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Intern Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Price out designs for client proposals * Support Design Projects by being a valuable member of the team What position fits you best? * A Design Intern is completing a college degree in design or ...

Marketing Intern

La Verne, CA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Marketing Intern - College Credits We are seeking a Marketing Intern to join our fast-paced, creative environment This is a work at home position. Coming to our office is not required.

The internship is designed for students completing the practicum experience required as part of an ... Under appropriate supervision, the intern gains exposure to the functions of a substance use ...

Power Electronics Intern (Fall 2026)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

Power Electronics Intern (Fall 2026) Internships at Astranis typically last for twelve weeks, and ... Many past interns have designed and tested hardware/software that is heading to space on our first ...

We connect users with our team of expert designers who recommend products based on our analysis of ... We are looking to expand our team with an Interior Design Intern! You will work in the Design ...

We connect users with our team of expert designers who recommend products based on our analysis of ... We are looking to expand our team with an Interior Design Intern! You will work in the Design ...

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Intern Designer information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$36

How much do intern designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern designer in California is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an intern designer?

An Intern Designer is a student or recent graduate who works temporarily in a design-related role, typically to gain practical experience and develop their skills. Intern Designers assist senior designers and teams with tasks like research, concept development, creating visual assets, and participating in project meetings. This role helps them learn about industry standards, workflows, and professional expectations while building their portfolio for future job opportunities.

What types of projects does an intern designer typically work on, and how much creative input can they expect to have?

Intern Designers are often involved in a variety of projects, such as assisting with design mockups, supporting branding initiatives, and contributing to digital or print collateral. While initial tasks might be more supportive, many organizations encourage interns to contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions or design critiques. Regular collaboration with senior designers and cross-functional teams helps interns develop practical skills and gain feedback. Over time, motivated interns can expect increasing levels of responsibility and the chance to take ownership of smaller projects.

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

To thrive as an Intern Designer, you generally need a solid understanding of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in relevant design software, often supported by coursework or a degree in graphic or visual design. Familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch is typically expected, and a portfolio showcasing your work is highly beneficial. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and time management are valuable soft skills that help you adapt and grow within a team. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality design work, learning quickly, and contributing effectively to creative projects.

What is the difference between Intern Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectIntern DesignerJunior Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant educationUsually holds a degree or diploma in design or related field
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised, often in internship programsEntry-level professional, more independent but still supervised
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by design firms, agencies, or companiesDesign firms, creative agencies, in-house design teams

The main difference between an Intern Designer and a Junior Designer is experience and responsibility. Intern Designers are typically students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while Junior Designers are entry-level professionals with some work experience. Interns focus on learning and assisting, whereas Junior Designers handle more independent tasks and contribute to projects more actively.

What does an intern designer do?

An intern designer assists with creating visual concepts, layouts, and designs for projects under the supervision of experienced designers. They often use design software like Adobe Creative Suite and gain hands-on experience in the creative process, contributing to team projects and learning industry standards. The role provides practical training and exposure to the design workflow within a professional environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Intern Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Intern Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Intern Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,777 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Interior Design Intern

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

The award winning design firm Morrison Interiors is seeking a full time Interior Design Intern to join our highly creative and collaborative team!
Are you ready to get your design career started? The ideal candidate is a Junior or Senior in Design school looking to gain practical work experience. A Design Intern will get exposure to the entire design process putting your technical skills to work.
Requirements
  • Proficient in AutoCad
  • Proficient in Sketchup
  • Experience with Adobe Suite

Primary responsibilities will include:
  • Prepare for design presentations with clients by assisting with:
    • Presentations on powerpoint
    • Renderings
    • Floor plans and elevations
    • Labeling all materials
    • Price out designs for client proposals
  • Support Design Projects by being a valuable member of the team

What position fits you best?
  • A Design Intern is completing a college degree in design or looking to start an Interior Design career.
  • A Design Associate is learning the design process and developing the technical skills by collaborating with the team in all phases of the design process.
  • A Junior Designer is fine tuning the technical skills and gaining experience in client relations
  • A Lead Designer has all the technical skills, experience with client relations and is ready to manage their own projects with minimal guidance
  • A Senior Designer is ready to manage a book of design projects as well as mentor younger designers

*** Please note the design positions above do not involve Purchasing or Procurement and are purely focused on developing breathtaking designs.