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Graphic Designer Contractor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

$109K - $129K/yr

Prepares or supervises the preparation of designs, plans, specifications, cost and construction ... Inspects contractors' work for compliance with project requirements. Reviews and approves ...

Graphic Designer Contractor information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$25

$40

How much do graphic designer contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for graphic designer contractor in Iowa is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $29.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graphic designer contractor?

Graphic Designer Contractors are creative professionals who work on a temporary or project-by-project basis to design visual content for clients. Unlike full-time employees, they are usually hired for specific tasks such as creating logos, marketing materials, websites, or advertising campaigns. They often work independently or through agencies, providing flexibility and specialized skills to businesses that need design work without committing to a permanent hire. Their responsibilities may include collaborating with clients, developing design concepts, and delivering final artwork to meet specific project requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by graphic designer contractors when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Graphic Designer Contractors often juggle projects for different clients at the same time, which can present challenges such as managing conflicting deadlines, adapting to various brand guidelines, and communicating effectively across diverse teams. Prioritizing tasks, keeping clear records of feedback, and setting expectations upfront can help mitigate these issues. Developing strong organizational skills and being proactive in communication are key to maintaining quality and meeting client needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graphic designer contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graphic Designer Contractor, you need strong visual design skills, proficiency in typography and composition, and a solid portfolio demonstrating your creative abilities, usually supported by a degree or certification in graphic design. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital asset management systems are typically required. Exceptional communication, time management, and client collaboration skills set standout contractors apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality work on deadline, effectively meeting client needs, and maintaining a strong professional reputation.

What is the difference between Graphic Designer Contractor vs Graphic Designer Employee?

AspectGraphic Designer ContractorGraphic Designer Employee
CredentialsPortfolio, relevant design skills, possibly freelance certificationsPortfolio, design skills, possibly in-house training or certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance or remote projects, flexible scheduleIn-office or company remote work, structured hours
Employer & Industry UsageHired by clients or agencies on a project basisEmployed directly by a company or organization

Graphic Designer Contractors typically work independently on a project basis, offering flexibility and diverse clients, while Graphic Designer Employees work within a company's structure with consistent hours and benefits. Both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, but differ mainly in employment status and work environment.

What job categories do people searching Graphic Designer Contractor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Graphic Designer Contractor jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Graphic Designer Contractor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,553 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

$109K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

Licensed Architect

Job Description:

As a Licensed Architect, serves as project architect on City projects, and independently evaluates, selects, and applies architectural techniques, procedures and criteria in making substantial adaptations and modifications. This is a responsible position in design and construction contract administration and may require supervising other subordinate staff.

About the Position:

Salt Lake City Corporation is looking for a Licensed Architect within our Public Services Department, Architecture and Construction Management Division (ACM) Team! As a Licensed Architect, serves as Project Architect or more commonly as Project Manager, on City projects, and independently evaluates, selects, and applies architectural techniques, procedures and criteria in making substantial adaptations and modifications. This is a responsible position in design and construction contract administration and may require supervising other subordinate staff.

Learn more about Salt Lake City's Public Services Department, working for this division in the Department of Public Services and working in Salt Lake City and who we are!

Position Salary Range:

$109,686 - $129,042.00/year based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal leave
  • Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
  • Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
  • A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
  • Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

  • In accordance with general architectural design principles and Salt Lake City Corporation Standards, is responsible for the design and completion of architectural projects. Acts as Project Manager on multi-faceted, architectural projects. Assists in the selection of architectural consultants and specifies parameters for project scopes of work. Coordinates with consultants to ensure that all plans, designs and specifications meet established Salt Lake City guidelines and project requirements.
  • Prepares or supervises the preparation of designs, plans, specifications, cost and construction time estimates for the purpose of preparing bid documents. Assigns and monitors bidding process components developed by other team members and ensures compliance with established procedures.
  • Determines and approves project requirements and materials necessary for various architectural projects. Reviews survey data, specifies types of laboratory tests, approves or rejects contractors' pricing, work and payment amounts.
  • Aids in the direction of the architectural staff. Distributes work assignments. Conducts performance evaluations and handles disciplinary and other personnel matters.
  • Collects, reviews and oversees prepared reports pertaining to project status and completed work. Meets periodically with departmental staff to outline project status. Monitors substantial completion and close-out of projects.
  • Serves as a Salt Lake City Corporation representative on joint projects and/or meets with the general public or private consultants to evaluate and resolve related problems.
  • Assists in the preparation of the architectural project budgets, scopes of work, scheduling, and phasing.
  • Performs construction administration. Meets with contractors to review project status and schedule. Responds to contractors' requests for information and clarification during construction. Inspects contractors' work for compliance with project requirements. Reviews and approves contractor submittals. Recommends, reviews and approves change orders. Reviews and approves contractor pay requests. Interprets contract documents and resolves problems during construction.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Possession of a five-year Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Architecture from a fully accredited college or university. Exception: The educational requirement may be waived providing the candidate has achieved registration as a Licensed Architect by meeting the State Board's requirement for qualifying experience.
  • Registration as a Licensed Architect by the State of Utah. Out-of-state applicants must obtain registration as a Licensed Architect in the State of Utah under reciprocity agreement recognized by the State of Utah within six months of employment. Four years' paid work experience as an Architectural Project Manager including experience in architectural graphic design and drawing.
  • Ability to lead, develop, and support other team members, use computers and applicable software, prepare and present complex reports in written and oral form, and effectively interface with contractors and the general public.
  • Ability to perform field analysis and to make appropriate design decisions.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license or driving privilege card.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of common industry software and products such as Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit, Microsoft Office products, Smartsheet, Cartegraph, Workday, Procore, scheduling applications, and Power BI.
  • Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of Space Planning.
  • Demonstrated experience and expertise executing historical preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and/or reconstruction projects in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Experience converting Point Cloud Models into Architectural Building Information Models (BIM).
  • Membership in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or equivalent organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Moderate physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium weights up to 50 pounds. Uncomfortable working positions such as stooping, crouching, and bending in the performance of field site inspection duties. Extended exposure to computer visual display terminals. Exposure to construction sites and inherent hazards of such sites and outdoor conditions.
  • Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior and the demands of the position.

CAREER LADDER:

  • Next step is Senior Architect, reached by competitive bidding.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

$109,686 - $129,042.00

DEPARTMENT

Public Services

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40