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Design Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Design Intern (paid)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13.95 - $15.50/hr

The graphic design intern will also support our public relations outreach to local and regional media, social media and our targeted print and digital advertising to build awareness for SOAR365 ...

Graphic Design Intern (paid)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$13.95 - $15.50/hr

The graphic design intern will also support our public relations outreach to local and regional media, social media and our targeted print and digital advertising to build awareness for SOAR365 ...

Graphic Design Intern (paid)

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

The graphic design intern will also support our public relations outreach to local and regional media, social media and our targeted print and digital advertising to build awareness for SOAR365 ...

$15 - $20/hr

Overview Join our growing data security company as a Marketing Design Intern. In this role, you'll support our marketing team by creating visually arresting images and videos that communicate complex ...

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Design Intern information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$19

$36

How much do design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for design intern in Virginia is $19.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a design intern typically expect during their internship?

As a Design Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting with concept development, creating digital and print assets, and supporting the design team with research and brainstorming sessions. Interns often have the opportunity to contribute to real client projects under the guidance of experienced designers, allowing for both skill development and portfolio growth. You may also collaborate closely with other departments like marketing or product teams, gaining insight into how design supports broader business objectives. The workload is usually a mix of independent assignments and team-based projects, providing a well-rounded internship experience.

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

To thrive as a Design Intern, you need a basic understanding of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in graphic design or visual arts, typically supported by coursework or a portfolio. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and collaborative tools like Figma is usually expected. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and time management are soft skills that help you excel and learn quickly. These abilities are crucial for contributing effectively to design projects, adapting to team workflows, and building a foundation for a future design career.

What is the difference between Design Intern vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign InternGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a degree in design or related fieldFormal education often preferred; professional experience valued
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or temporary, in creative agencies or companiesFull-time or freelance roles in various industries, including advertising, publishing, and digital media
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies to train and evaluate potential future employeesEstablished role for creating visual content across multiple platforms

In summary, a Design Intern is typically a student or recent graduate gaining practical experience, while a Graphic Designer is a professional responsible for creating visual content with more independence and expertise.

What does a design intern do?

A design intern assists with creating visual concepts, layouts, and prototypes for projects using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. They support the design team by conducting research, preparing drafts, and gaining hands-on experience in the design process, often under supervision and within a structured internship program.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Design jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Design Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Design Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,959 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Graphic Design Intern -- Fall 2026

CPAC Foundation

Alexandria, VA

$16 - $21.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Graphic Design Intern produces visual assets for print, stage, digital, and social use, working inside an established brand system. This role is built for portfolio applicants and is one of the few in the program with a fully tangible output: by the end of a cycle, a design intern can point to assets that appeared in a national conference hall.
This role is ideal for: A designer who wants work out in the world at scale — printed, mounted, and eight feet tall — instead of another spec project built for a portfolio.
For core duties, qualifications, and other information about this role, visit careers.cpac.org and search for "Graphic Design Intern."