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Design Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mattel

Assoc Manager Product Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$201K/yr

The Product Design Associate Manager will lead and inspire a group of designers on 1 or more of our key segments of business in Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets, creating ...

Homee

Styling & Sales Expert

Los Angeles, CA

$15 - $20.50/hr

The associate position at Homee is both deeply creative and sales driven. While background in interior design is not necessary, every Design Associate will go through a rigorous training process to ...

Homee

Styling & Sales Expert

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15 - $20.50/hr

The associate position at Homee is both deeply creative and sales driven. While background in interior design is not necessary, every Design Associate will go through a rigorous training process to ...

El Pollo Loco

Associate, Restaurant Design

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The Design Associate will support the Design & Construction Teams for both company and franchise remodel projects. The role requires strong organizational skills, technical design knowledge, and the ...

Mattel

Assoc Manager Product Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$201K/yr

The Product Design Associate Manager will lead and inspire a group of designers on 1 or more of our key segments of business in Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets, creating ...

Mattel

Assoc Manager Product Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$201K/yr

The Product Design Associate Manager will lead and inspire a group of designers on 1 or more of our key segments of business in Hot Wheels Licensed Entertainment Tracks and Playsets, creating ...

Danaher

Deal Design Consultant

Brea, CA · Remote

The Deal Design Associate independently manages singlesite deals within defined approval authority and provides analytical and execution support for complex, multisite agreements and formal RFPs led ...

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All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in California

Design Associate information

See California salary details

$19.2K

$57.8K

$86.4K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in California is $57,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $67,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Design Associate vs Design Coordinator?

AspectDesign AssociateDesign Coordinator
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some experienceSimilar credentials, often with additional project management skills
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, retail, or corporate settingsDesign teams, client-facing roles, project management settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in interior, graphic, and product designOften used interchangeably or in larger firms for project oversight

The main difference between a Design Associate and a Design Coordinator lies in their focus. Design Associates typically assist with design tasks and client support, while Design Coordinators often handle project coordination, timelines, and communication. Both roles require similar credentials, but Design Coordinators usually have additional organizational responsibilities.

What does a design associate do?

A design associate supports the design team by creating visual concepts, drafting layouts, and preparing presentations using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. They collaborate with clients and team members to develop design solutions and ensure projects meet specifications and deadlines.

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 is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often senior roles such as Creative Director or Design Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. Specialized fields like UX/UI design or industrial design can also offer high salaries at senior levels.

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

To thrive as a Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in graphic design, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate creatively are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities enable effective project execution, ensure design consistency, and foster successful teamwork in a fast-paced creative environment.

What are some common challenges Design Associates face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Design Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make managing deadlines and shifting priorities a challenge. Effective communication with team members and clear organization of tasks are essential to ensure all projects move forward smoothly. Additionally, adapting quickly to feedback from clients or senior designers is key, as project requirements can change rapidly. Building strong time management skills and staying flexible will help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.

What are Design Associates?

Design Associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who support design teams in creating visual concepts, layouts, and presentations for projects across industries such as graphic design, interior design, fashion, and architecture. They assist senior designers by conducting research, preparing materials, and using design software to bring creative ideas to life. Design Associates often collaborate with clients and other team members to ensure that the final product aligns with project goals and brand standards.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI tools are increasingly used by design associates to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not replace the need for human creativity, critical thinking, and aesthetic judgment. Designers and design associates still play a vital role in interpreting client needs, making strategic decisions, and ensuring quality. AI serves as a complement to design skills rather than a complete replacement in the design process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in California? For Design Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Design Associate job openings:
Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,794 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Store Design Associate Manager

Store Design Associate Manager

Chedraui USA

Commerce, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 21 days ago

Chedraui rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SUMMARY
The StoreDesign Associate Manager works in Auto CAD creating, modifying, and releasingdrawings for use by internal and external stakeholders.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES ANDRESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned orrequired:

  • Creates, modifies, and releases drawings for use by internal and external stakeholders.
  • Works closely with all departments in the company to ensure that the drawings, renderings, and communications all reflect the company value design standards.
  • Responds and adapts to changing timelines and project demands while meeting design expectations and operational requirements.
  • Understands company and industry design criteria elements such as but not limited to equipment and fixture specifications and successfully applying them to work product to be used by the company.
  • Coordinates with multiple vendors, in areas including, but not limited to, refrigeration, fixture & millwork equipment and others to allow for design and architectural integration on all projects to be implemented within the completion of the project.
  • Works from drawings, sketches or scanned images, or self-produced measurements, surveys, and as required, field visits for all verification of project related information.
  • Develops schematic drawings for new and remodel store openings that represent company standard concepts while meeting established quality expectations.
  • Maintains and update all as-built project plan information on company server.
  • Manages and coordinates all store sign projects, which includes project tracking of requests, assignment of vendors for surveys, fabrication and installs of all signage related work. Maintains and understands all sign criteria as it develops and changes for the department as needed.
  • Manages all business licensing and utility related documents for all related store design and construction projects of all company banners.
  • Manages and assist legal department of all related Alcohol plans and diagrams for required application of Alcohol licensing.
  • Work closely with architects, engineers, vendors, consultants, city municipalities and other department personnel to obtain information and ensure drawings and projects meet company dates of store deliveries and openings.

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