ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Design Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign JobsEntry Level Design JobsEntry Level Design Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Entry Level Design information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$15

$21

$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 Des Moines, IA is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $24.18 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 Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Entry Level Design job openings:

Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,627 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Entry Level Bridge Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Snyder & Associates
See more jobs at Snyder & Associatesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is a well-established civil and structural engineering consulting firm delivering thoughtful, high-quality solutions to public and private clients throughout the Midwest. As communities continue to grow and infrastructure evolves, we're expanding Shuck-Britson (SBI), our integrated structural engineering team.

SBI has built its reputation by solving complex structural challenges with practical, experience-driven engineering. Today, as Snyder's dedicated structural engineering team, SBI combines decades of specialized expertise with the resources of a full-service engineering firm. Our engineers partner with transportation agencies, municipalities, businesses, architects, and contractors on projects ranging from bridge design and rehabilitation to buildings, specialty structures, and historic preservation.

We're looking for an Entry-Level Bridge Design Engineer to join our structural team in Des Moines. In this role, you'll contribute to the structural analysis, design, and specification development bridges and transportation structures while working alongside experienced engineers who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of structural professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to build technical expertise, gain hands-on project experience, and grow within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do:

Assignments would involve supporting the analysis, planning, and design of bridge and transportation structure projects throughout Iowa and bordering states.

The successful candidate can expect to have regular interaction with other engineers, support staff and clients as required. Clients include both public and private entities.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For:

  • Minimum of a BS Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structures; Masters degree in Structural Engineering a preferred.
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification preferred or the ability to earn within a reasonable timeframe
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects and tasks concurrently
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Clear written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

 

Why Snyder & Associates

  • Ownership at Snyder & Associates is held by employee shareholders, fostering a culture of accountability and long-term commitment
  • Local decision-making - not driven by private equity or absentee investors
  • Meaningful projects that serve Iowa communities and strengthen regional infrastructure
  • Strong relationships with public agencies and long-standing municipal clients
  • Opportunities for technical leadership, project ownership, and continued professional growth
  • Stable, respected firm with deep roots in Iowa
  • Supportive culture that values teamwork, integrity, and long-term partnerships

Life At Snyder

Snyder & Associates has grown to become a large regional civil engineering and planning firm in the Midwest. With thirteen office locations in five states, the communities we serve are the same places we proudly call home. For us, it's about more than just the project at hand. It's about improving community quality of life, which is why 94 percent of our existing clients continue to trust us as an extension of their staff. Watch the Snyder & Associates About Us Video to learn more. You'll also find a welcoming, familyoriented atmosphere that encourages connection, celebrates achievements, and offers opportunities to engage with the community and bring engineering to life outside the office, empowering you to grow your career while making a difference in the places we proudly call home.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is an E-Verify employer.

Employment Type: OTHER

Apply