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Design Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R. Jack Balthazar, Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

About the Role We are seeking a mid-level Design Associate with hands-on experience in experiential event design and a passion for transforming creative concepts into stunning event environments.

Sun Technical

Design Associate

New Albany, OH · On-site

Associate degree in applied science (AAS) drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology, or relevant equivalent experience and/or education.

R Jack Balthazar Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA

The "Design Associate" Role @ R. Jack Balthazar The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and will balance multiple projects and aggressive deadlines. The candidate ...

University of Rochester

$25.14 - $35.24/hr

The Instructional Design Associate provides technical guidance for faculty to design and develop lessons and courses across all programs for the School of Nursing. The person in this position works ...

R Jack Balthazar Inc

Design Associate

Vernon, CA · On-site

The "Design Associate" Role @ R. Jack Balthazar The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and will balance multiple projects and aggressive deadlines. The candidate ...

Nathan E Demo

Design Associate

San Mateo, CA · On-site

This position will require that you act as both a client partner and a Design team lead and mentor. Responsibilities: * Manage multiple projects through all stages of development: from incubation to ...

Homenature

Design Associate

Southampton, NY · On-site

Understands the product and uses features, benefits and design to guide the customer to the appropriate products that meet their needs. * Maintains a knowledge of sales, promotions, store policies ...

Nathan E Demo

Design Associate

San Mateo, CA · On-site

This position will require that you act as both a client partner and a Design team lead and mentor. Responsibilities: * Manage multiple projects through all stages of development: from incubation to ...

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Design Associate information

See salary details

$19.5K

$58.6K

$87.5K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in the United States is $58,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,000.00 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.
More about Design Associate jobs
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Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in the United States 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 $58,560 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Design Associate

Design Associate

R. Jack Balthazar, Inc

Vernon, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

About R. Jack Balthazar

R. Jack Balthazar is a full-service event design + build firm serving high-end agencies and independent producers. With in-house floral, carpentry, and fabrication teams, we design and produce inspired décor and immersive environments for over 200 events annually, both nationally and internationally.

About the Role

We are seeking a mid-level Design Associate with hands-on experience in experiential event design and a passion for transforming creative concepts into stunning event environments. This individual will support and collaborate with our senior creative team and production leads on a wide range of projects, playing a key role in design development, sourcing, vendor coordination, and pre-visualization.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, resourceful, and comfortable balancing deadlines and deliverables across multiple projects. This role is ideal for someone with 2–4 years of relevant experience who is looking to take the next step in their creative career by deepening their skillset and increasing their impact on high-profile projects.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the creative team to interpret design briefs into tangible visual concepts and presentations (using Google Slides for visual decks, Sketch Up for rendering, Vectorworks for layout design)
  • Attend and contribute to client meetings, vendor visits, site walkthroughs, and design reviews; summarize findings and spatial data in concise recaps.
  • Support design execution by researching and sourcing furniture, finishes, textiles, florals, lighting, and props.
  • Create and maintain design documentation including mood boards, design decks, material palettes, and floor plans.
  • Communicate with our trusted print vendor + internal print dept. on job print needs. (must have working knowledge of Illustrator)
  • Track and manage all sourcing logistics: order status, vendor communication, shipments, and inventory flow.
  • Coordinate with internal departments (fabrication, florals, décor, carpentry) and external vendors to align creative intent with production realities.
  • Stay current with design trends, materials, and innovations relevant to event environments and experiential spaces.

Requirements

  • 2–4 years of experience in event design, production design, or a related creative field.
  • Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (especially Photoshop and Illustrator), SketchUp, and basic rendering tools (Vray or similar).
  • Familiarity with drafting software like Vectorworks is a plus.
  • Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to translate abstract references into executable design concepts.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized with demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and workstreams.
  • Ability to work on-site, attend installs, and travel as needed.
  • Valid California Driver’s License with clean driving record.
  • Must pass background check and drug screening.

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Experience:

  • Events Industry: 1 year (Required)
  • SketchUp: 2 years (Required)
  • Vectorworks: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Adobe Creative Suite: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License / Real ID (Required)

Work Location: In person only

Company Description

R. Jack Balthazar is a full-service event design+ build firm primarily working in support of independent event producers and agencies. With our skilled in-house carpentry, fabrication and floral teams, R. Jack Balthazar is able to envision, design, produce, and install all matter of inspired decor and execute complete space transformations for 200+ events annually across the US, and internationally.