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Entry Level Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Entry Level Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

... Entry Level Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of ... Creation of software design documentation. Requirements * Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree ...

AECOM

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Waterloo, IA

AECOM is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer to be based in Waterloo, IA . This position is ... Builds analytic and design skills. * Conducts engineering design under the supervision of an ...

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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.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Waterloo, IA

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an Entry-Level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components and systems that may include multiple plastic processes, castings or forgings, stampings, laser cut parts, and welding or bonding of components.

Responsibilities

  • Communication with suppliers and customers on product selection and integration
  • Use of Creo and Windchill to support 3-D Modeling of components, sheet metal and possibly hydraulic or electrical routings.
  • Creation and support of 2D drawings and specification documentation
  • Work with manufacturing, product verification and validation, and suppliers to develop efficient and cost effective designs
  • Compile and furnish necessary information (engineering decisions and reports of pertinent design analyses data) to document the design solution required for building of prototypes and adoption of the design with possible involvement of other functional engineers.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Attributes

  • Experience in 3-D Modeling Software; Creo 7.0 experience (Preferred)
  • Previous experience with Windchill or PDMLink
  • Strong understanding of GD&T
  • Design experience or exposure to off-road mobile equipment
  • Ability to address quality issues, determine root cause and drive to a corrective action
  • Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost effective designs

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $60,000-$80,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly