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Wayfinding Designer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. Ensures that all new processes ... acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. Work ...

Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. Ensures that all new processes ... acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. Work ...

Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. Ensures that all new processes ... acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. Work ...

Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. Ensures that all new processes ... acoustics; wayfinding; ergonomics and anthropometrics; and human environmental behavior. Work ...

Public Safety Agent

Portland, OR · On-site

$28.81 - $38.61/hr

In this position, you will receive ongoing development opportunities designed to help you build ... Be responsible for ensuring that events remain safe. Assist guests with wayfinding and event ...

In this position, you will receive ongoing development opportunities designed to help you build ... Be responsible for ensuring that events remain safe. Assist guests with wayfinding and event ...

Wayfinding Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$25

$46

How much do wayfinding designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for wayfinding designer in Portland, OR is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $25.48 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.
Infographic showing various Wayfinding Designer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,304 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Exhibits Senior Technical Designer

OMSI - Oregon Museum of Science & Industry

Portland, OR • On-site

$38K/yr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) is currently seeking a Exhibits Senior Technical Designer, who serves as a liaison between the Exhibits Design, Fabrication, and Exhibit Leadership teams. Through exhibition design phases, the Exhibits Senior Technical Designer provides feedback to ensure that designs are feasible, on budget, and optimized for production before they move into fabrication. This position is responsible for translating design intent drawings into detailed technical requirements, identifying potential fabrication hurdles, and suggesting material or structural alternatives that maintain aesthetic integrity while improving buildability. This role is responsible for generating computer-aided design (CAD) files, detailed assembly drawing sets of interactive experiences, exhibit components, and products, and assuring quality control of all CAD and CNC products produced by OMSI.This is a regular, part-time position working 20 hours per week.For a comprehensive list of essential duties, please see the full job description in our job listing. What We're Looking For:Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent combination of experience and education;Portfolio demonstrating skills and talents – including a minimum of 3 years experience as a CAD Detailer, Production Detailer, or similar technical drafting role - with an emphasis on the following:Examples of projects using CAD and design software, from design to manufacturing; Examples of implementing equity, inclusion, and accessibility into client designs e.g. supporting wayfinding, engagement, and targeting of new audiences;Examples of co-designing with diverse teams and stakeholders on complex and multi-stage projects while maintaining brand consistency and quality of work;Examples of effective project management and/or coordination. Business Practices:Ability to write and communicate complex and technical information to both public and professional audiences;Effective project management skills, with an emphasis on managing and tracking multiple projects-often with overlapping and time-sensitive deadlines;Demonstrated ability to effectively pivot between individual and team-based work on multiple, simultaneous, and diverse tasks;Ability to interface well with paid and unpaid staff, participants, and partners in professional, education, research, and evaluation settings;Ability to work under pressure and explore new design challenges, with an emphasis on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through a racial equity lens;Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OutlookAbility to adhere to high standards of confidentiality, protocol, and community agreements;Exercises sound judgment while upholding high integrity and ethical standards. Design and Manufacturing Knowledge and Abilities:Developed proficiency with CAD (3D Design) workflow from design through manufacturing;Developed proficiency at taking concepts from sketch to reality with prototype fabrication;Ability to think and design in three dimensions to predict and address potential concerns around efficacy, safety, and efficiency (both build and cost) of created designs and environments;Ability to manage vendor relations with printers and other design-centric contractors;Demonstrated understanding of technical and aesthetic experiences with an emphasis on layouts, wayfinding, and signage. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Knowledge:Knowledge of current equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice theories and practical applications, including critical theories of systemic oppression, unconscious bias, and personal identity and intersectionality matters. PREFERENCES:Advanced experience in Fusion 360 and AutoCAD;Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite;Strong understanding of fabrication methods, construction techniques, and production materials;Excellent oral and written communication skills in a non-English priority language in Oregon. Pre-employment checks, such as criminal background checks and reference checks are required for this position.

OMSI logo

About OMSI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Museums and historical sites

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1944