ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Hacker Architects

Future Opportunities

Portland, OR

Interest in seeking sustainable design credential(s) such as LEED, WELL, LFA * Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Critical Race Theory or other anti-racist / equity frameworks Who is Hacker?

Hacker Architects

Future Opportunities

Portland, OR

Interest in seeking sustainable design credential(s) such as LEED, WELL, LFA * Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Critical Race Theory or other anti-racist / equity frameworks Who is Hacker?

Prime Electric

Electrical Estimator

Portland, OR · On-site

Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build. Quick learner to grasp existing estimating process and procedures. * Experience with the appropriate application of a wide variety of electrical ...

Prime Electric

Electrical Estimator

Portland, OR

Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build. Quick learner to grasp existing estimating process and procedures. * Experience with the appropriate application of a wide variety of electrical ...

Apple

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$141K - $145K/yr

We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking Physical Design Engineer. As a member of our wide-ranging group, you will have the rare and great opportunity to craft upcoming ...

Apple

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR

$141K - $145K/yr

Participate in establishing CAD and physical design methodologies for correct by construction designs. Assist in flow development for chip integration. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate ...

ISAT Total Support

Design Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist Custom Engineering Lead/Project Manager--will work under the guidance of a Lead Design Engineer who assigns all engineering tasks; may also be assigned directly to ...

Total Mechanical, Inc.

Project Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Be part of a team with decades of experience in design-build and design-assist projects. * Direct Impact: We self-perform major scopes, ensuring quality from start to finish. * Safety & Collaboration:

Prime Electric

Electrical Estimator

Portland, OR

Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build. Quick learner to grasp existing estimating process and procedures. * Experience with the appropriate application of a wide variety of electrical ...

DOWL

Transportation Design Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Transportation Planning and Design Join our dynamic team of transportation planners and designers ... May assist with some assistant project management tasks. Education and/or Experience * Bachelor ...

WIZELINE

Senior Data Architect

Beaverton, OR

$70 - $93.75/hr

Provide guidance and partner with squads by applying knowledge of data design * Assist with the development and enforcement of data modeling standards * Participate in data definition and data ...

DOWL

Transportation Design Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Transportation Planning and Design Join our dynamic team of transportation planners and designers ... May assist with some assistant project management tasks. Education and/or Experience * Bachelor ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign JobsDesign Assistant JobsDesign Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Design Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$26

$41

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Portland, OR is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $30.34 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Design jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Design Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Design Assistant job openings:
Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,322 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Future Opportunities

Hacker Architects

Portland, OR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Hacker is always looking to connect with engaged, collaborative designers, interior designers, and architects; and specifically project managers and architects with multi-family housing experience. If you do not see a specific job posting applicable to you but would like to submit your application for future consideration, please upload a single PDF (20MB max) that includes a letter of interest, resume, and concise work samples or a link to your online portfolio.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience using Sketchup, Revit and Enscape
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
  • Interest in seeking sustainable design credential(s) such as LEED, WELL, LFA
  • Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Critical Race Theory or other anti-racist / equity frameworks

Who is Hacker? Hacker is an architecture and interior design studio headquartered in Portland, Oregon with an additional office in Bend. We are united by a desire to create spaces that enrich the world – spaces that make us feel more connected to the landscape, each other, and ourselves. Our devotion to craft and 40+ year history of environmentally progressive design, our expressive use of materials and natural light – above all, our reputation for seeking clarity and meaning in every aspect of the work – has earned us international, national, and regional design awards, top prizes in national design competitions, and publication internationally. Want to learn more? Check out our website: hackerarchitects.com

We are an equal opportunity employer and champion social equity and mentorship. We value diversity, are active in our community, and seek to be a workplace where diverse voices are represented and heard. Hacker is a Just Organization and is actively working on issues such as diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace; corporate social responsibility; and combating climate change. We look for employees who are interested in joining us in this important and challenging work.

Why Work at Hacker?

  • We offer competitive salary and generous benefits including paid family and medical leave; 401k with socially responsible investment options and employer contributions; company paid volunteer time; continuing education stipends; 100% medical, dental & vision, company paid disability insurance and life insurance; and FSA/HSA, and PTO (3 weeks in the first 3 years).
  • We promote a work life balance and are sensitive to family and medical needs.
  • As a firm our drivers are climate justice and design justice.
  • We focus on community architecture – libraries, academic, civic, cultural, and private commercial projects.
  • We work with companies that align with our values and whom we believe can make a positive difference in the industry and beyond.

To apply, please use the following link: https://hacker-architects.hiringthing.com/


Apply