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Design Associate Jobs in Blue Earth, MN (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE ROLE The ENTRY-LEVEL CAD Technician is responsible for preparation of production drawings ... Associate degree in drafting degree preferred * Interpersonal communication skills to work in a ...

TN M&E Associate

Saint James, MN

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Maintenance and Engineering Associate Technician will be supporting our Maintenance Manager and the ... Read and interpret, engineering design drawings, blueprints, piping sketches, schematics and wiring ...

TN M&E Associate

Saint James, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Maintenance and Engineering Associate Technician will be supporting our Maintenance Manager and the ... Read and interpret, engineering design drawings, blueprints, piping sketches, schematics and wiring ...

TN M&E Associate

Saint James, MN

$14.25 - $19.75/hr

Maintenance and Engineering Associate Technician will be supporting our Maintenance Manager and the ... Read and interpret, engineering design drawings, blueprints, piping sketches, schematics and wiring ...

Academic-Physician Gastroenterology

Fairmont, MN · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor). Successful candidates will be expected to ... The growing Section of Digestive Diseases offers opportunities to build and design programs within ...

Academic Gastroenterology Physician

Fairmont, MN · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor). Successful candidates will be expected to ... The growing Section of Digestive Diseases offers opportunities to build and design programs within ...

Design Associate information

See Blue Earth, MN salary details

$18.9K

$56.7K

$84.7K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Blue Earth, MN is $56,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $65,800.00 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 Blue Earth, MN? The most popular types of Design jobs in Blue Earth, MN are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in Blue Earth, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in Blue Earth, MN are:
What cities near Blue Earth, MN are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities near Blue Earth, MN with the most Design Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Blue Earth, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,702 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Senior CAD Administrator - Autodesk

Senior CAD Administrator - Autodesk

Bolton & Menk, Inc

Fairmont, MN

$83K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Senior CAD Administrator-Autodesk to join our team to support efforts in southern Minnesota and Iowa. As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. With over 75 years of experience, Bolton & Menk specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond.

We are looking for a Senior CAD Administrator-Autodesk who will help foster our mission that All People Should Live in Safe, Sustainable and Beautiful Communities! You will join our well-established CAD Services team to assist with the set-up, training, and support for our design staff. We use Autodesk Civil 3D extensively for the plan production process and are looking for candidates who have excellent knowledge of Civil 3D.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Maintain and support design software systems (AutoCAD, Civil 3D), including implementation, customization, and troubleshooting of applications and hardware

  • Develop and enforce company-specific templates, workflows, and production standards to optimize efficiency

  • Provide training and technical guidance to staff on design software and procedures; serve as a resource for standardization committees

  • Research and recommend software tools to enhance design processes; apply intermediate programming skills (LISP, VBA, .NET)

  • Assist with engineering technician duties, travel to project sites as needed, and uphold confidentiality and compliance standards

What We Are Looking For:

  • Associate degree in drafting or related degree from an accredited college
  • 7 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Moderate to advanced understanding of the Windows OS environment, printer/plotter and video drivers
  • Advanced knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D and related applications
  • General knowledge of database concepts
  • Effective interpersonal written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail, time management, organization and problem-solving skills

Bolton & Menk will currently not be providing visa sponsorship or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Salary Range: $83,000 - $108,000 depending on years of experience and credentials

Bolton & Menk is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to specific geographic location. Bolton & Menk reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

Supporting Our Employees

There’s life at work and life outside of work. Bolton & Menk has a number of benefit programs and amenities to support you and your family throughout whatever stage of life you are in.

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation plan - overtime compensation available to most employees
  • Discretionary bonuses available to most employees
  • ESOP - Employee ownership (ESOP); 100% company-paid contributions
  • 401(k) Match Program
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
  • Six paid company holidays
  • Two floating personal holidays for events that are important in your life
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Short term and Long-term disability
  • Dependent care reimbursement
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance

WHY BOLTON & MENK?
Bolton & Menk, Inc. specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities. Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 1,000 employees throughout more than 40 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina and South Carolina providing services to more than 400 communities and agencies. Learn more about our history here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/about-us/

OUR BENEFITS
At Bolton & Menk, we value our people and provide an exceptional Total Compensation and Benefits Package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Perks of being a Bolton & Menk employee include peace of mind with our benefits package and competitive compensation plan, flexible schedules, and career development opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/careers

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bolton & Menk does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies in response to Bolton & Menk job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team is required after any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team.

It is our responsibility and privilege to embrace the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences necessary to develop infrastructure systems that serve all people. Bolton & Menk, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including disability and vets.