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Wayfinding Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

CannonDesign

Experiential Graphic Designer II

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$66K - $83K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE The Environmental Graphic Designer II is a creative professional who thrives on ... Develop documentation for a variety of design projects to include graphic programs, wayfinding and ...

JANSON

Sr 3D Industrial Designer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

... wayfinding systems. * Develop solutions that integrate technology, storytelling, and user ... Ensure designs can be successfully fabricated, installed, and maintained while preserving creative ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Ashburn, VA

$75K/yr

Job Title Sr. Project Designer Summary The Sr. Project Designer will develop documents, drawings ... wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. * Execute full design ...

RedPeg Marketing

Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Graphic Designer Location: Alexandria, VA Title: Graphic Designer Reports to: Senior Graphic ... graphics, and wayfinding systems. * Develop artwork that accurately translates to fabrication ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Ashburn, VA

$75K/yr

Job Title Sr. Project Designer Summary The Sr. Project Designer will develop documents, drawings ... wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. * Execute full design ...

RedPeg Marketing

Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$60K/yr

Graphic Designer Location: Alexandria, VA Title: Graphic Designer Reports to: Senior Graphic ... graphics, and wayfinding systems. * Develop artwork that accurately translates to fabrication ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Ashburn, VA

$75K/yr

Job Title Sr. Project Designer Summary The Sr. Project Designer will develop documents, drawings ... wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. * Execute full design ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Sr. Project Designer

Ashburn, VA

$75K/yr

Job Title Sr. Project Designer Summary The Sr. Project Designer will develop documents, drawings ... wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. * Execute full design ...

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Wayfinding Designer information

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How much do wayfinding designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for wayfinding designer in Washington is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $27.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wayfinding designer?

Wayfinding Designers are professionals who create signage, maps, symbols, and other visual cues to help people navigate complex environments such as airports, hospitals, campuses, and public spaces. They blend graphic design, architecture, and psychology to ensure that spaces are intuitive and accessible for all users. Their work involves understanding user behavior, spatial layouts, and branding to develop clear and effective navigation systems. Wayfinding Designers often collaborate with architects, urban planners, and facility managers to enhance the overall experience of a place.

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

To thrive as a Wayfinding Designer, you need a solid background in graphic design, spatial planning, and environmental psychology, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD tools, and sometimes GIS systems is essential. Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills help Wayfinding Designers effectively collaborate with architects, clients, and stakeholders. These skills ensure intuitive navigation solutions that enhance user experience and accessibility in complex environments.

How does a wayfinding designer typically collaborate with architects and other stakeholders during a project?

Wayfinding Designers work closely with architects, interior designers, urban planners, and client representatives throughout the project lifecycle. Early in the process, they participate in design charrettes and planning meetings to understand the spatial layout and user flows. They provide recommendations for sign placement, materials, and messaging to ensure that wayfinding solutions are integrated seamlessly with the built environment. Regular coordination is essential, as feedback from stakeholders and ongoing site changes may require the wayfinding strategy to be adapted for optimal effectiveness.

What is the difference between Wayfinding Designer vs Signage Designer?

AspectWayfinding DesignerSignage Designer
CredentialsDesign degree, certifications in wayfinding or environmental designDesign or architecture degree, signage-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic spaces, transportation hubs, hospitals, large complexesCommercial buildings, retail spaces, branding projects
Industry UsageUrban planning, transportation, healthcare, large-scale facilitiesAdvertising, retail, corporate branding, interior design

While both roles involve visual communication, Wayfinding Designers focus on creating navigational systems for complex environments, whereas Signage Designers primarily develop visual signs for branding and information. The two roles often overlap but differ in scope and application.

How to get into wayfinding design?

To become a wayfinding designer, gaining a background in graphic design, architecture, or environmental design is helpful. Developing skills in visual communication, spatial awareness, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Illustrator or AutoCAD is important. Building a portfolio of signage and wayfinding projects and gaining experience through internships or related roles can facilitate entry into the field.

What are popular job titles related to Wayfinding Designer jobs in Washington?

For Wayfinding Designer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wayfinding Designer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Wayfinding Designer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Wayfinding Designer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Wayfinding Designer job openings:

Wayfinding Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wayfinding Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,860 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Graphics Designer, Maps

Washington Metroplitan Area Transit Authority

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Graphics Designer, Maps Marketing Statement
Do you recognize the names Vignelli, Weese, and Wyman? Do you know their work, and can you talk knowledgeably about it? Are you a design school graduate and professionally trained cartographer? If so, this is your opportunity to build on that tradition and help shape how millions of Metro customers navigate the region every day.
As a Graphic Designer, specializing in Maps on Metro's Customer Experience team, you'll transform complex transit data into clear, accessible, and visually compelling maps and wayfinding solutions. Your work will support customers across stations, rail lines, bus routes, special events, and service changes through print, digital, and environmental graphics.
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine cartographic expertise, design excellence, and public service while contributing to one of the nation's most recognized transit systems. The position is based on-site at Metro's L'Enfant Plaza headquarters in Washington, DC.
Job Summary
The Graphic Designer, Maps position is responsible for designing, producing, and maintaining customer-facing maps that support wayfinding and service information across Metro. This role supports the end-to-end lifecycle of map development - from geospatial data intake and cartographic design through production while reporting to the Product Manager for Wayfinding and Service Information. This role also maintains guidelines, standards, and continuous improvement. The incumbent designs, supports, develops, and maintains customer-facing map assets and the guidelines that inform their creation, translating complex multimodal transit data into clear, accessible, and visually consistent map products. While the primary focus is cartography, the position also supports other wayfinding and service information graphics to ensure consistency across customer touchpoints.
Principal Job Duties
  • Designs, produces, and maintains customer-facing maps across print and digital platforms, supporting bus, rail, parking, and station access environments.
  • Translates GIS, network, and operational data into clear, accurate, and user-centered cartographic products.
  • Develops and stewards standardized map components, including symbology, legends, color systems, typography, and layer logic.
  • Supports Wayfinding and Service Information's ownership of customer-facing map standards, documentation, version control, and asset organization.
  • Ensures map products meet accessibility, usability, and governance requirements, including WCAG compliance and cross-device use.
  • Coordinates cross-functional inputs from Planning, Operations, Maintenance, Digital, and Design partners to align data and design intent.
  • Supports project management and contract oversight for map design and production, including review of contractor deliverables.

Other Duties
  • Collaborates on broader wayfinding and service information initiatives and assists with non-map graphic design work as needed to ensure systemwide consistency.
  • Supports other Customer Experience graphic design projects as needed
  • Maintains awareness of cartographic, GIS, and graphic design trends through professional development.
  • Incorporates stakeholder feedback into revised deliverables in a timely manner.
  • Manages multiple projects simultaneously and communicates effectively regarding priorities and deadlines.
  • Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of cartographic principles, spatial data visualization, and map generalization techniques.
  • Knowledge of customer-facing wayfinding systems and multimodal transit environments.
  • Knowledge of service design, accessibility standards, usability principles, and human-centered design practices.
  • Knowledge of serving diverse audiences and related cultural and language sensitivities.
  • Knowledge of Agile methodologies

Skills
  • Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
  • Working knowledge of GIS platforms and geospatial data formats (e.g., ESRI, ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent).
  • Strong attention to detail, particularly for spatial accuracy, labeling, and visual consistency.
  • Effective collaboration and communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.

Abilities
  • Ability to translate complex spatial and operational data into intuitive visual formats.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to present and explain design and cartographic decisions clearly to stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently while coordinating across multiple teams.

Machine, Tools, Equipment, Software, Hardware Required
  • Apple hardware
  • macOS + iPadOS software
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
  • GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent)
  • Digital Asset Management tools

Supervisory Responsibility
Not responsible for supervising others.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia design, Fine Arts, Geographic Information Systems or related field
    • In lieu of a Bachelor's Degree, a High School Diploma/GED and four (4) years of graphics, GIS, cartography, and/or multimedia design experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be considered

Minimum Experience
  • A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated graphic and multimedia design experience, within an advertising agency or in-house design, and/or experience producing customer-facing maps or spatial information products preferred.

Minimum Certification/Licensure
  • N/A

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Cartography, Geographic Information Systems, or Urban Planning strongly preferred
  • Experience designing maps for transportation, wayfinding, or complex service environments.
  • Familiarity with WCAG and accessibility standards for visual information.
  • Experience supporting or coordinating vendor and contractor design deliverables.
  • Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

ABOUT US
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), known as Metro, is the region's leading public transportation provider. Serving a 2,054-square-mile jurisdiction, Metro operates six rail lines, 98 stations, 126 bus routes, and Metro Access, a shared-ride paratransit service. As one of the nation's busiest transit systems, Metro connects communities, supports economic growth, and provides safe, reliable transportation.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
  • Skills and/or behavioral assessment
  • Personal interview
  • Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
  • Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
  • Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
  • Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.

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