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Print Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Signature Graphics Inc

Print Supervisor

Porter, IN

$50K - $60K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital printing technologies, color management, and production processes within a graphic design environment. Key Responsibilities: * Team ...

Aquent

Print Graphic Designer

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$38 - $43/hr

This role requires someone with strong design capabilities-not simply production or template-based execution. The designer will initially focus on creating 8.5″ x 11″ brochures and other print ...

New

Multi-location Owner

Print Production Associate

Naperville, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

The Print Production Associate operates the Center's print center for both graphic design and production. He or she will work with customers to create, schedule, and produce their print products. The ...

CHAMPRO

Digital Printer Operator

Bannockburn, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

You'll work closely with design and production teams to ensure timely, precise, and visually ... Monitor print runs for accuracy, color consistency, and overall quality. * Artwork Preparation:

CHAMPRO

Digital Printer Operator

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

You'll work closely with design and production teams to ensure timely, precise, and visually ... Monitor print runs for accuracy, color consistency, and overall quality. * Artwork Preparation:

OLBERDING

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Our clients are primarily consumer products companies and printers, and we help them by delivering a broad range of services from brand strategy and packaging design, to adaptive design across ...

New

McGuireWoods LLP

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Design Manager will translate brand strategy into impactful visuals for all firm marketing and ... across digital, print, social, events, multimedia, and campaign assets, while fostering a ...

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How much do print design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for print design in Chicago, IL is $27.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $35.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a print designer?

To become a print designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in graphic design, visual arts, or a related field. Developing skills in design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, building a strong portfolio, and gaining experience through internships or freelance work are important steps in entering the profession.

What is the difference between Print Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPrint DesignGraphic Designer
CredentialsDesign degree, portfolio, software skillsDesign degree, portfolio, software skills
Work EnvironmentPrint shops, publishing houses, marketing firmsAdvertising agencies, in-house teams, freelance
Industry UsagePrint media, packaging, promotional materialsDigital media, branding, advertising

Print Design focuses specifically on creating visual content for physical media like brochures, posters, and packaging. Graphic Design is broader, encompassing both print and digital media, including websites and social media. While both roles require similar skills and education, Print Design is specialized for tangible outputs, whereas Graphic Design covers a wider range of visual communication.

What is print design?

Print design is a branch of graphic design focused on creating visual materials that are printed on physical surfaces, such as posters, brochures, magazines, packaging, and business cards. Unlike digital design, print design must consider factors like paper size, color accuracy, resolution, and bleed areas to ensure the final product looks as intended when produced. Print designers work with layout, typography, imagery, and branding to communicate messages effectively in a tangible format. Their work often involves preparing files for professional printing and collaborating with printers to achieve the desired result.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in print design and how can they be addressed?

Print Designers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, last-minute client changes, and ensuring color accuracy between digital proofs and final printed materials. Effective communication with clients and print vendors is crucial to manage expectations and technical requirements. Familiarity with pre-press processes and maintaining organized, print-ready files can help prevent costly errors or delays. Collaborating closely with marketing, copywriting, and production teams also ensures a smooth workflow and high-quality results.

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

To thrive as a Print Designer, you need a strong background in graphic design principles, typography, color theory, and experience with print production processes, usually supported by a degree in graphic design or a related field. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and familiarity with prepress and file preparation standards are essential. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills help you effectively interpret client briefs and collaborate with production teams. These skills ensure visually compelling, technically accurate designs that meet client needs and print specifications.

How much does a print designer get paid?

Print designers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Freelance print designers may charge hourly rates ranging from $25 to $75 or more.

How much does a print designer make?

Print designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Freelance print designers' income varies based on project scope and client base.
What are the most commonly searched types of Print Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Print Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Print Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Print Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,784 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Head of Print and Surface Design w/ a Sense of Humor (Remote Optional)

Shinesty

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Shinesty

Shinesty is a fast-growing apparel brand known for bold prints, irreverent humor, and products that don't take themselves too seriously. Our creative team develops everything from iconic underwear prints to unexpected collaborations, and we pride ourselves on building products that are both clever and dangerously comfortable. Our mothers don't always approve of what we do, but the millions of people we've entertained over the years do.

About the Role

Shinesty is looking for a highly creative, humor-forward Head of Print Design to lead our print program. This person is the creative force behind some of the most memorable underwear, socks, and apparel on the internet - and they bring equal parts taste, humor, and hustle to every project.

On any given week, you might be concepting a Wienerschnitzel collaboration, brainstorming x-rated print ideas, developing kitschy gift-worthy sock collections, or pitching a limited edition collab. You'll need to hold a lot in your head at once - trends, brand voice, humor, product constraints, deadlines - and make it all look effortless on the product.

This is a true player-coach position. You'll be designing alongside your team while also leading them - setting the creative direction, managing timelines, giving feedback, and making sure the work stays sharp from concept through production. You bring the vision, you build the culture, and you're not above rolling up your sleeves to get it done.

Requirements

What You'll OwnCreative Direction & Trend Research
  • Lead seasonal brainstorms across print, graphics, fabric, and design trends - spanning inline, wholesale, collabs, and limited edition
  • Research competitive and aspirational brands to keep Shinesty's creative output sharp and relevant
  • Identify and pitch new print techniques 
  • Bring fresh, culturally-aware print concepts to the table every quarter
Print Design Execution
  • Design across all categories - everything from ski, formal, hats, socks, tees, knitwear, but with a focus on underwear 
  • Build custom repeats, reduce color artwork, and deliver production-ready files in Illustrator
  • Collaborate with the Design team on solid color assortments, novelty treatments, and silhouette development
  • Delegate work across the print team strategically to hit deadlines without compromising quality
  • Concept and manage artwork for limited editions, retail and wholesale initiatives. 
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Ownership
  • Manage, mentor, and motivate a small print design team - setting clear priorities and a high creative bar
  • Run print design reviews with the broader team; gather feedback and drive revisions efficiently
  • Manage the bi-weekly Sprint Board and hold regular team syncs to keep priorities clear and momentum high
  • Partner with Merch and Ops to improve process and reduce errors across product development
  • Identify smart opportunities to utilize AI, bring in freelance/VA where it adds capacity
Who You Are
  • 5-10+ years of print or textile design experience in apparel or consumer products
  • Deep expertise in Adobe Illustrator - repeats, color reductions, and production files are second nature
  • Extremely strong in curation and taste
  • A genuine understanding of trend forecasting - you know what's resonating before it peaks
  • You have a sense of humor and a real appreciation for what makes Shinesty's brand tick - you get the joke and you can make it better
  • Proven experience leading or mentoring a design team while still being an active contributor
  • Strong project management skills - you can hold a calendar, run a meeting, and give direct, constructive feedback
  • Comfortable working across multiple product categories and channels - DTC, wholesale, collabs, and retail
  • Experience with licensed collaborations, novelty product, or private label is a plus
Why This Role

You'll have genuine creative ownership at a brand that rewards bold thinking and values craft. Shinesty makes product that people genuinely love - and talk about. If you want to lead a team, design prints that end up on hundreds of thousands of people, and work somewhere that takes humor seriously as a creative discipline, this is the right seat.

Benefits

THE GOOD STUFF

  • Relocation budget available (to Denver/Boulder), but not required
  • Competitive salary plus bonus potential
  • Laptop and whatever other equipment you need to entertain the people
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible PTO, no need to accrue time, take as much as you'd like
  • Flexible working hours, just get your stuff done and generate results
  • All the tools and resources you need to be successful in this role

Apply