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Design Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Room & Board

Design Associate (3-day)

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$36K/yr

At Room & Board, our part-time Design/Retail Sales Associate role (3 days a week, 8-hour shifts including weekends) offers an amazing way to balance your current life's work with a fulfilling ...

Danaher

Deal Design Consultant

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

Floor & Decor

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 ...

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All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL

Design Associate information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$19.3K

$57.9K

$86.5K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Elgin, IL is $57,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $67,200.00 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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Design jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Design Associate job openings:
Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,888 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
Design Associate (3-day)

Design Associate (3-day)

Room & Board

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$36K/yr

Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Room & Board rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated furniture retailers

Job description

Overview
Are you driven by the desire to serve customers and passionate about the art of selling? Do you excel in a dynamic retail environment, utilizing your inherent curiosity and intuition to assist customers in finding tailored solutions that transform their homes into spaces they love? If so, discover a career designed to be different!
At Room & Board, our part-time Design/Retail Sales Associate role (3 days a week, 8-hour shifts including weekends) offers an amazing way to balance your current life's work with a fulfilling part-time career. Offering you generous benefits, including health benefits, three weeks of paid vacation, 401(k), profit sharing, and more. You'll join a team of talented and professional colleagues while being surrounded by beautiful home furnishings that showcase American craftsmanship. As a valued member of our collaborative design team, you will leverage technology, tools, and resources innovatively, creating a rich and engaging experience to help customers craft homes and spaces they love.
Job location:
2525 W. 22nd Street
Oakbrook, IL 60523
Store hours:
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Schedule:
You will work a set schedule of Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You'll enjoy one weekend off every 4 weeks. The week in which you have the weekend off, your (2) weekend shifts will be scheduled during the weekday you are typically off, so flexibility with your schedule is necessary. To allow you to easily balance your other life priorities, we build out schedules for an entire month and release them a few weeks prior to the start of each month.
What you bring to be successful as a Design / Retail Sales Associate:
  • Motivation to serve the customer with an individualized and consultative approach, understanding their needs while maintaining professionalism and respect in your interactions.
  • Confidence as a team player, with self-awareness and an ability to build successful relationships with an open-mind and open-heart.
  • Focus on providing the right solution in a collaborative, non-commissioned selling environment as you guide customers through the creative design process.
  • Confidence in navigating and leveraging technology/tools such as the iPad, floor planning software, and POS system to enhance the customer experience.
  • Energized by the high-paced customer traffic and the range of interactions throughout your shift. You bring the stamina - both physical and mental - to navigate both the busy pace of customer interactions and the productivity of your downtime.
  • Lifelong learner mindset, continuously seeking opportunities to build knowledge and hone your craft.

Additional position requirements and qualifications as a Design / Retail Sales Associate:
  • 2+ years of experience working in a customer-centric, fashion/design savvy retail environment with a passion for design and engaging with customers on the showroom floor.
  • You bring exceptional communication skills, demonstrated confidence, attention to detail, prioritization and organization skills, and a high level of comfort navigating technology and virtual resources. These attributes for success are captured in our Design Associate Profile.
  • Ability to provide proof of identity and legal work authorization upon hire.

What you'll find as Design / Retail Sales Associate:
  • Salary: $32,000 - $36,000 ($25.64 - $28.85 / hour) depending on experience.
  • Benefits that focus on holistic well-being. The whole person matters, not just the one who shows up for work. That's why we invest in holistic well-being that supports and encourages you to live a full life. Besides a competitive paycheck, we offer several awesome perks to help you thrive in every aspect of life. Picture this: three weeks of paid vacation, a generous 401(k) match, profit-sharing, and a whole bunch of cool extras. We're talking about benefits that cover you from head to toe - physically, emotionally, and financially.
  • Meaningful work. We create a meaningful work experience by empowering everyone to contribute, taking pride in everything we do, and making the world sustainable, inclusive and beautiful.
  • A culture of respect. We sustain a culture of respect by relying on our shared values, building supportive and kind teams, and ensuring all voices are heard and celebrated

To view our benefits in detail and to learn more about our culture, please visit our career site at https://www.roomandboard.com/careers
Application Deadline: The position will remain open until filled; there is no specified deadline.
Room & Board is a modern furniture and home decor retailer committed to creating beautiful, well-made products while providing exceptional customer service. Our mission is to help people create homes they love through timeless designs, sustainable practices, and a focus on quality craftsmanship. To view our benefits in detail and to learn more about our culture, please visit our career site at https://www.roomandboard.com/careers.
Room & Board is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or staff member on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, disability, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We also prohibit harassment of applicants and staff members based on any protected category, characteristic or status. It is also our policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.
As an applicant, you have rights under Federal Employment Laws, and your state may offer additional protections. To view applicable laws, visit our partner site.
Discover a career designed to be different.
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