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Entry Level Design Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

Ulteig

Substation Design Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site +1

$91K - $112K/yr

The Substation Design Engineer develops and reviews utility substation drawings, including General Arrangements, Elevations, Cable and Conduit Plans, Grounding Plans, AC/DC Schematics, panel ...

Baker Group

Installer - Structured Cabling

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $25.50/hr

Additionally, a pre-apprentice may perform entry-level work with or without hand tools at the ... layout or design services. Performs related work as required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ...

Baker Group

Installer - Structured Cabling

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$20.50 - $25.50/hr

Additionally, a pre-apprentice may perform entry-level work with or without hand tools at the ... layout or design services. Performs related work as required. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ...

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Entry Level Design information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Cedar Rapids, IA is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $24.38 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 Cedar Rapids, IA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:

What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs?

Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Entry Level Design job openings:

Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,000 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Design Engineer - Municipal

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Bolton & Menk rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer, EIT, to join our Municipal team in our Cedar Rapids office. As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. With over 75 years of experience, Bolton & Menk specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond.
In this entry level civil engineering role, we are looking to add an EIT who will help foster our mission that All People Should Live in Safe, Sustainable and Beautiful Communities! The majority of your time will be spent assisting project managers and project engineers in design and construction phase activities on Municipal projects. This position is open to December 2025 or May 2026 graduates, or an experienced EIT.
What You Will Be Doing:
  • Assist Project Engineers with design and construction phase activities on municipal projects
  • Perform basic design computations, preliminary layout and design, research and prepare rough drafts of preliminary reports and feasibility studies
  • Assist with project plans and specifications, preparing cost and quantity take-off estimates
  • Construction observation activities may include performing construction staking, performing construction administration duties such as documenting activities, measuring and testing, providing general oversight, and interacting with contractors, sub-contractors, residents and City staff.

What We Are Looking For:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college
  • Certified Engineer-in-Training or able to obtain within 12 months of hire
  • Prior experience in either infrastructure design and/or construction observation
  • Working knowledge and skills in CAD and design software.(i.e. AutoCAD Civil3D, MicroStation)
  • Requires frequent travel during construction season
  • Possess a valid drivers license as travel to various facilities and job sites may be required

Bolton & Menk will currently not be providing visa sponsorship or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
WHY BOLTON & MENK?Bolton & Menk, Inc. specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities. Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 1,000 employees throughout more than 40 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina and South Carolina providing services to more than 400 communities and agencies. Learn more about our history here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/about-us/
OUR BENEFITSAt Bolton & Menk, we value our people and provide an exceptional Total Compensation and Benefits Package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Perks of being a Bolton & Menk employee include peace of mind with our benefits package and competitive compensation plan, flexible schedules, and career development opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/careers
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Bolton & Menk does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies in response to Bolton & Menk job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team.
It is our responsibility and privilege to embrace the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences necessary to develop infrastructure systems that serve all people. Bolton & Menk, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including disability and vets.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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