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Entry Level Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Overview MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, is currently looking for entry level Architectural Staff to join our Client Programs Market team in McLean, VA! You will be working in our ...

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Strong design skills and a desire to develop technical expertise * Must be proficient in REVIT ... As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience.

Description Team Fishel , the Best Choice in Utility Engineering, is hiring a full time, in person, entry level CAD Survey Technician I based in our Mechanicsville, VA office. The successful ...

Skills: 2D CAD, CAD Drawings, Design and Development Certifications: None Experience: 0 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required: Yes Drafter/CAD Operator I Seize your opportunity to ...

Description Team Fishel , the Best Choice in Utility Engineering, is hiring a full time, in person, entry level CAD Survey Technician I based in our Stafford, VA office. The successful candidate will ...

In this role, the Entry-Level Structural Engineer: • Builds analytic and design skills. • Conducts engineering design under the supervision of an experienced engineer. • Creates designs ...

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Entry Level Design information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Virginia is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $24.57 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Design jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,352 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Architectural Staff (Entry-Level)

Architectural Staff (Entry-Level)

MG2

Mclean, VA

$60K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Overview

MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, is currently looking for entry level Architectural Staff to join our Client Programs Market team in McLean, VA! You will be working in our Client Programs (CP) Market, where you will have the unique opportunity to work on global and national building programs with a focus on project and client leadership through all phases of design and delivery.

Our new Architectural Staff (Entry-Level) will be focused on the production and coordination of construction documents as well as acquiring general knowledge related to professional practice. Individuals must be detail oriented and highly collaborative.

Responsibilities
  • Assist with the production of contract deliverables including field surveys, design drawings, construction documents, exhibits, and specifications. 
  • Develop working knowledge of architectural construction documents, constructability, and construction administration activities. 
  • Provide administrative support for project teams, including creating meeting agendas and minutes, updating project trackers, completing permit applications or checklists, maintaining RFI and submittal logs, and generating various types of project reports.
  • Produce accurate and timely work in accordance with weekly workplans and direction given.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in architecture or a related field.
  • 0-3 years of experience in a professional architecture or design firm.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of project design, documentation, and delivery standards.
  • Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and MS Office.
  • Some experience with design and visualization tools including Sketch-Up, Adobe Creative Suite, Affinity, and Enscape.
  • Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $60,000 to $67,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

What We Offer

At MG2, an affiliate of Colliers Engineering & Design, we value our employees with great benefits and worthwhile programs. We are proud of the many initiatives at MG2 such as our focus on Sustainability and Inclusion & Belonging. We promote MG2 culture firmwide and within each of our offices through monthly recognition, happy hours, summer events, and an end of year Holiday Party to celebrate our accomplishments. People make the place at MG2 - Join our growing firm today!

MG2 offers competitive benefits that support our employees in their life and career. This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to:

  • Employer provided employee healthcare plan and reduced cost premium plans, life insurance, and short and long-term disability coverage.
  • Paid Time Off, 7 paid Holidays, and an additional 3 Floating Holidays.
  • Employer sponsored Family Planning Program and employer Paid Parental Leave.
  • Learning & Career Development opportunities.
  • Employee Wellness and Employee Assistance Program.
  • Participation in a 401K program including eligible company match percentage, after waiting period.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME