2

Entry Level Design Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

VDC Drafter

Aurora, CO · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

VIRTUAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (VDC) REPORTS TO: VDC MANAGER OVERVIEW: As an Entry Level Drafter, using the software listed below, assist the Lead VDC Coordinator in the electrical design and layout ...

Civil Engineer - Entry Level

Denver, CO · On-site

$65K - $845K/yr

Job Responsibilities * Assist with the planning, design and permitting of civil engineering, land development and infrastructure projects; * Assist with the preparation and modification of various ...

Civil Engineer - Entry Level

Denver, CO · On-site

$65K - $845K/yr

Job Responsibilities * Assist with the planning, design and permitting of civil engineering, land development and infrastructure projects; * Assist with the preparation and modification of various ...

VDC Drafter

Aurora, CO · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

VIRTUAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION (VDC) REPORTS TO: VDC MANAGER OVERVIEW: As an Entry Level Drafter, using the software listed below, assist the Lead VDC Coordinator in the electrical design and layout ...

Design of water and wastewater pipeline, conveyance and or treatment facilities for both new ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Design of water and wastewater pipeline, conveyance and or treatment facilities for both new ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Design information

See Colorado salary details

$16

$23

$30

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Colorado is $23.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Colorado are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,161 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Engineer-In-Training I, Design - Aurora

State of Colorado

Aurora, CO • On-site

$69K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 50 rated states


Job description

Department Information This position is only open to Colorado state residents. New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

About CDOT CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits.

The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details.

Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. CDOT for All CDOT's strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive. The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

Description of Job About the Work Unit The purpose of South Engineering unit is to provide engineering expertise in developing, building, and maintaining a safe and integrated transportation system. The unit manages and oversees projects for upgrading, reconstructing, and maintaining the highway system along with other projects that have federal, state and local funds. Design, design oversight, construction management, The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation management, consultant management, and overall project management are provided.

About the Position As the Engineer-In-Training I (EIT I), Design, you will carry out established work processes and operations by learning to apply and follow procedures, techniques, rules, and regulations and will be overseen by a licensed Professional Engineer. This position provides entry level engineering design and construction support for the unit. Performs engineering work tasks to complete project design plans and construction inspection/oversight.

Develop designs under the guidance of a Professional Engineer and executes work assignments of a progressively more complex nature requiring independent engineering judgment and design analysis in preparation for eventually becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. Ensure construction contract completion in compliance with the contract documents that include project plans and specifications. Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following Learn to complete assigned design project tasks using engineering practices and calculation methods that meet current engineering design practices including CDOT and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guidelines.

Learn to evaluate survey information, culvert reports, traffic studies, site conditions, and environmental constraints. Assist with coordinating with various other units within the Region and Staff Branches to incorporate data from those units into the design. Learn to determine the most efficient and effective (Cost, Safety, Driver Comfort, and Environmental Impact) roadway geometry (Horizontal and Vertical Alignment and roadway template) utilizing the latest software in use by the Department.

Learn to calculate pay quantities and use the quantities to estimate the construction working days by reviewing production rates based on previously completed projects and determining whether the production rates are applicable for a project and adjust as necessary. Learn to prepare construction plans and specifications. Learns to include appropriate Standard and Special Project Specifications for inclusion in the PS&E submittal (Plans, Specifications, & Estimate) and ensure plan quality checks to avoid/limit errors.

Assemble data, calculations, figures, reports, and daily diaries for project records of work performed. Learn to draft Contract Change Orders/Minor Contract Revisions, letters and construction engineering memoranda. Learn to maintain and prepare project progress payments, overs/unders report, Form 65 (Financial Statement), schedules and other project documentation as necessary.

Learn to maintain official project records by receiving, reviewing and approving related correspondence, reports and submittals. Attend project progress and milestone meetings and prepare meeting minutes for review by Project Manager before sending out to project team for review and acceptance. Learn to document progress and final contract payments due for work completed and accepted by reviewing pay documentation prepared by staff.

Learn to prepare and maintain design schedules using CDOT scheduling software for all projects. Keeps milestone dates in PMWeb up to date based on the design schedule and also keeps construction drawdown schedules up to date with current construction progress payments. Utilize PMWeb software to provide project updates, create Project Development Plans, enter estimates and create funding projections, and check off completed tasks during the design and construction phases.

Learn to prepare and review construction schedules for incorporation into the Form 859. Learn to review plans and specifications to identify problems with constructability, potential claims for additional costs and delays. Learn to review negative impacts to the public, local industry and environment.

Reviews include CDOT, Local Agency and Developer plans and specifications. Draft as-constructed details onto original plan sheets. Document justification and approval of changes, along with acceptance of non-specification work or materials.

Work Environment Your schedule will primarily be Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (possible hybrid schedule after training) Travel required during work hours throughout Region 1 to project sites, meetings and trainings. Approximately 10% spent in the field, 90% spent in the office Regular travel required during work hours for project related activities, site visits, meetings, trainings and conference attendance. Some overnight travel throughout Colorado to projects throughout the Region and meetings.

Required to work outside in all weather conditions, in close proximity to moving traffic, and over variable terrain. May need to work during nighttime hours if construction projects requires work to be performed during times outside of normal working hours. Required to operate CDOT vehicles Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Minimum Qualifications Education/Licensure/Certification/Experience: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Civil Engineering.

Substitutions: Current enrollment as an Engineer-Intern by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors will substitute for the required degree. Current, valid licensure as a Professional Engineer from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors. Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application.

"See Resume" statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S

equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment If you are selected, you must provide a copy of your transcript showing that an engineering degree has been conferred by the date of hire as a condition of employment. It is a CDOT condition of employment that individuals hired to the class of Engineer-In-Training I must obtain enrollment as an Engineer Intern by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors within three years of the initial appointment to the EIT I classification. It is a CDOT condition of employment that individuals hired to the class of Engineer-In-Training must obtain registration as a Professional Engineer by the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors within eight years of the initial appointment to the EIT classification.

Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section. A current valid driver's license is required for this position as it requires operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications The exceptional applicant will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following: Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section. Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position. Highest work/personal ethics and integrity.

Knowledge and experience with civil engineering design and construction for transportation projects. Knowledge of the CDOT Materials Manual, CDOT Roadway Design Manual, CDOT Project Development Manual, CDOT Construction Manual, CDOT Standards & Specifications Manual for Road and Bridge Construction, CDOT Field Materials Manual, CM/GC Manual, CDOT PEL Manual, AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, and MUTCD. Maintain current working knowledge of engineering processes, theories, laws, principles, conceptual models, and best practices.

Strong interest and experience in transportation design engineering field. Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, and projects in a demanding environment. Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments.

Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner. Ability to work with general public, professional, consultants, and staff, with sensitivity to their needs, priorities, promises made and commitments. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.

Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and project switching ability. Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability. Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral.

Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy. Passion for safety. Ability to work effectively in both independent and team situations.

The desire to perform field construction inspections and work outside. The desire to promote through the EIT program at CDOT to become a Licensed Engineer. Fluency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, Project Wise, OpenRoads Designer or other Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) programs, Gmail, Google Suite, PMWeb, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Supplemental Information Applicant Checklist Complete Applications must include the following documents: A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement) A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.) A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application

Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement. A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214.

Please submit this as an attachment to your online application. Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration.

Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Notifications: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be v...


What State Of Colorado employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom