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Entry Level Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Three Point Solutions

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Ottumwa, IA 52501 Duration: 24 Months (Possibility of Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Job Summary Entry-level product engineering role focused on mechanical design support ...

Altec

Design Engineer

Osceola, IA · On-site

The incumbent works in an entry-level capacity under the guidance of more experienced engineer and ... team-oriented design, manufacture and customer service/support efforts • Operates with ...

Shive Hattery Group

Design Professional

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

... Design Professional with approximately 3 years of professional experience. This new team member ... Required Experience: * Entry level position and applies to individuals with approximately 3 years ...

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

We are seeking an Entry-Level to Experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and ...

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All JobsEntry Level Design JobsEntry Level Design Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Design information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$21

$27

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Iowa is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $23.27 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Design jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Design job openings:
Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,913 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer - Site Design

Olsson

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson provides multidisciplinary design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with municipal, industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types.
As an Entry-level Civil Engineer - Site Design (Assistant Engineer), you will provide basic project design through CAD drafting, instruct drafters on how to create drawings of designs, and prepare project schedules. You may also perform research, write technical reports, and travel to job sites for observation.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assists with project design elements for engineering projects utilizing familiarity with standard techniques and established methods.
  • Performs entry-level plan production and receives clearly defined instructions for necessary tasks.
  • Gains knowledge and experience working within design and modeling software.
  • Receives guidance from senior level staff to assist with project schedules and technical engineering calculations.
  • Contributes to limited portions of a broader project while under direct supervision.
  • Gathers and prepares research to assist with the assembly of technical reports.
  • May provide mentoring to student interns by answering questions and offering guidance with routine assignments.
  • May travel and work in all types of terrain and weather conditions at project sites in various stages of construction.

Qualifications
You are passionate about:
  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Must obtain Engineer Intern (EI) certificate
  • 0-2 years+ related civil engineering design experience
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD (Civil 3D is a plus)

#LI-DNP
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.

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