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Entry Level Architectural Designer Jobs in California

RCH

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Gordon Prill

Electrical Designer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Gordon Prill, Inc. has an opening for an Entry Level Electrical Engineering Designer to participate ... This person will be part of a team of in-house professionals including architects, mechanical and ...

Salas O'Brien

Entry-level Plumbing Designer

Vista, CA · On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Plumbing Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This ... Develop and maintain Revit models and coordinate with architectural, structural, mechanical, and ...

RIOS

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Rios Inc

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RCH

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RIOS

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Rios Inc

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$22 - $27/hr

We practice interconnected design across architecture, placemaking, landscape architecture, and ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Tait

Assistant Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... Designer is an entry-level full-time role designed for an individual seeking to begin a ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Architectural Design, Architecture, Interior Design ...

TAIT

Assistant Designer

Burbank, CA · On-site

... Designer is an entry-level full-time role designed for an individual seeking to begin a ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Architectural Design, Architecture, Interior Design ...

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Entry Level Architectural Designer information

See California salary details

$40K

$73.6K

$109.5K

How much do entry level architectural designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level architectural designer in California is $73,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $83,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level architectural designer?

An Entry Level Architectural Designer supports architects in creating design concepts, drafting building plans, and preparing presentations. They use design software like AutoCAD and Revit to produce technical drawings and assist in project documentation. Their role involves researching materials, ensuring designs meet codes and regulations, and collaborating with teams. This position helps gain experience in architectural processes while working under the supervision of licensed architects. It’s an essential stepping stone toward becoming a licensed architect.

What does an entry level architectural designer do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Architectural Designer often involves assisting with drafting and revising architectural drawings, producing 3D models, and collaborating with team members on design solutions for ongoing projects. You might attend project meetings, conduct site visits, research building materials, and help ensure designs meet all necessary codes and client needs. The environment is usually team-oriented, with guidance from senior architects and frequent feedback opportunities to help you grow. Over time, responsibilities may expand as you gain experience and confidence, opening pathways to more independent design work and increased project responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level architectural designer?

Entry Level Architectural Designers need a foundational understanding of architectural design principles, drafting, and model building, typically backed by a degree in architecture or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp is crucial, as well as knowledge of building codes and regulations. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a collaborative mindset help individuals succeed in team-based design environments. These skills and qualities ensure accurate, creative, and compliant design solutions while facilitating effective teamwork and professional growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Architectural Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Architectural Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Architectural Designer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Architectural Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Architectural Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Architectural Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Architectural Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Architectural Designer job openings:

Entry Level Architectural Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Architectural Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,563 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

McParlane & Associates, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Lighting Designer (Entry-Level): Building Construction

Locations: San Diego, CA (hybrid work schedule)


About the Role


We're looking for an entry-level Lighting Designer to join our growing lighting department. You'll work directly under our Certified Lighting Designer (CLD) leadership, building the foundational skills of architectural lighting design on real projects from your first week. This is an ideal role for someone with solid Revit skills and a strong design eye who is eager to learn through mentorship, peer review, and hands-on project work, and to grow into a designer who leads work of their own.


Your Impact


  • Model lighting within Revit through all project phases, from schematic design through construction documentation.
  • Perform lighting photometric calculations and renderings to study target light levels and understand how a space looks and feels.
  • Generate light fixture schedules (Excel) and cutsheet packages.
  • Conduct submittal reviews (Bluebeam) and support quality checks.
  • Prepare and assist with design presentations (PowerPoint) for clients.
  • Collaborate with architects, our integrated MEP team, and clients from concept through construction.
  • Bring a designer’s eye—walk into a room or study a rendering and tell what is working, what is not, and why.
  • Support a broad spectrum of projects: healthcare, higher education, commercial office, life science, high-rise multifamily, public sector, retail/hospitality, exterior site, and themed campus.


What You’ll Bring


  • Bachelor’s degree in lighting design, architectural engineering, architecture, interior design, or a related field.
  • 0–3 years relevant experience (e.g., internships, coursework, or related work experience).
  • Proficiency in Revit required.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to client satisfaction.
  • Good communication skills and willingness to learn through self-driven professional study, mentorship and peer review.
  • A portfolio (required): completed projects, studio or competition work, personal explorations, or a curated set of images that showcase your eye and point of view.


Nice to Have (Preferred)


  • Familiarity with LightStanza or other lighting/photometric software.
  • Exposure to lighting controls and Title 24 Part 6.
  • Experience with light fixture schedules, cutsheet packages and submittal review workflows.
  • Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Procore, AutoDesk Construction Cloud, Claude


Benefits & Development


  • Mentorship and a clear career path with direct guidance from a Certified Lighting Designer.
  • Live projects from your first week, on a path toward leading design work of your own.
  • Competitive salary—$65K–$85K based on experience.
  • Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Schedule of four nine-hour days with a half day on Friday, so you get the most out of your weekend.
  • Hybrid working schedule: four days in the office, one day remote.


Why This Role is a Great Fit


  • Real-World Growth: work end-to-end on live projects, from concept and design through construction.
  • Career Foundation: mentored directly by a CLD on a clear path toward leading your own design work.
  • Integrated Team: sit inside an MEP engineering firm, so designs are well coordinated and deliverables are seamlessly integrated.
  • Design-First Culture: your input and your point of view are valued and developed here.


To apply, please send your resume, portfolio, and a letter of interest.

Apply