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Entry Level Background Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Entry Level Architectural Designer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

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

Dewberry

Entry Level Architectural Designer

Peoria, IL

$65K - $68K/yr

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 ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Plumbing Designer - Entry Level

Champaign, IL · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Background in construction, trades, engineering, or a related technical field * Associate's or ... Certified Plumbing Designer (CPD) certification or interest in pursuing certification is a plus ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Plumbing Designer - Entry Level

Decatur, IL · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Background in construction, trades, engineering, or a related technical field * Associate's or ... Certified Plumbing Designer (CPD) certification or interest in pursuing certification is a plus ...

PlaceWorks

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Job Title Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner Location Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary) Category Urban ... You are adept at collecting background documents, researching and summarizing information for ...

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Entry Level Background Designer information

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$31K

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$86K

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

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Background Designer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Background Designer jobs are:

Entry Level Background Designer jobs near you
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, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. 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 Architectural Designer

Dewberry

Peoria, IL • On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Dewberry Architects, Inc. is seeking an energetic Entry Level Architectural Design Professional to join our team in our Peoria, IL office.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Responsibilities
An Entry Level Architectural Designer operates under the direction of a Project Architect and/or Project Manager and is responsible for accurately translating design intent into clear and comprehensive drawings. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as effective collaboration and organizational abilities, are essential. Candidates are expected to conduct research, ask informed and purposeful questions, and demonstrate initiative when addressing design and technical challenges. Within a team environment, the individual will gain broad exposure to all phases of the architectural process.
Required Skills & Required Experience
  • Bachelor of Architecture or Masters of Architecture from an accredited university required.
  • Minimum of (1) year of internship experience with an architectural firm is required.
  • Intern Development Program (IDP) process started with goal of licensure.
  • Demonstrated experience with REVIT, Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
  • Digital and traditional rendering abilities and graphic experience a plus
  • Knowledge of sustainable design principles is beneficial and LEED AP preferable.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills required.
  • A portfolio or sampling of work will be required.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
Salary Range
*The projected range for this position is $65,502 - $68,002 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.
Program Information
As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 years of professional experience. Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and team building activities led by an advisory team to:
  • Form lasting connections with peers in your class.
  • Gain a better understanding of career growth and meaningful opportunities to align with your professional goals.
  • Expand your knowledge of Dewberry and what we do.

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