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Packaging Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

Packaging Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Packaging Designer Department: Design and Product Employment Type: Full Time Location: Los Angeles HQ Reporting To: Lindsey Frawley Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000 / year Description SKIMS is a ...

As a packaging designer, you will work to develop functional, eye-catching packaging designs that resonate with SKIMS target market and comply with state health and safety regulations. To ensure ...

Packaging Production Designer - Global Creative 📍 Location: El Segundo, CA (Hybrid - 2 Days Remote / Week) 💰 Pay Rate: Up to $41.70/hr on W2 📅 Duration: 3+ Month Contract (Potential ...

Packaging Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

Packaging Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

As a packaging designer, you will work to develop functional, eye-catching packaging designs that resonate with SKIMS target market and comply with state health and safety regulations. To ensure ...

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

Packaging Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Purpose of the Job We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a ...

Review proposed designs with the Creative Director and SVP of Packaging prior to sharing with cross-functional teams to ensure design aesthetics and requirements are met. * Ideate design concepts by ...

This Packaging Designer position is 70% execution and 30% new brand concept and other brand extensions. This person in this role is generally responsible for package design through production on 2 to ...

The Impact You Will Make We are seeking a detail-oriented Packaging and Artwork Designer with experience in the medical device or pharmaceutical industry. This role is responsible for the design ...

The Impact You Will Make We are seeking a detail-oriented Packaging and Artwork Designer with experience in the medical device or pharmaceutical industry. This role is responsible for the design ...

The Impact You Will Make We are seeking a detail-oriented Packaging and Artwork Designer with experience in the medical device or pharmaceutical industry. This role is responsible for the design ...

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Showing results 1-20

Packaging Designer information

See California salary details

$36K

$67.8K

$93.3K

How much do packaging designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for packaging designer in California is $67,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $80,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a packaging designer?

Packaging Designers are creative professionals who conceptualize and develop the visual and structural design of product packaging. They work to ensure that packaging not only protects the product but also attracts consumers and communicates brand identity. Their responsibilities often include selecting materials, creating graphics and layouts, and collaborating with marketing and manufacturing teams to ensure functionality and appeal. Packaging Designers must balance aesthetics, cost, sustainability, and practicality in their work.

What does a packaging designer do?

A packaging designer creates physical packaging and graphic designs for various industries such as beauty products, food and beverage items, and toys. Their duties include making renderings in 2D and 3D in collaboration with product development professionals and graphic artists. They often work on the entire project, including the design specs, harmonizing the packaging with brand identity, and final production. Other responsibilities of a packaging designer are to choose the type of materials for the packaging and make modifications to samples before large-scale production. Qualifications for this position vary but typically include a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a relevant field.

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

To thrive as a Packaging Designer, you need a strong background in graphic design, an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, and typically a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and familiarity with 3D modeling tools are essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you develop innovative solutions that meet client needs and brand guidelines. These skills ensure that packaging is both visually appealing and functional, supporting brand identity and product protection.

What are some common challenges packaging designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Packaging Designers often work closely with marketing, product development, and manufacturing teams, and one common challenge is balancing creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, material limitations, and production timelines. Clear communication and a collaborative mindset are essential to ensure the design aligns with brand guidelines while remaining feasible for mass production. Building strong relationships with team members and being open to feedback can help Packaging Designers navigate these challenges and deliver effective, innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Packaging Designer vs Packaging Engineer?

AspectPackaging DesignerPackaging Engineer
CredentialsTypically a degree in graphic design, industrial design, or related fieldUsually holds a degree in packaging engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, creative agencies, or in-house design teamsManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, or engineering departments
Primary FocusVisual design, branding, and aesthetic appeal of packagingStructural integrity, material selection, and functionality of packaging
Common TasksCreating packaging concepts, graphics, and prototypesDeveloping packaging structures, testing durability, and ensuring compliance

While both roles involve packaging, Packaging Designers focus on visual appeal and branding, whereas Packaging Engineers concentrate on structural design and functionality. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers identify the right fit for their skills and career goals.

How do I get into packaging design?

To become a packaging designer, develop skills in graphic design, 3D modeling, and understanding of materials; a degree in graphic design, industrial design, or a related field is often required. Building a portfolio with packaging projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles can help establish your career. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is also important.

How much do packaging designers earn?

Packaging designers typically earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in larger companies or creative agencies.

Is packaging design in demand?

Packaging design is in demand as companies seek innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to attract consumers and meet environmental standards. The role often requires proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and knowledge of industry trends, making it a valuable skill set in the packaging industry.

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

The most popular types of Packaging Designer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Packaging Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Packaging Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Packaging Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Packaging Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Packaging Designer jobs in CA?

For Packaging Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Packaging Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,838 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Packaging Designer

hhglobal

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Purpose of the Job

We're seeking a talented and experienced Packaging Designer with a strong background in packaging engineering to join our innovative health and tech brand. This role requires a creative individual who can not only conceptualize and design visually appealing packaging but also possess the technical expertise to ensure its functionality, sustainability, and manufacturability.

Preferred candidates will be hybrid based out of our client headquarters in San Francisco, CA.

*This will be a full time 3 month fixed term contract with potential opportunity to extend or become permanent.*

Key Responsibilities 

  • Design & Development: Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of all packaging for new and existing products, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.
  • Structural Concepting & Prototyping: Leverage foundational packaging engineering expertise to develop and prototype structural designs and select appropriate materials, especially when supporting seasonal campaigns or partnership packaging. While core engineering leads evergreen portfolio development, the designer must be able to step in to establish initial technical viability for agile projects.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product development, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging meets all functional, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements.
  • Sustainability: Research and integrate sustainable and eco-friendly materials and practices into packaging designs.
  • Vendor Collaboration & Artwork Management: Collaborate with external vendors and manufacturers on packaging artwork, driving necessary iterations to ensure the correct execution of design specifications and files for timely production.
  • Design review: Collaborate with the Packaging Engineering team to conduct design reviews against rigorous packaging standards. The goal is to evaluate, refine, and iterate on design concepts to ensure optimal product protection, durability, and a positive customer unboxing experience, incorporating feedback from formal test results.
  • Future thinking: You will be challenged to collaborate with the product management and internal ID team to develop our packaging portfolio & roadmap.

The type of person we’re looking for:

  • Be a hands-on design expert, shaping the concept and seeing it through implementation
  • Self-starter with a strong ability to anticipate needs, and manage multiple priorities effectively..
  • Passionate and excited about design, health, and technology
  • Thrives in a dynamic, rapidly evolving environment
  • A clear communicator, have excellent presentation skills and the ability to verbalize ideas and concepts.

Knowledge, Skills + Experience 

  • 6-8 years of experience in the creative packaging industry, with previous experience as a packaging designer
  • Proven experience in packaging design for a consumer brand.
  • Proficiency in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, SolidWorks, or similar 3D modeling software). Experience working with 3D and 2D CAD.
  • Demonstrated understanding of packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and supply chain logistics.
  • A portfolio showcasing a blend of creative design and technical engineering solutions.
  • Experienced in being a thought partner with senior creatives to brainstorm and collaborate on concepts and direction.
  • Up to date with cultural moments and ideas in fashion, art, design, and photography, and can translate those into original ideas within our brand.
  • Strong typography, visual, and experience design sensibilities.
  • Able to travel to production locations and work closely with teams around the world

The US base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors that are unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, education, certifications and work location. This range may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.  

The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus targets, benefits and/or other applicable incentives in addition to base salary.