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Entry Level Design Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Typical projects involve site/civil design for commercial, residential, education, and community ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Typical projects involve site/civil design for commercial, residential, education, and community ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Work on design teams in collaboration with other disciplines to achieve project goals and deadlines. * Work is fast-paced and diverse, ranging from general civil engineering duties to technical work ...

Work on design teams in collaboration with other disciplines to achieve project goals and deadlines. * Work is fast-paced and diverse, ranging from general civil engineering duties to technical work ...

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Entry Level Design information

See North Carolina salary details

$13

$20

$26

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in North Carolina is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 North Carolina?

The most popular types of Design jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Entry Level Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,489 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Associate Design Engineer (Design Engineer 1)

CID Attachments

Denton, NC

$60K - $65K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

CID Job Description
Job Title
Associate Design Engineer (Design Engineer 1)
Department
Engineering
Reports to
Engineering Supervisor
Location:
Denton, NC
Type of position:
Full-time
FLSA Status: Salary Exempt
Position Summary
Entry level design engineering position that focuses on project completion, profitability and achievement of strategic company goals while providing the highest level of support to our cross functional downstream customers, dealers and end users. As an Associate Design Engineer, you will collaborate with fellow engineers, project managers, and cross-functional teams to ensure that designs are not only innovative but also practical and cost-effective. The ideal candidate will assist in the design and development of innovative products, ensuring they meet functional, performance, and manufacturability requirements.
Essential Functions
  • 0-3 years of experience designing agricultural and/or construction attachments
  • Experience using agricultural and/or construction attachments
  • Utilize CAD software (SolidWorks) to create detailed 2D and 3D designs
  • Ability to perform basic engineering calculations and to ensure designs meet required specifications and regulatory standards
  • Assist in developing prototypes and conducting testing to validate design concepts
  • Modify and refine designs to improve quality, performance, and cost
  • Ability to work with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production efficiency
  • Ability to learn to utilize ERP system to make sure products and drawings are fully released to the production team
  • Create technical documentation such as design manuals, assembly instructions, and engineering reports
  • Configure special product designs using appropriate design baselines
  • Seek and apply efficiencies in the design engineering process
  • Perform other duties as assigned, based on workload and business need
Education and Experience
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or other related discipline
Technical/Function Specific
  • High mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to read and create manufacturing blueprints
  • Advanced math skills
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate across teams
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals and principles
  • Ability to learn product development processes
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
  • Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerance
  • Proficiency in use of computers to successfully use company ERP system and Microsoft Windows and Office, including MS Project and/or Smartsheet
Behavioral
  • Highly trainable
  • Concern for quality, accuracy, and safety
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize and manage own time efficiently to meet deadlines
  • Positive attitude
  • Ability to work well with others, including peers, management, outside vendors, representatives, customers and visitors
Physical Requirements
  • Motor skills sufficient to successfully use a computer
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time as needed, up to 8 hours per day, though possibly more
  • Frequently required to stand and/or walk, up to 2 hours per day, and make trips from the office area to the manufacturing area
  • Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment when in the manufacturing area, including, but not limited to, safety glasses and safety shoes
The physical requirements here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.