

Dulles, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

For both new construction and renovation projects, we offer design-build/design-assist, value engineering, and CAD services, working with biotech, healthcare, commercial, transportation, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$38

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Virginia is $24.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.09 and $28.37 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Design Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Design Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,783 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Federal Work Study: Student Graphic Design & Marketing Assistant

The University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA

$16.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

**Federal Work-Study eligible students only**

Department Overview:

As the largest department of religious studies at a public university, we embody the fragile proposition that informed participation in pluralist societies requires understanding religious worlds. Our faculty is uncommonly diverse, trained in many languages, traditions, and fields. It is also uncommonly pluralist in the range of research and teaching methods we employ; our curriculum includes courses taught through historical, philological, ethnographic, theological, philosophical, comparative, and literary approaches.

More information about the Department can be found on our website:https://religiousstudies.as.virginia.edu/,orstopby our administrative office on the third floor.

Pay rate: $16.50/hr

Anticipated start date: 8/31/2026

Work Location: South Lawn, Gibson Hall

Core Responsibilities

The Religious Studies department is seeking a student with graphic design experience to support the department's communication and outreach efforts.Responsibilities will include designing promotional materials, creating graphics for events and social media, andassistingwith updates to digital and print publications. This position is paid hourly and is on an as needed basis.

  • Design promotional materials for the department website and other digital platforms.

  • Create graphics to promote upcoming events.

  • Assistwith updating andmaintainingdigital and print publications.

  • Assistwith website updates and troubleshoot issues as needed.

Desired Skills

  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

  • Basic understanding of website quality assurance.

  • Comfortable cropping andoptimizingimages for digital use.

  • Strong written communication and problem-solving skills.

  • Interestin graphic design, marketing, communications, and/or digital media.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • Second-, third-, or fourth-year undergraduatestudentenrolled full-time at UVA.

  • Religious Studies major preferred.

  • Good academic standing.

  • Federal Work-Study eligibility isrequired.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.


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University of Virginia logo

About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819