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Sign Designer Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Designer in the Road Design ... Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to ...

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Sign Designer information

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$15

$22

$27

How much do sign designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for sign designer in Montana is $22.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sign designer?

A sign designer is a graphic design specialist who creates the visual elements of a sign, such as a billboard, window display, or advertisement. Your duties and responsibilities in this career are to consult with art directors and other creative designers in your department to understand what kind of sign your client wants. This may include specifications such as color scheme, appropriate brand logos, and other visual elements that fit in with the campaign or goals. You then design a layout for the clients to review. If it meets their approval, you enter production and ensure that you have taken care of all physical components.

What does a sign designer do?

A Sign Designer is responsible for creating visual concepts and designs for various types of signs, such as storefront signage, billboards, wayfinding systems, and vehicle wraps. They work closely with clients to understand branding needs and ensure the signage is visually appealing, effective, and compliant with local regulations. Sign Designers use graphic design software to produce layouts, select materials, and sometimes oversee the fabrication and installation process. Their work is crucial in helping businesses communicate messages and attract customers through effective visual communication.

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

To thrive as a Sign Designer, you need proficiency in graphic design principles, spatial awareness, and familiarity with materials and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree or certification in graphic or industrial design. Expertise in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, and knowledge of signage regulations is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients and production teams make a designer stand out. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, functional, and compliant signage that meets client needs and industry standards.

What are some common challenges sign designers face when working on projects with tight deadlines?

Sign Designers often need to balance creativity with efficiency, especially when clients require fast turnaround times. Meeting tight deadlines can be challenging due to the need for approvals, revisions, and coordination with production teams. Effective communication with clients and colleagues, as well as strong time management skills, are essential to deliver high-quality designs on time. Familiarity with industry-standard software and the ability to quickly adapt to changing project requirements also help streamline the process.

What is the difference between Sign Designer vs Sign Painter?

AspectSign DesignerSign Painter
CredentialsDesign skills, graphic design certificationsArtistic ability, experience in hand-painting
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, offices, digital platformsOn-site sign painting, workshops, outdoor settings
Industry UsageAdvertising, branding, digital signageTraditional signage, custom hand-painted signs

Sign Designers focus on creating visual concepts using digital tools and design principles, often working in studios or offices. Sign Painters specialize in hand-painting signs, emphasizing craftsmanship and artistic skill. While both roles contribute to signage, Sign Designers handle the conceptual and digital aspects, whereas Sign Painters bring those designs to life through manual painting techniques.

How much do sign designers make?

Sign designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Those with advanced skills in graphic design software and experience working with large-scale signage may earn higher wages or freelance rates. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of projects and the industry they serve.

What are popular job titles related to Sign Designer jobs in Montana?

For Sign Designer jobs in Montana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Sign Designer jobs in MT?

For Sign Designer jobs in MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sign Designer job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,597 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Designer - Road Design

State of Montana

Helena, MT • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


State Of Montana rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated states


Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Designer in the Road Design Section. This position is responsible for conducting in-depth engineering and analysis, administering contracts, overseeing projects and project design, and may serve as a lead worker. Work is assigned through instruction on specific engineering objectives and direction, and the incumbent determines the best solution based on established engineering guidelines, knowledge, and skills. Completed work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment.

This position is part of a career ladder with advancement opportunities.

For a full job description, please contact Brandi Hamilton at bhamilton@mt.gov.

Required Application Materials:

  • A resume detailing your qualifications and work history

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

  • Culture of publics service and a commitment to work/life balance
  • Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
  • State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
  • Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Benefits apply on the first day of employment

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit or website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Education and Experience:

  • Entry Level - The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to four years of design-related experience, or two years of design-related experience and a two-year associate's degree in computer-aided design, survey, or a related field, or a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field.
  • Mid-Level - This position also requires a minimum of 2 years of related work experience.
  • Top Level - This position also requires a minimum of 3 years related work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Develops sufficient engineering knowledge, skills, and judgment in a specific practice area to perform the routine engineering taks in the assigned area
  • Broad knowledge of engineering practices and principles and construction methods, processes, and procedures, computer-assisted drafting and design software, and engineering techniques are required for projects of moderate complexity
  • A journey level knowledge of federal guidelines and procedures regarding road design and construction is required
  • Possess effective oral and written communication skills in order to assist with client, customer, or official contacts and communication pertaining to specific assignment or meetings

Other Information

Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving record. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy 6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

MDT is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

MDT participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found at https://www.e-verify.gov.


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