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Entry Level Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trilon

CAD Designer

West Union, IA · On-site

$25.75 - $35.50/hr

We are looking for someone with a minimum of two years of experience in CAD production within the AEC industry, but entry-level candidates with strong technical skills will also be considered. You ...

DataAnnotation

Design System Specialist

Nevada, IA · Remote

$40/hr

Position Design System Specialist at DataAnnotation Overview We are looking for a Design System ... Seniority Level Entry level Employment Type Full-time Job Function Information Technology ...

AECOM

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

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 ...

AECOM

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

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 ...

Actalent Careers

Civil Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$80K - $95K/yr

Civil Design Engineer The Civil Design Engineer supports the successful delivery of construction ... This can lead to senior level manager role throughout the duration of the project. Entry level can ...

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Actalent

Civil Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Civil Design Engineer The Civil Design Engineer supports the successful delivery of construction ... This can lead to senior level manager role throughout the duration of the project. Entry level can ...

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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 May 30, 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 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,913 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
CAD Designer

CAD Designer

Trilon

West Union, IA • On-site

$25.75 - $35.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Do you have an eye for detail? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest Engineering and environmental firm seeking a motivated CAD Designer with a flair for creating designs using Revit and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D to join our team. You'll play a crucial role in supporting our engineering and environmental projects. 
What's in it for you?
We offer an exciting and engaging work environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. You'll play a crucial role in supporting our engineering and environmental projects. You'll use your expertise to create and interpret 2D and 3D CAD drawings. This role involves generating building models and structures, and producing comprehensive construction drawings and documentation. We're not just a workplace - we're a team. We offer a collaborative environment where CAD technicians, engineers, environmental scientists and others come together to share and grow professionally.
Where you'll work

 The position is based in our West Union, Iowa, office. At Fehr Graham, we believe in work-life balance, and that includes injecting a healthy dose of fun into everything we do. It's even part of our Core Values! We celebrate milestones and enjoy friendly team-building activities and office outings after work. A happy and engaged work team is a successful one. Each of our offices brings an environment filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. We encourage our teams to connect on multiple levels and support each other's personal and professional growth. 
GO BEYOND THE JOB AD: Ignite your passion and learn more about what we do. 

What you'll do
As a CAD Design Technician, you'll support engineers and project managers by preparing accurate drawings and technical documents that bring projects to life. You will also: 
      Develop detailed CAD drawings, layouts and 3D models for civil, structural or environmental projects. 
      Revise and update plans based on engineer and client feedback.
      Apply drafting standards and ensure compliance with company and client specifications.
      Organize and maintain drawing files. 
      Ensure accuracy and consistency across projects.
      Collaborate closely with engineers, surveyors and other team members to deliver quality design packages. 
      Assist with quantity take-offs, plan sets and project documentation.
 
What it takes
An associate degree, certificate or equivalent training in Drafting/CAD Design is required. We are looking for someone with a minimum of two years of experience in CAD production within the AEC industry, but entry-level candidates with strong technical skills will also be considered. You should also: 
      Be proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D or similar design software.
      Have strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
      Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
      Be a team player and work well independently.
      Be eager to learn and grow within a fast-paced consulting environment.
 
What you'll get
You'll have plenty of opportunities to grow professionally at our progressive firm, which started in 1973. Our people-first organization is focused on giving our employees the opportunity for growth. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:
      Medical/life/disability insurance.
      401K profit-sharing plan.
      Paid time off.
      An awesome work environment. 
 
Learn more about Fehr Graham's people, culture and projects on our website. 
Fehr Graham provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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