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Entry Level Creative Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Job Title Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner Location Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary) Category Urban ... You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative ...

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Entry Level Creative information

See California salary details

$21.5K

$44.4K

$64.6K

How much do entry level creative jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level creative in California is $44,417.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,210.00 and $49,940.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level creative jobs?

Entry-level creative jobs include positions for graphic designers, video creators, and marketers with no prior experience. In these junior positions, your duties are to work with a senior-level creative to learn how to design visual work like graphics, advertising, and videos. Since you carry out your responsibilities under a creative with more experience in these entry-level positions, you can build your portfolio while learning necessary design skills that can help you further your career. College students can find these jobs through their school as part of a paid or unpaid internship program or even a part-time job.

What are some typical projects or tasks assigned to an entry level creative in their first year?

Entry Level Creatives often start by assisting with brainstorming sessions, developing initial design concepts, and supporting more senior team members on larger campaigns. Common tasks include creating drafts for graphics or copy, contributing ideas during team meetings, and performing research to inform creative strategies. This role provides exposure to the full creative process, allowing new team members to build their skills and portfolio while collaborating closely with designers, writers, and marketing professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level creative, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Creative, you typically need a strong grasp of design principles, creativity, and a portfolio demonstrating your work, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or similar platforms is highly valued. Strong communication, openness to feedback, and collaboration skills help you stand out in team-driven environments. These abilities are essential for producing compelling creative work, adapting to feedback, and contributing effectively to client and project goals.

What is the difference between Entry Level Creative vs Entry Level Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level CreativeEntry Level Graphic Designer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's; portfolio often neededHigh school diploma or associate's; portfolio typically required
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, marketing firms, media companiesDesign studios, marketing departments, freelance
Industry UsageBroadly used for various creative rolesSpecifically focused on visual design and graphics

Entry Level Creative is a broad role encompassing various creative tasks, while Entry Level Graphic Designer specializes in visual design and graphics. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but the Graphic Designer role is more focused on visual output. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target their applications effectively.

What entry level creative jobs are in demand right now?

Entry-level creative jobs in demand include graphic design, social media content creation, and digital marketing roles. These positions often require skills in design software like Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with social media platforms, with many opportunities available for remote work and flexible schedules.

What entry level creative jobs can I do with no experience?

Entry-level creative jobs with no experience include roles such as graphic design assistant, social media coordinator, or content creator. These positions often require basic skills in design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva and may involve tasks like content editing, image creation, or social media management. Building a portfolio or completing online courses can improve chances of securing these roles.

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

The most popular types of Creative jobs in California are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Creative jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Creative job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Creative job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,417 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

PlaceWorks

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Title
Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner
Location
Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary)
Category
Urban Design
Job Type
Full-time Non-exempt
Career Level
Entry Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time Urban Designer/Planner to join our team in the Orange County (Santa Ana) office. We are looking for an entry-level individual or someone with a few years of urban design or planning experience within urban or urbanizing settings for public-sector and/or private-sector clients. Relevant experience includes familiarity with site planning and urban design for areas such as, but not limited to, development along corridors, within downtowns, near transit, and other areas in transition. Experience with planning documents such as specific plans, general plans, and master plans are a plus.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of principals, project managers and other senior staff, this designer/planner would work on a variety of design-related projects, providing support to both our Southern and Northern California offices and working with team members across the state. Our firm is deeply involved throughout California in the acceleration of housing development and the revitalization of our built-out communities.
The pay range for this position is $27.88 - $41.83 per hour, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Job Requirements:
You may be a great fit if some of the following describe you:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You want to learn more about urban building/development types, including commercial, mixed-use, and residential in an infill setting.
  • You are adept at collecting background documents, researching and summarizing information for existing conditions analysis.
  • With guidance, you can write and/or illustrate design standards and guidelines; how-to-guides and/or toolkits for both residential and non-residential development; and design-based zoning standards for specific plans or focused municipal code revisions.
  • You have some experience with opportunities/constraints mapping, site planning, and urban design framework plans.
  • With guidance, you can support preparation of build-out scenarios to test and illustrate draft standards/codes.
  • You're able to travel to and perform site visits as a project requires and attend client meetings with the project team.
  • Supporting authentic engagement with diverse communities excites you and you're willing to jump in to help with/participate in public outreach efforts, including evening, weekend, and multi-day design charrettes. You may be asked to coordinate events or meetings, prepare and assemble materials/supplies for workshops.
  • You're interested in assisting with and actively participating in marketing, business development, and proposal efforts to support our design team.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in architecture, urban design, planning or landscape architecture.
  • You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino and/or ArcGIS is desired, but not required. Hand drawing is a plus.
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.
  • You can be in the office at least two days a week.

Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments (may include written and design work for school projects). Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, you may include a link to your design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.