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Entry Level 2D Artist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$9

$24

$39

How much do entry level 2d artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 2d artist in California is $24.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level 2D artist?

An Entry Level 2D Artist creates visual assets such as characters, backgrounds, and UI elements for games, animations, or digital media. They typically work under the guidance of senior artists and art directors, following artistic guidelines and project requirements. Their responsibilities may include sketching concepts, refining artwork, and preparing files for production. Strong foundational skills in drawing, composition, and digital painting, as well as proficiency in software like Photoshop or Illustrator, are often required. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in the industry and build a professional portfolio.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily tasks of an entry level 2D artist?

As an Entry Level 2D Artist, your daily tasks often include creating character designs, backgrounds, or illustrative assets according to project briefs and team direction. You'll frequently collaborate with senior artists, designers, and project managers to ensure your artwork matches the visual style and technical requirements. In addition to producing art, you may be expected to revise pieces based on feedback and participate in team meetings or reviews. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the development process, paving the way for advanced opportunities in the art or design team as your skills grow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level 2D artist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level 2D Artist, you need a solid foundation in drawing, color theory, and composition, often demonstrated by a relevant portfolio or degree. Familiarity with digital art tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar software is commonly expected, while formal certifications are a plus but not always required. Creative problem-solving, receptiveness to feedback, and strong collaboration skills help you succeed in team settings. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality artwork that aligns with project goals and workflows in fast-paced creative environments.

Are entry level 2D artists in demand?

Entry level 2D artists are in moderate demand, especially in industries like gaming, animation, and advertising that require digital illustration and concept art skills. Opportunities often depend on proficiency with tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and a strong portfolio, with demand increasing as digital media expands.

How much do entry level 2D artists make?

Entry-level 2D artists typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and skill level. Starting salaries may be lower but can increase with experience, portfolio quality, and proficiency in tools like Photoshop or Illustrator.

What do you need to be an entry level 2D artist?

To become an entry-level 2D artist, you typically need a foundational understanding of digital art tools such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, a portfolio showcasing your artwork, and basic knowledge of design principles and color theory. A relevant degree or self-taught skills, along with the ability to work within deadlines, are also important for entry-level positions.

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Entry Level 2D Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level 2D Artist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Internship, 39% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,591 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Composites Design Engineer, Entry Level

Scaled Composites

Mojave, CA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

What You’ll Do:

It’s in the name, Scaled Composites. For a variety of reasons, Scaled typically builds our airplanes out of composite materials. And the skillset to design structures out of composites is unique. But then again, so are we. The work of this role typically starts with an outer mold line (OML) and a set of high-level requirements. From there, the composite design engineer develops a structural concept, defines detailed requirements, and sets about designing and analyzing a structure that meets the needs of the airplane. While there will be a fair share of brackets and door handles, this role will typically own a significant chunk of the structure required of the program. This will vary based on size and complexity, but responsibility for the wing, fuselage, empennage, cabin, or even all of the above is likely.

Category: Engineering

Location: Mojave, CA

Citizenship Required: United States Citizenship

Clearance Type: None

Schedule: 9/80 Work Schedule

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Benefits: 100% Paid Benefits and 401k Matching 

About Scaled

Founded by visionary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, Scaled Composites has been in the business of Designing, Building, and Flying unique airplanes and spacecraft for over 40 years. We are a modestly sized company, constantly building small teams of empowered and capable employees to achieve extraordinary accomplishments in aerospace. From the farthest (Global Flyer), to the largest (Stratolaunch), to the highest (SpaceShipOne, Proteus), and many in between, Scaled’s track record of innovation has pushed against and expanded some of the most stubborn corners of the flight envelope. 

We honor that legacy today by doing what we’ve always done - seeking out the hardest problems in aerospace and having fun while solving them. With an average of a new design first flight for every year of our existence, there is no better place to practice the arts and science of new aircraft development than here at Scaled.

Duties and Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Performing conceptual design, structural layout, sizing, and detailed design 
  • Generating detailed fabrication and assembly work instructions 
  • Conducting stress analysis utilizing classical methods and performing laminate analysis and sizing for structural components
  • Providing hands-on manufacturing and assembly support 
  • Contributing to ground and flight test planning, execution, and aircraft modifications 
  • Demonstrating proficiency in understanding and designing primary and secondary load paths 
  • Creating comprehensive 3D/2D definitions of parts, assemblies, and installations 
  • Establishing manufacturing tolerances using GD&T principles 
  • Actively participating in Engineering definition reviews, approvals, and release processes
  • Supporting the review of manufacturing plans and procedures 
  • Assisting in the creation of structural test plans 
  • A commitment to continuous learning, encompassing a readiness to acquire any necessary skills and knowledge essential to effectively support the program

Required Qualifications:  

  • Foundational knowledge of aircraft load paths, structural sizing, and composite manufacturing / assembly
  • Strong understanding of the theory and practical application of composite structures and their application to aircraft
  • Proficiency in 3D Computer Aided Design
  • Great verbal and written communication skills
  • Great interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to work in isolation with minimal supervision as well as on large teams
  • Ability to work in multiple engineering disciplines on an aggressive schedule
  • Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering discipline or substantial equivalent experience
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Proficiency in Siemens NX, CATIA V5, SolidWorks
  • Proficiency in FEMAP or other finite element analysis software
  • GD&T experience and knowledge of ASME Y14.5M-1994
  • Prior rapid prototyping experience
  • Hands-on design and build experience
  • Aerospace experience (work history, pilot’s license, experimental aircraft building, etc.)
  • DoD Clearance

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Requires mobility and the ability to bend and reach 
  • May infrequently require lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling materials (Ground Power Units, fuel bowsers, small aircraft) with a force up to 30 pounds 
  • Manual dexterity and coordination are required; repetitive hand motion (e.g., to operate computer keyboard, test equipment, aircraft avionics) 
  • Vision at close distances and the ability to adjust focus for prolonged periods (i.e., computer screen, flight displays)
  • Ability to remain sedentary or stationary for prolonged periods of time 
  • Ability to write for extended periods of time 
  • Ability to work in an office setting for prolonged periods of time
  • May be asked to carry up to 20 lbs. up and down a flight of stairs on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, test hardware, etc. 
  • Occasional reaching overhead and lifting up to 15 pounds
  • Ability to converse and communicate information with others
  • Occasional exposure to chemical vapors and/or fumes in low non-hazardous concentration
  • Potential to climb up and down steps on a daily basis
  • Must be able to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

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