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Entry Level Design Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Mead & Hunt

Entry Level Roadway Engineer

Lexington, SC · On-site

... an Entry-Level Roadway Engineer. Responsibilities include: * Develop horizontal and vertical ... Roadway Design Modeling using Bentley Open Roads Designer * Prepare plans, hearing maps, cost ...

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Entry Level Design information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Columbia, SC is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.24 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 Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Design job openings:

Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,253 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer - Roadway Designer

AECOM

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

AECOM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an Entry-Level Civil Engineer to join our roadway design team supporting transportation infrastructure projects across South Carolina. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn roadway and highway design principles, gain familiarity with SCDOT design standards, and work alongside senior engineers to produce roadway plans and deliverables for state and local projects.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for hands-on experience with roadway design, plan production, and exposure to all phases of transportation projects — from concept through construction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with the design and preparation of roadway construction plans including alignments, profiles, cross-sections, and quantity summaries.
  • Support senior engineers in developing right-of-way (ROW) plans, maintenance of traffic (MOT) layouts, and cost estimates.
  • Learn and apply SCDOT roadway design standards, manuals, and plan preparation procedures.
  • Draft and revise plan sheets using MicroStation and OpenRoads Designer (or Civil 3D, as applicable).
  • Perform basic engineering calculations for horizontal and vertical geometry, drainage, and pavement design.
  • Support the coordination of utilities, SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), and other design disciplines.
  • Participate in field reviews, data collection, and coordination meetings with senior engineers and project stakeholders.
  • Maintain organized project files and documentation following company and SCDOT QA/QC procedures.

Working Conditions & Environment

  • Office-based position with occasional field visits or site observations.
  • Standard 40-hour work week.
  • Collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams including drainage, traffic, and structures.

Career Development

This role provides mentoring and growth opportunities under experienced roadway engineers. Entry-level engineers will gain exposure to SCDOT project development processes and be encouraged to pursue professional licensure (PE).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
  • Basic understanding of civil design principles, roadway geometry, and CAD drafting.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • EIT certification (or ability to obtain within 6–12 months of hire)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Internship or prior experience on SCDOT or other DOT roadway design projects
  • Familiarity with SCDOT Design Manual, Plan Preparation Guide, and Standard Drawings
  • Experience with MicroStation or AutoCAD Civil 3D in an academic or professional setting
  • Coursework or exposure to transportation engineering, highway design, and/or traffic engineering
  • Interest in learning MicroStation, OpenRoads Designer, and SCDOT plan preparation standards
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
  • Degree from an ABET-accredited university

Additional Information
  • Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position. 
  • Relocation support is available

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

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