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Mid Level Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Role Overview We're looking for a talented mid-level Interior Designer-Mid Level This is a great role for someone ready to take on more ownership while continuing to grow their skills alongside an ...

Designer - Mid Level

Oakland, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Your Role As an architectural Designer with a passion for design excellence, you will demonstrate your creativity and expertise in the authorship and realization of significant developments. You are ...

This role is ideal for a Mid-Level Licensed Interior Designer possessing a strong creative vision with strategic thinking and a passion for shaping meaningful, high-performing environments. Your Role ...

Your Role Gensler's San Francisco Office is seeking a Technical Designer specializing in corporate workplace interiors to join our team of design thinkers and doers. You will collaborate with our ...

Your Role As a Technical Designer at Gensler , you will collaborate with a talented, multidisciplinary team shaping the future of the built environment. You'll work across a wide range of project ...

Committed to seeing your designs built with excellence. * Interested in planting and knows a bit about it too. * A communicator with an opinion who can talk to your co-workers, contractors, and ...

Your Role We are seeking an Interiors-focused architectural designer to join our Los Angeles team. You'll combine creativity, storytelling, and technical knowledge with business skills and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mid Level Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do mid level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for mid level designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Mid Level Designer?

A Mid Level Designer is a professional with several years of experience in design, typically working between entry-level and senior designers. They are responsible for developing creative concepts, executing design projects, and collaborating with other team members to bring visual ideas to life. Mid Level Designers often have a strong grasp of design principles, software tools, and project management, allowing them to handle more complex assignments independently. They may also provide guidance to junior designers and contribute to the overall creative direction of projects.

What is the mid-level salary for a graphic designer?

The mid-level salary for a graphic designer typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and industry. Designers with proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and a strong portfolio tend to earn toward the higher end of this range.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities a Mid Level Designer can expect to handle day-to-day?

As a Mid Level Designer, you can expect to work on a mix of projects, including collaborating on design concepts, producing digital assets, and refining user interfaces based on feedback. Your daily tasks often involve working closely with senior designers, developers, and project managers to ensure design consistency and alignment with client or brand guidelines. You'll also participate in design critiques, help mentor junior team members, and may be responsible for presenting your work to stakeholders. The role balances creative execution with problem-solving and communication, making adaptability and collaboration key to success.

What is the difference between Mid Level Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectMid Level DesignerJunior Designer
Experience2-5 years0-2 years
SkillsProficient in design tools, independent project handlingLearning tools, assisting on projects
ResponsibilitiesLeading small projects, collaborating with teamsSupporting tasks, learning workflows
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, client interactionsSupervised tasks, mentorship

The Mid Level Designer typically has more experience and handles independent projects, whereas the Junior Designer is still developing skills and supports senior team members. The transition from Junior to Mid Level involves gaining proficiency, confidence, and responsibility in design tasks.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Mid Level Designer, reaching a $300,000 annual salary typically requires extensive experience, a strong portfolio, and often roles in senior or specialized positions such as creative director or design lead. High salaries in design are more common in large firms, tech companies, or roles involving freelance consulting, where skills in user experience, branding, or digital product design are highly valued. Advancement often depends on industry reputation, leadership abilities, and additional skills like project management or coding.

Is AI replacing designers?

Mid Level Designers use AI tools to enhance creativity and efficiency, but AI currently serves as a supplement rather than a replacement. Design requires human judgment, conceptual thinking, and understanding of user needs that AI cannot fully replicate. Professionals who adapt by integrating AI into their workflow can stay competitive in the evolving industry.

What is considered a mid-level designer?

A mid-level designer is a professional with several years of experience, typically between 2 to 5 years, who has developed strong skills in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. They are capable of managing projects independently, collaborating with teams, and contributing to the creative process without requiring constant supervision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mid Level Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mid Level Designer, you need a solid foundation in design principles, a strong portfolio, and typically a degree in graphic or visual design. Proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, or similar design software is expected, along with familiarity with prototyping and collaboration platforms. Creativity, effective communication, and the ability to take constructive feedback are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure the delivery of impactful, user-centered designs and smooth collaboration with cross-functional teams.
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 Mid Level Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mid Level Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mid Level Designer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Designer - Retail & Hospitality - Mid Level

Designer - Retail & Hospitality - Mid Level

Gensler

Oakland, CA • On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Gensler rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Gensler is one of the world's leading architecture,designand planning firms. We havea highly creative, collaborative team around the worlddedicated to innovative problem-solving and design excellence.Our Bay Area Lifestyle Studiooperatesas a boutique practice within the firm, focusing on iconic hospitality and retail projects. As our diverse client base and project work continue to grow, we are seeking aMid-Level Designerwith5-10years of experience to join our team.

Your Role

As a Mid-Level Designer, your jobis to combine creativity and technical knowledge with business skills and understanding to produce purposeful,functionaland beautiful spaces for our clients. You should have exceptional design skills, a background inarchitecturewith a focus on Interiors or Interior Design, and a portfolio of innovative design concepts.You must be an integral part of yourteamsand actively foster a respectful, creative, and inspiring design environment. You should have a great reputation in the design community at large.

What You Will Do

  • Collaborate oninterior designeffortsthrough all phases of design and construction
  • Perform work requiring independent judgment in evaluation,selection, and substantial adaptation/modification of standard techniques and procedures.
  • Createstory boardsand generate conceptual designoptions including reference imagery, look and feel palettes, furniture, decorative lighting, and millwork
  • Participate indesign development andselectionof furniture, fabrics, equipment (FF&E),interior finishes, and decorativelighting
  • Generate3D views to communicate design concepts byutilizingmodeling software (Revit, Sketchup,Enscapeor other) and post-production software (Photoshop or similar)
  • Design while producingreflected ceiling plans, elevations, details, specifications, and material selections needed for construction
  • Provide design support and documentationthroughout design and implementation process
  • Work with external consultants, product representatives,procurement agents, and fabricators
  • Work in a synergistic manner withsenior design leadershipwhile guiding and mentoring junior designers
  • Contribute to office activities, initiatives, and learning programs

Your Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of design or architecture
  • 5+ years of design leadershipofinterior design and/or architecture projects; recenthospitality or retailproject experience isrequired.
  • LEED accreditation or WELL AP is preferred. NCIDQ certification is a bonus.
  • Experience delivering highly sustainable design solutions
  • Strong leadership, communication, presentation, and relationship management skills
  • Proficiencyin Revit and other computer design programs
  • Must have a portfolio ofhospitality and/or retailprojects.Ideally,the project portfolio will show a range of projects.

Learn more about ourOakland, CA team:

This is not a remote role;we look forward to working with our new Interior Designer in our incredibleOakland, CA. office.

**The base salary will be estimated between $84,000- $108,000, plus bonuses and benefits and is contingent on relevant experience.

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Week," our offices reflectour people'sdiverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off. We also offera 401K, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities. Our annual base salary range has beenestablishedbased on local markets.

As part of the firm's commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees. In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes. We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

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