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Entry Level Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

Peoria, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will design and coordinate HVAC systems across a wide variety of project types, where your contributions are ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

Champaign, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will design and coordinate HVAC systems across a wide variety of project types, where your contributions are ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

Carbondale, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

About the Role We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will design and coordinate HVAC systems across a wide variety of project types, where your contributions are ...

ENTRUST Solutions Group

Design Technician I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Join our dedicated team as a Design Technician I, where you will support gas utility operations by ... * Entry-level position with a strong desire to learn and work in a technical field. * Prior ...

dbHMS

Entry Level Building Performance Analyst

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$60K - $80K/yr

Entry Level Building Performance Analyst Firm Overview Do more than just build! At dbHMS ... The ideal candidate will have the ability to innovate and work with clients and design teams, both ...

dbHMS

Entry Level Building Performance Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Entry Level Building Performance Analyst Firm Overview Do more than just build! At dbHMS, we are a ... The ideal candidate will have the ability to innovate and work with clients and design teams, both ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Design Engineer

Byron, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

The Electrical Design Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy facility in Byron ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Design Engineer

Esmond, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

The Electrical Design Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy facility in Byron ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Design Engineer

Seward, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

The Electrical Design Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy facility in Byron ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

Constellation Energy

Electrical Design Engineer

Holcomb, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

The Electrical Design Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy facility in Byron ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign JobsEntry Level Design JobsEntry Level Design Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Design information

See Illinois salary details

$14

$21

$28

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Illinois is $21.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $23.99 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 Illinois?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Illinois 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 $45,305 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

Peoria, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

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Job description

Hybrid position - remote and on site.
About the Role

We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will design and coordinate HVAC systems across a wide variety of project types, where your contributions are visible and your work gets built.

We’re not a large corporation — you’ll be a meaningful contributor to real projects from the start, not just another hire.

Responsibilities

  • Designing HVAC systems for a wide range of building types — heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical systems
  • Performing load calculations and equipment selection
  • Producing construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD
  • Editing specifications, reviewing shop drawings, and answering RFIs
  • Coordinating with our MEP team across disciplines
  • Conducting site surveys and field verification — required 2 to 4 times per month
  • Applying and staying current with relevant codes and standards — ASHRAE, IMC, and IECC

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • A talent for spatial and systems thinking
  • Comfortable learning new software
  • Someone who takes ownership of their work and stays on top of their own workload
  • A clear, collaborative communicator
  • Genuine interest in building a long-term career in HVAC design

Helpful but Not Required

  • Relevant work experience
  • Experience with HAP, Trace 700, or similar load calculation software
  • EIT certification or progress toward PE licensure
  • Proficiency or aptitude in Revit and AutoCAD

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience
  • Year-end bonus: Discretionary, reflecting company performance and individual factors including merit, seniority, and expertise
  • Hybrid work schedule, negotiable
  • Flexible hours
  • Health, dental, & vision insurance
  • FSA: Pre-tax dollars for medical & dependent care
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • PTO: Vacation time that grows with tenure, paid holidays, parental leave
  • Professional development: Employees who choose to pursue certifications are reimbursed for exam fees and renewals

Company Description

GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc. is a mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) consulting firm. Since 1949, we have built our reputation through quality work, integrity, and service.

We design the systems that make buildings functional, sustainable, and safe, working across healthcare, K–12, commercial, municipal, and specialty building types.

We’re a close-knit team of about 20 people. We treat our employees like people with lives and commitments outside the office, and our retention speaks to that. Our team includes people who have been with us from one to thirty years.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. We benefit from the many perspectives our people bring, and we’re committed to continuing to grow.