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Design Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Floor & Decor

Design Consultant

Arlington Heights, IL

$15.10 - $21.20/hr

The Design Consultant at Floor & Decor is the entry point into design and is responsible for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Apply Early

Floor & Décor

Design Supervisor

Chicago, IL

$19.10 - $37.30/hr

The Design Supervisor is responsible for the training and development of the design team, and for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Design Consultant

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15.10 - $20/hr

The Design Consultant at Floor & Decor is the entry point into design and is responsible for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Floor & Décor

Design Consultant

Aurora, IL

$15.10 - $20/hr

The Design Consultant at Floor & Decor is the entry point into design and is responsible for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Floor & Décor

Design Consultant

Arlington Heights, IL

$15.10 - $21.20/hr

The Design Consultant at Floor & Decor is the entry point into design and is responsible for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Floor & Decor

Design Supervisor

Chicago, IL

$19.10 - $37.30/hr

The Design Supervisor is responsible for the training and development of the design team, and for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Apply Early

Floor & Décor

Design Consultant

Deerfield, IL

$15.10 - $21.20/hr

The Design Consultant at Floor & Decor is the entry point into design and is responsible for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Caterpillar

Associate Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$81K - $122K/yr

Role Description Caterpillar's Large Power Systems Division has an opening for an Associate ... Design new solenoid products * Develop, validate, and implement design changes * Communicate ...

Altec

Design Engineer

Sandoval, IL · On-site

$72K - $82K/yr

Over the years, those values and our talented associates have helped us to earn the trust and ... design, manufacturing and service - and that's why we're the ideal place for you to grow your ...

Hughes Recruiting & Consulting

Design Engineer

Dixon, IL

$28.85 - $38.46/hr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, CAD Design, or related technical field preferred * **Experience **: 3+ years of experience in heavy equipment or agriculture ...

Apply Early

Hughes Recruiting & Consulting

Design Engineer

Dixon, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, CAD Design, or related technical field preferred * **Experience **: 3+ years of experience in heavy equipment or agriculture ...

Apply Early

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in Illinois

Design Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$18.9K

$56.7K

$84.8K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Illinois is $56,747.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $65,900.00 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Design jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in Illinois? For Design Associate jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Design Associate job openings:
Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,747 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Associate - Environmental Design

Associate - Environmental Design

AmTab Manufacturing Corporation

Bensenville, IL • On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Description:

At AmTab Manufacturing Corporation, we don’t just make learning environments — we make them matter. Our mission is to build student-first spaces that transform how K–12 schools function, feel, and flourish. Every cafeteria, commons, and collaboration area we touch becomes a stage for creativity, inclusion, and energy.

As a minority-owned, 100% made-in-the-USA company, AmTab is proud to own our design, manufacturing, and installation process from start to finish.

We’re looking for a designer who doesn’t just shape walls — they shape experiences. If that’s you, read on.

As an Associate – Environmental Design, you’ll bring brand, culture, and community identity to life through large-format graphics, signage, murals, and visual storytelling elements that personalize K–12 learning spaces. Sitting within the Office Work Group, this role bridges graphic design, interior aesthetics, and architectural branding — infusing meaning and emotion into every square foot we furnish.

This isn’t marketing. This is environmental transformation — and you’ll be at the heart of it.

Key Responsibilities

  • Translate school culture into full-space graphic installations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for wall art, wayfinding, stage graphics, and surface designs.
  • Design across multiple surfaces and scales — from 3D lettering and signage to vinyl murals and ceiling features.
  • Work collaboratively with our Interior Design and Education Partnerships teams to align environmental designs with spatial layouts.
  • Manage the print-readiness of all assets and coordinate with production teams for proper output specifications.
  • Participate in concept sessions with school districts to capture values, colors, mascots, and vision.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of signage materials, graphic finishes, and educational design trends.
  • Present visual design concepts to internal teams and clients with clarity and confidence.
  • Adapt quickly to district feedback and evolve designs with agility and creativity.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Environmental Design, Interior Design, or related field.
  • 1–3 years of experience in environmental or experiential graphic design.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop. Experience with large-scale printing or signage production preferred.
  • Portfolio demonstrating multi-surface visual storytelling and experiential design.
  • Familiarity with education markets, student-centered design, or branded environments is a plus.
  • Strong visual communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage deadlines across multiple, simultaneous design projects.
  • Comfortable working cross-functionally in a fast-paced team.
  • Knowledge of ADA signage guidelines and OSHA visual safety standards is preferred.

We design learning environments that feel like they belong. If you’re ready to tell bold stories through space and signage — let’s talk. Your designs will become the heartbeat of a school, the pride of a student body, and the backdrop of thousands of young learners’ daily lives.