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Surface Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boll & Branch

Designer - Home Textiles

Summit, NJ · On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

Create technically accurate repeats, alternative design layouts and scales for review and factory ready specs and surface designs * Ensure exceptional attention to detail across all work, with ...

Protingent

Mechanical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150/hr

Deliver high-quality ME designs that include complex surfacing, design for manufacturing, and design for assembly * Run complex analysis to ensure all mechanical design details perform according to ...

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How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in the United States is $57.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.07 and $73.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface design?

Surface design refers to the creation and application of artwork, patterns, or textures onto surfaces such as textiles, ceramics, paper, and other materials. Surface designers develop original motifs and repeat patterns, often using techniques like painting, drawing, digital illustration, or printmaking. Their work is widely used in industries like fashion, home decor, stationery, and product packaging. A career in surface design blends creativity with technical skills and often requires knowledge of digital design tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface designer?

To thrive as a Surface Designer, you need expertise in pattern creation, color theory, and an understanding of textile or product materials, often supported by a degree in surface design, textile design, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as familiarity with digital printing techniques, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish outstanding surface designers. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating visually appealing, market-ready designs that meet client or industry specifications.

What are the typical challenges surface designers face when collaborating with product development teams?

Surface designers often work closely with product development teams to ensure their patterns and textures are both visually appealing and technically feasible for manufacturing. A common challenge is balancing creative vision with production constraints, such as material limitations, color fastness, and print methods. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as designers may need to adjust their designs to meet technical requirements or feedback from other departments. Regular collaboration helps ensure the final product maintains design integrity while being practical to produce.

What is the difference between Surface Design vs Textile Design?

AspectSurface DesignTextile Design
CredentialsPortfolio, possibly a degree in design or related fieldDegree in textile design, fashion, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, print shops, digital platformsFabric mills, fashion houses, print studios
Industry UsageApplied to various surfaces like packaging, ceramics, wallpapersFocused on fabric and textile patterns for clothing, home decor

Surface Design involves creating patterns and visuals for a variety of surfaces, including packaging, ceramics, and wallpapers. Textile Design specifically focuses on designing patterns for fabrics used in fashion and home textiles. While both roles require strong artistic skills and knowledge of pattern creation, Surface Designers often work across multiple materials, whereas Textile Designers specialize in textiles and fabrics.

How much do surface designers make?

Surface designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized designers with strong portfolios and skills in design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets.

What does a surface designer do?

A surface designer creates patterns and artwork for surfaces such as textiles, wallpapers, packaging, and home decor. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and often collaborate with manufacturers or brands to develop visually appealing designs that align with product specifications.
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What states have the most Surface Design jobs?

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Surface Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,062 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Urban Outfitters Senior Print Designer

Urban Outfitters, Inc.

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

URBN rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 104 rated fashion retailers

Job description

Urban Outfitters is seeking a Senior Print Designer to oversee the creation and development of original print and pattern artworks that reflects the unique style of the Urban Outfitters customer. The Senior Print Designer’s primary responsibility is to lead and support the surface design and trend process for the UO brand as well as execute the creation of original artworks.


  • Collaborate closely with the Design Director to execute the seasonal textile vision. Be actively involved in the seasonal trend process, providing structured insights and supporting the Design Director to ensure the vision is realized.
  • Work with design and buying teams to develop prints and embroideries for retail and wholesale divisions. Participate actively in design flow meetings.
  • Use traditional drawing, painting, and other artistic techniques, as well as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and AI, to create artwork, layouts, and colorways that are on-brand and trend-appropriate.
  • Develop seasonal print and surface design mood boards that reflect trends for collection, balancing customer-forward innovation with volume needs.
  • Stay current with fashion trends related to print and color, incorporating them into designs while ensuring they remain fresh and brand-appropriate.
  • Maintain organized file folders with established saving and naming conventions to facilitate easy access for teammates.
  • Develop print layouts and provide colorways, collaborating with the color team to align with specific palettes. Work with product development and technical designers to set up engineered prints. Generate CADs to communicate print placement on garments and create technical packages for artwork to be sent to vendors and factories.
  • Demonstrate strong deadline management and the ability to produce on-brand artwork and clear, concise tech packs. 

#LI-PS1

#UrbanOutfitters


  • Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design, Surface Design, Fine Art, Illustration, or related experience preferred.
  • 10+ Years related industry experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of current trends and the Free People Customer and Brand DNA.
  • Ability and passion for leading and mentoring junior team members.
  • Proven experience in print and textile design with strong skills in hand drawing/painting and digital rendering.  
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, Fresco, and NedGraphics.
  • Competence in Microsoft Office 365.
  • Experience and enthusiasm for creatively exploring AI platforms.
  • Excellent communication skills with a flexible and positive attitude.
  • A creative mindset with a passion for surface design and trend.
  • Ability to work on-site URBN's world headquarters in Philadelphia, PA - 4-5 Days per week. 

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits


URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.

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