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Design Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Passero Associates

Executive Assistant

Rochester, NY · Hybrid

Support office administration functions, including coordination with vendors and internal teams. * Assist with marketing-related tasks as needed, including basic graphic design, social media support ...

U.S. Navy

DESIGN & COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Geneseo, NY

From photography and journalism to graphic design and videography, Navy MCs can do it all. We're ... Conduct ship and base tours for high−profile individuals and foreign dignitaries * Assist and ...

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All JobsDesign Assistant JobsDesign Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

Design Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$24

$38

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Rochester, NY is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $28.22 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 is the 70/30 rule in interior design?

The 70/30 rule in interior design suggests that 70% of a space should be composed of neutral or cohesive elements, while 30% can feature accent colors, patterns, or bold pieces. As a design assistant, understanding this principle helps in creating balanced and visually appealing interiors by guiding color schemes and furniture choices.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Design jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Design Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Design Assistant job openings:
Design Assistant jobs near you
Entry-level Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer

Entry-level Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer

Salas O'Brien

Rochester, NY • On-site

$30 - $34.86/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Salas O'Brien rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 352 rated engineering

Job description

Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Plumbing / Fire Protection Engineering
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary
The Plumbing / Fire Protection Design Engineer supports the design, layout, analysis, and documentation of plumbing and fire protection systems for a variety of building types. This role performs foundational engineering tasks, develops system layouts, and supports senior staff while contributing to coordinated, code-compliant building system designs.
Working closely with Project Engineers, Senior Engineers, and the mechanical discipline team, this position helps deliver high-quality designs that reflect M/E Engineering's commitment to technical excellence.
Responsibilities
  • Assist in preparing plumbing and fire protection system layouts based on design criteria, sketches, and project requirements
  • Perform basic engineering calculations including fixture unit analysis, pipe sizing, flow and pressure considerations, and preliminary hydraulic evaluations
  • Develop design drawings using AutoCAD and/or Revit under the guidance of senior staff
  • Prepare drawings from architectural plans and convert redlines, markups, and design notes into accurate system documentation
  • Coordinate with mechanical, electrical, and architectural teams to ensure proper routing, space allocation, and system integration
  • Assist with specification formatting and document organization
  • Participate in site visits to verify existing conditions and support design development
  • Support review of submittals and shop drawings for conformance with design intent
  • Develop understanding of applicable codes and standards, including New York State Plumbing and Fire Codes, NFPA standards, and IPC/IMC requirements
  • Provide support to Senior and Project Engineers on tasks requiring advanced analysis or coordination
  • Build skills toward independent design responsibilities and future advancement

Qualifications and Experience
  • Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology, Drafting/Design, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
  • 1-2 years of experience in building systems design; plumbing and/or fire protection experience strongly preferred
  • Basic understanding of plumbing and fire protection system fundamentals
  • Experience with AutoCAD and/or Revit
  • Familiarity with mechanical code interpretation, pipe sizing, and basic fluid dynamics preferred

Travel
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis. Field visits may include ladder use and mobility around construction sites. 5-10%
Location: Rochester, New York
Compensation & Benefits
The expected base salary range for this role is $30.00 - $34.86 USD per hour. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O'Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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