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Visual Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description Intelliswift Software, Inc Visual Design (Sketch and Photoshop) Interaction Design Design experience for application-specific contexts: UI controls, iconography, device resolution ...

We are looking for a visual designer with a deep understanding of visual hierarchy along with information design concepts and apply it to deliverables. Craft interactive visuals inline with the ...

Visual/Brand Design Lead

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional visual design, brand systems, typography, layout, and storytelling * Passion for building brands that feel distinctive, polished, and culturally relevant ...

Company Description Intelliswift Software, Inc Visual Design (Sketch and Photoshop) Interaction Design Design experience for application-specific contexts: UI controls, iconography, device resolution ...

Senior Visual Designer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

You will lead design strategy & execution on how the Hinge Health brand shows up across the full member journey. You will shape visual systems and campaign concepts that translate complex clinical ...

Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

About the Role You'll own the design and development of Sim's visual, agent-building platform-the canvas where developers build, connect, and launch AI agents. From architecture to polished ...

Showing results 21-40

Visual Design information

See California salary details

$39

$59

$81

How much do visual design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual design in California is $59.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.01 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Visual Designer, you need a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and proficiency with a degree in graphic or visual design. Mastery of tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with digital platforms or prototyping tools like Figma is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills set outstanding visual designers apart. These skills ensure the creation of compelling visuals that effectively communicate ideas, align with brand goals, and engage target audiences.

How do visual designers typically collaborate with other teams during a project?

Visual designers frequently work alongside UX designers, developers, and product managers to ensure that the visual aspects of a product align with the overall user experience and technical requirements. Collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, providing assets, and iterating on feedback from different stakeholders. Clear communication and openness to feedback are crucial, as visual designers must balance creative vision with practical constraints and user needs. This collaborative environment helps ensure cohesive, visually appealing, and user-friendly final products.

Is visual design a good career?

Visual design is a viable career that involves creating visual content for digital and print media, often requiring skills in graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. It offers opportunities in various industries such as advertising, marketing, and technology, with roles ranging from junior designer to art director. Success typically depends on creativity, technical skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving design trends.

What is the difference between Visual Design vs Graphic Design?

AspectVisual DesignGraphic Design
FocusCreating visual concepts, layouts, and user interfaces for digital productsDesigning visual content for print and digital media, including logos, posters, and branding materials
SkillsUI/UX principles, typography, color theory, digital toolsTypography, layout, branding, print production
Work EnvironmentPrimarily digital, web, app interfacesPrint studios, advertising agencies, digital media
Common UsageWebsites, apps, digital productsPrint media, branding, marketing materials

While both roles involve visual creativity, Visual Design primarily focuses on digital interfaces and user experience, whereas Graphic Design emphasizes visual content for print and branding. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or project focus.

What is visual design?

Visual design is a field focused on the aesthetics and graphical elements of a product, website, or digital interface. It combines principles of graphic design, color theory, typography, and layout to create visually appealing and effective communications. Visual designers work to ensure that interfaces are both attractive and functional, enhancing user experience by guiding attention and conveying brand identity. Their work often overlaps with UI design, but visual design prioritizes the look and feel rather than the structure or usability alone.

Are visual designers in demand?

Yes, visual designers are in demand across various industries such as technology, marketing, and media, as companies prioritize strong visual branding and user experience. The role often requires proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of user-centered design principles, with job growth expected to continue as digital content expands.

What does a visual designer do?

A visual designer creates visual content for digital and print media, including layouts, graphics, and user interfaces. They use tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to develop designs that communicate messages effectively and enhance user experience. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and understanding of design principles are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Visual Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Visual Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most Visual Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Visual Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,680 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Visual Design Specialist - Fully Remote | Upto $150/hr

Mercor

San Francisco, CA โ€ข Remote

$150/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Design Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $80–$150/hour
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Design precise, task-specific grading criteria for real-world design deliverables such as brand identity systems and guidelines, campaign visuals, and packaging concepts.
  • Score AI-generated and human work samples against established criteria, providing detailed written justifications for each score.
  • Apply consistent, evidence-based judgment to ensure scores are reproducible and defensible.
  • Incorporate structured feedback from senior reviewers and iterate quickly on your work.
  • Collaborate asynchronously and work independently to meet deadlines and improve AI model performance.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • 5+ years of professional experience in graphic, brand, or visual design.
  • Background at world-class design studios or creative agencies, or in senior design roles at leading consumer or technology brands.
  • Deep fluency in typography, layout, visual hierarchy, color, composition, and brand systems.
  • Exceptionally strong written communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented and consistent, with comfort in having your judgment reviewed.

Preferred

  • Prior experience with AI training, evaluation, or human-data projects.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Submit your resume, portfolio, or relevant professional background to get started.
  • Qualified applicants may be asked to complete a brief assessment or submit additional information.

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.