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Entry Level Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Diamond Foundry

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Plus, entry-level to 3 years of professional experience in mechanical design. * Prior experience with vacuum system design as found in semiconductor, aerospace, or other manufacturing industries is ...

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Entry Level Design information

See California salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in California is $22.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level design job?

An entry level design job is a starting position in the design industry, typically suited for recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These roles often involve assisting senior designers, creating basic design assets, and learning industry tools and workflows. Entry level designers may work in fields such as graphic design, web design, or industrial design, and are expected to have a foundational understanding of design principles and software like Adobe Creative Suite. The goal is to build practical skills, gain experience, and develop a professional portfolio to advance in the field.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level design professional expect in their first year?

Entry-level design professionals typically work on a variety of supporting tasks, such as preparing drafts, creating visual assets, and assisting with layout or branding projects. They often collaborate closely with senior designers and art directors, gaining exposure to client feedback and the revision process. While responsibilities may start with smaller assignments, there are frequent opportunities to contribute ideas during team brainstorming sessions and to gradually take on more complex projects as skills develop. This hands-on experience is crucial for building a strong portfolio and understanding real-world design workflows.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in visual communication, and a relevant degree or coursework in graphic, web, or industrial design. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and basic knowledge of design systems or prototyping platforms is important. Strong attention to detail, creativity, collaboration, and openness to feedback set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities enable designers to produce high-quality work, adapt to team needs, and grow in a fast-evolving creative field.

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

AspectEntry Level DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant courseworkBachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentInternships, junior roles, freelance projectsDesign agencies, corporate marketing teams, freelance
Industry UsageEntry positions in various industriesCreative and marketing industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in designEntry-level design roles and career path

Entry Level Design typically refers to initial roles requiring basic skills and minimal experience, often involving internships or freelance work. Graphic Designer is a more specific job title that usually requires a formal degree and involves creating visual content for clients or companies. While both roles serve as starting points in the design industry, Entry Level Design is broader, encompassing various entry positions, whereas Graphic Designer is a specialized role within the field.

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

The most popular types of Design jobs in California are:

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

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

Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,140 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Electronic Systems Engineer (Entry-Level)

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

Mesotech International, Inc.
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Mesotech International, Inc.external

$67K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Mesotech International, Inc. ("Mesotech") is a rapidly growing engineering and manufacturing company in Sacramento, California that focuses on aviation related meteorological and industrial monitoring systems. With over 30 years of experience in systems design, software design, hardware design, system integration, and installation, Mesotech is an excellent place to begin or expand your career.
Job Description
We have immediate openings for entry-level electronic systems engineers. This is a full-time, on-site position at our Rancho Cordova, CA facility. As an electronic systems engineer at Mesotech, you will join our successful team to design, build, install, and repair systems for the aviation weather and instrumentation markets.
This is an ideal position for a new graduate who learns quickly, has good practical/hands-on skills, and is interested in unique world travel opportunities.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Travel to military bases and commercial airports worldwide to install, upgrade, and support systems
  • Work as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team on new products, system integration, and retrofitting projects
  • Develop bills of materials for parts and assemblies
  • Prepare drawings and documentation for manufacturing purposes
  • Provide engineering support for production and repair activities
  • Other engineering tasks as required

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS in Electrical/Electronics Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program.
  • Must be a US Person. This position requires access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restricted information.
  • Willing and able to travel (domestic and international)

Additional Information
Mesotech offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program including health insurance, PTO, and 401k. The annual base pay range for this position is $67,000 to $80,000 per year (DOE), not including performance-based incentives. Mesotech is an equal opportunity employer.
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