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Toy Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MAPED USA INC

Be Seen First

Sales Admin

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$40K - $46K/yr

Our blend of traditional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and focus on sustainability keeps us relevant across the evolving educational, toy, craft and office markets. From compasses to educational ...

MAPED USA INC

Be Seen First

Sales Admin

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$40K - $46K/yr

Our blend of traditional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and focus on sustainability keeps us relevant across the evolving educational, toy, craft and office markets. From compasses to educational ...

Chicago Mold Engineering

CNC Machinist

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

A print free shop with all machine operators programming in CAM and all mold makers being trained in CAD, our shop has transformed into a machinist's toy land. Full 5-axis machining centers, robotic ...

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All JobsToy Design JobsToy Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Toy Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$28

$45

How much do toy design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for toy design in Chicago, IL is $28.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a toy design?

A Toy Design job involves creating and developing toys that are fun, safe, and engaging for children or collectors. Designers sketch concepts, create prototypes, and collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring their ideas to life. They consider factors like materials, safety regulations, and play value to ensure the toy’s success. Toy designers often work for toy companies, entertainment brands, or as independent creators.

What does a typical day look like for a toy designer, and how do they collaborate with other teams?

A typical day for a Toy Designer involves sketching new concepts, creating digital models, and preparing prototypes for testing and presentation. Designers regularly collaborate with engineers, marketers, and child development experts to refine products for safety, usability, and market appeal. Participation in brainstorming sessions, user testing, and feedback reviews is common. This collaborative and iterative process ensures that the final toy design is both innovative and aligned with business goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the toy design position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Toy Designer, you need a solid background in industrial design, product development, and an understanding of child psychology or early childhood development. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling programs, rapid prototyping tools, and relevant safety standards is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help you stand out in this team-oriented, innovation-driven field. These competencies are crucial for creating engaging, safe, and commercially viable toys that appeal to both children and parents.

How much do toy designers get paid?

Toy designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers or those working for major toy companies can earn higher salaries and benefits. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What degree to get to be a toy designer?

Toy designers typically hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as industrial design, product design, or toy design. Relevant skills include creativity, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and proficiency with design software like CAD. A strong portfolio is also important for entry into the field.

What does a toy designer do?

A toy designer creates concepts and prototypes for new toys, focusing on safety, appeal, and functionality. They use skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and understanding child development, often working with materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards to bring their ideas to production.

What qualifications do you need to be a toy designer?

Toy designers typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, toy design, or a related field. Strong skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are important, along with creativity and understanding of safety standards. Experience with design software like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD tools is also beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Toy Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Toy Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Toy Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Toy Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Toy Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Toy Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Toy Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Toy Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $60,022 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Manager of Product Design

Learning Resources Ltd

Vernon Hills, IL • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Manager of Product Design

Regular Full-Time hand2mind, Vernon Hills, IL, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1976

Salary Range: $125,000.00 To $132,000.00 Annually

About hand2mind:

For more than 60 years, hand2mind has inspired learning through play by creating hands-on, classroom-tested materials that help children learn by doing. We’re a growing, family-owned company recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and trusted by teachers and families alike. We create a wide range of educational products-classroom tools like Hands-on Standards® , consumer products for NumberBlocks® , and innovative items like our new BubblePlush™ Yoga Balls. If you’re curious, collaborative, and a kid at heart, you’ll feel right at home here. Join us in shaping the future of learning with our award-winning team!

Position Description:

As Manager of Product Design on hand2mind’s Design team, you will be responsible for bringing products to life. The Manager of Product Design will manage a team of industrial designers and oversee the entire product design process. This includes setting high standards for industrial design and safety standards; tracking budgets; planning resources effectively; and working cross-functionally with the Product Development and Marketing teams.

What you’ll do day to day:

  • Manage and coach a team of Industrial Designers to foster creativity and ensure new products are developed within budget
  • Oversee the industrial design process, encouraging innovative brainstorming, sketches, mockups, 3D CAD, and renderings
  • Balance workload among the team and freelancers, adapting to the business’s evolving needs throughout the year
  • Collaborate with Product Development, Marketing, and Sales to shape go-to-market strategies
  • Manage or support product revamps as needed throughout the year
  • Participate as an integral part of the Product Development Leadership Team, demonstrating flexibility to take on projects as needed

What we’re looking for (Key Performance Objectives):

  • Develop fluency of project management workflow in Monday.com within 3 months
  • Within in the first 90 days, assess current design projects and establish a prioritization based on company goals and key deliverables.
  • Oversee and contribute to industrial design of 25-40 new products within the first 12 months.
  • Within the first 6 months, audit the design process and propose initiatives to integrate more continuous improvement and testing.
  • Act as a primary liaison with other departments (such as Product Development, Marketing, and Sales), setting up check-ins and collaborative sessions as needed. Continually develop management skills, attending 3-5 training sessions per year.

Requirements/Preferences:

  • BS/BA in Industrial Design, Toy Design or equivalent
  • 8-10 years of consumer product development experience in the toy and game industry
  • Excellent sketching, rendering, and graphic design skills
  • Able to meet multiple, challenging deadlines and work within budgets
  • Excellent at solving problems creatively and/or knowing when to seek help
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Proficient in 3D CAD (Rhinoceros preferred), KeyShot and 3D printing
  • Intimately familiar with plastic materials and general manufacturing process
  • Able to effectively communicate with key stakeholders including colleagues, executive team, vendors, and customers
  • Portfolio demonstrating innovative thinking with on-trend designs in consumer products, preferably with some toy design
  • Travel to tradeshows 1-2 times per year
  • Travel to China up to 1 time per year

We are a drug‑free workplace and an EEO employer.

Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time.

Compensation Range: $125,000 - 132,000 annual salary - Actual compensation may vary due to other factors such as: years of experience, skill set and location. Total compensation includes profit sharing bonus potential, 401k matching, and a variety of other benefits (details can be found here).

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