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Entry Level Design Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Entry Level Design Engineer We are seeking an enthusiastic Entry Level Engineer to join our team, providing essential CAD and Engineering support for a large utility project in ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

This is an entry-level opportunity. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will analyze and design building infrastructure and HVAC systems. You will be teamed with a senior engineer(s) who will guide ...

This is an entry-level opportunity. As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will analyze and design building infrastructure and HVAC systems. You will be teamed with a senior engineer(s) who will guide ...

Our Design Studio team, in our Philadelphia office is seeking an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer . This role will support the engineering of systems for a variety of projects while working closely ...

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Entry Level Design information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$15

$22

$29

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Philadelphia, PA is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $25.00 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 Philadelphia, PA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Entry Level Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,788 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Entry Level Design Engineer

Actalent

Exton, PA • On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Entry Level Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic Entry Level Engineer to join our team, providing essential CAD and Engineering support for a large utility project in Pennsylvania. This role is ideal for individuals looking to grow into a Designer role with potential progression to Project Management.

Responsibilities

  • Perform basic to intermediate engineering drafts and designs.
  • Survey and document existing utility field conditions using GPS and conventional survey methods.
  • Contribute to and implement design modifications to enhance project quality and process improvements.
  • Execute red lines using MicroStation for a Pennsylvania-based utility.

Essential Skills

  • 1+ years of experience with CAD and/or MicroStation in schooling, internships or professional experience
  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering Field
  • Competency in AutoCAD, MicroStation or similar CAD Software

Work Environment

This is an in office position in Exton, PA. Collaboration with other drafters, designers, and project managers is essential. The role provides significant client exposure and offers a trajectory for growth into advanced design and project management roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Exton, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Exton,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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