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Design Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Dave Jones LLC

Design Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

The Opportunity We're looking for an HVAC Design Assistant with a foundation in CAD/AutoCAD and exposure to HVAC or mechanical systems to join our commercial design team. This role is designed for ...

K Komfort Heating & Cooling

HVAC Drafter

Madison, WI

Position Overview We are seeking an HVAC Drafter who will assist with design, coordination, and execution of HVAC systems for commercial, multifamily, and municipal projects. This position is ideal ...

Lands' End

Associate Designer - Knits

Dodgeville, WI · Hybrid

$60K - $70K/yr

In some categories, mentor an intern or design assistant. * Collaborate with merchandising to understand sales history when designing products. Skills * Demonstrate fluency in Centric, Illustrator ...

Lands' End

Associate Designer - Knits

Dodgeville, WI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

In some categories, mentor an intern or design assistant. * Collaborate with merchandising to understand sales history when designing products. Skills * Demonstrate fluency in Centric, Illustrator ...

Bock Water Heaters

Design Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

Job Summary The Design Engineer position requires a robust knowledge of engineering principles ... Provide engineering support to Bock's sister company, Tank Technology, Inc. * Assist with Standard ...

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Design Assistant information

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How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Madison, WI is $24.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does an assistant designer do?

An assistant designer supports lead designers by helping develop concepts, creating sketches, preparing design presentations, and managing project details. They often use design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and collaborate with teams to ensure project deadlines are met. This role typically requires strong organizational skills and a basic understanding of design principles.

What is the role of a design assistant?

A design assistant supports designers by preparing sketches, managing project materials, and coordinating schedules. They often use design software like Adobe Creative Suite and assist with research, drafting, and presentation tasks to ensure smooth workflow in creative projects.

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.

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.

How much do design assistants make?

Design assistants in Florida typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are Design Assistants?

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 is a design assistant's salary?

A design assistant's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn more. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Design jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Assistant jobs in Madison, WI? For Design Assistant jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Design Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Design Assistant job openings:
Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,613 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Design Assistant

Design Assistant

Dave Jones LLC

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Dave Jones LLC rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Dave Jones is a Wisconsin-based mechanical contracting firm that has been delivering plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and electrical services to commercial clients for decades. We're proud of the work we do - and even prouder of the people we do it with.

We believe that a team with a great culture and great people will always find a way to win. That starts with investing in our people - from day one and every step of the way. If you're looking for a place to grow your technical skills, contribute to real commercial projects, and work alongside people who genuinely care about each other, we'd love to have you on the team.

Our goal is to be a company that our people, customers, partners, and communities are proud to be part of.

The Opportunity

We're looking for an HVAC Design Assistant with a foundation in CAD/AutoCAD and exposure to HVAC or mechanical systems to join our commercial design team. This role is designed for someone who already has the technical baseline - and is ready to apply it on meaningful, real-world projects.

You'll work directly alongside experienced HVAC designers, contributing to the full lifecycle of commercial projects while continuing to develop your technical depth. This is a role with a clear path forward for the right person.

What You'll Do

As an HVAC Design Assistant, you'll be a hands-on contributor from the start:

       Create and update HVAC design drawings in AutoCAD for the design team

       Assist with drafting HVAC plans and mechanical system layouts for commercial construction projects

       Support the preparation and submission of drawings to municipalities for permitting

       Help create and manage collaboration drawings and coordinate design review meetings

       Request and organize design information from general contractors

       Create and manage job folders, keeping project documentation accurate and up to date

       Assist with designing gas plans and HVAC distribution layouts

       Help maintain the design team's project timeline and flag scheduling conflicts

       Draft group emails, contact letters, and internal team communications

       Suggest design improvements and offer alternative approaches to completing tasks

Requirements

       High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary coursework in mechanical, architectural, or engineering design is a plus

       Valid driver's license required

       1-3 years of AutoCAD or CAD drafting experience in a professional or academic setting

       Exposure to HVAC systems, mechanical systems design, or related construction disciplines

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development
  • Work From Home
  • Wellness Resources

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