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Entry Level Background Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

An Entry Level Architectural Designer operates under the direction of a Project Architect and/or ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

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Entry Level Background Designer information

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$31K

$56.7K

$86K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level background designer in the United States is $56,698.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $65,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level background designer?

Entry level background designers are creative professionals who assist in designing and illustrating backgrounds for animation, video games, films, or other visual media. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or art directors, helping to establish the setting and mood of scenes. Their tasks may include creating concept art, digital paintings, or layout sketches. This role is ideal for those starting their careers in visual arts and looking to gain experience in the entertainment or gaming industries.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Background Designer, you need a solid understanding of art fundamentals, composition, color theory, and a portfolio demonstrating your design abilities, typically supported by an art or design-related degree. Familiarity with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and sometimes 3D software like Blender is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to take feedback and collaborate with a team are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure that background designs enhance storytelling and meet the visual standards of animation or gaming projects.

What are the typical challenges faced by entry level background designers when working on animated projects?

Entry level background designers often face the challenge of balancing creative expression with the established visual style of a project. They must quickly adapt to different art directions, work within tight deadlines, and collaborate closely with art directors, animators, and other team members. Additionally, beginners may need to develop skills in digital painting and learn how to use industry-standard software efficiently. Feedback and revisions are common, so resilience and a willingness to learn are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Background Designer vs Entry Level Concept Artist?

AspectEntry Level Background DesignerEntry Level Concept Artist
Required Skills2D design, environment creation, basic illustrationCharacter and environment sketches, basic illustration
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation companies, film productionGame studios, animation, film, advertising
Typical CertificationsArt or design degree, portfolioArt or design degree, portfolio

Entry Level Background Designers focus on creating detailed backgrounds and environments for games, films, or animations, while Entry Level Concept Artists develop initial character and scene concepts. Both roles require strong artistic skills, portfolios, and work in similar industries, but their focus areas differ—backgrounds versus characters and scenes.

More about Entry Level Background Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Background Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Background Designer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Background Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,698 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Entry-Level Graphic Designer

Critical Response Group

Hamilton, NJ • On-site

$46K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Critical Response Group (CRG) is a unique team of U.S. Special Operations Forces veterans, public safety professionals, and technical experts committed to enhancing public safety through best-in-class technology and training. Our solutions have been validated across thousands of real-world incidents under the most stressful conditions and are deployed nationwide and internationally to protect schools, businesses, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure.
Title: Entry-Level Graphic Designer
Role Summary: CRG is looking for a Graphic Designer / Digital Cartographer to help create cutting-edge visual planning and communication tools for first responders.
Our signature offering, Collaborative Response Graphics (CRG®), combines aerial imagery, architectural plans, and critical site features into a clear, easy-to-read visual map that first responders rely on when reacting to crises at schools, businesses, and vital infrastructure. As a Digital Cartographer, you'll use graphic design software and geospatial tools to build and design these state-of-the-art maps.
Employment Structure: This position begins with a four-week, full-time training period. At the end of training, performance will be reassessed to determine conversion to an ongoing full-time role.
Qualifications:
Required
  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Ability to work independently
  • Excellent communication and team relations skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • High standards of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to interpret data, graphic representations, and symbols
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, specifically Photoshop & Illustrator

Preferred
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace
  • Background in graphic design or multimedia
  • Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS)

Weekly Commitment: 40 hours per week
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $46,000 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off

Schedule: 8-hour shift
Work Location: Hybrid - Hamilton, NJ
Due to the sensitive nature of our products, applicants must be able to pass a basic background check.