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Entry Level Design Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Entry-Level Water/Wastewater Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

AECOM is hiring for an Entry-Level Water/Wastewater Engineer in our Greenville, SC office. This ... Prepare design drawings, plans, sections, details, and profiles/sections within the Autodesk Civil ...

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Entry Level Design information

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$14

$21

$28

How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in Raleigh, NC is $21.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Design jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Entry Level Design job openings:
Entry Level Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,445 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
Utility Design Engineer/Project Manager

Utility Design Engineer/Project Manager

Weston & Sampson

Apex, NC • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Weston & Sampson is currently expanding our practice in the southeast and looking to add experienced design engineering staff in our Apex, NC office. Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years of professional experience in Utility Design. 


What you’ll do: 

  • Assist Project Manager with engineering work.
  • Development of utility design plan sets for a variety of transportation and municipal projects in accordance with the required formats set forth by NCDOT or the municipality.
  • Prepare Utility Construction Special Provisions / Specifications in accordance with NCDOT / municipal utility owner requirements.
  • Prepare cost/quantity estimates for projects at various stages of design.
  • Prepare and submit Permit Packages to various state agencies or self-permitting municipalities.
  • Some travel will be required within NC to client meetings and project sites, and potentially to other W&S office locations and industry conferences / seminarsoutside of NC.
  • Perform on-site field work. This may include: walking the project site / corridor to verify the existing conditions of utilities; observation of contractors and sub-consultants during construction; verify the as-built conditions of facilities.
  • Prepare legible, concise, scaled notes and drawings.
  • Represent and promote Weston & Sampson at project meetings, conferences, and professional society events. 
  • Ability to work independently with minimal direction and interact with Client and Utility Owner Points of Contact in order to manage the work assigned to you.

What you will bring: 

  • BS in Civil or Mechanical Engineering is required.
  • MS in Civil Engineering is desired.
  • Professional Engineer License in NC, or the ability to obtainone as part of your career development.
  • Proficiency in MicroStation V8i or Open Roads is required in order to develop plan sets, cut profiles using dtm and tin files, create proposed surfaces from roadway cross sections.
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D is a plus, but not required.
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
  • Ability to learn how to use Microsoft Projects for scheduling of projects.
  • Proficient background with the design of Water Lines/Mains,Sanitary Pump Stations, Force Mains, and Gravity Sewers.
  • Experience with hydrologic/ hydraulic modeling softwarefor analyzing water distribution systems
  • Site Design experience to develop Site and Grading Plans for proposed Station Sites.
  • Experience in the use of NCDOT Engineering Design Standards is preferred.
  • Ability to read DOT plans in order to differentiate between existing and proposed conditions.
  • Ability to perform a Utility Conflict Analysis between proposed roadway / hydraulic designs and the existing utilities on a project corridor to determine conflict points.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills and organization and time management skills.
  • Valid drivers license.

#LI-HYBRID


Weston & Sampson is an 100% employee-owned, full-service environmental and infrastructure consulting firm made up of more than 800 professionals, who work together to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions for our clients. Since our founding in 1899, Weston & Sampson’s mission has been to protect, improve, and sustain the natural and built environment to enhance the quality of life. As we grow, we are seeking dedicated technical and professional individuals who want to collaborate on meaningful projects with a team that respects and values their ideas. Weston & Sampson offers a flexible work environment, competitive compensation, industry-leading benefits, and exciting career growth opportunities—all in a supportive and dynamic corporate culture that embraces diverse perspectives and recognizes people for their contributions.

Weston & Sampson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace the rich perspectives and experiences that arise from people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientation, gender identities, ages, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and religions, as well as other untapped groups, within our Weston & Sampson family and the communities we serve. Weston & Sampson is committed to the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and equitable representation across our organization and to empower our employees to incorporate IDEA values into the work they perform.

Your world is always changing, and so are we. Join us as we grow: https://www.westonandsampson.com/join-our-team/

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters:

Weston & Sampson coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company.  We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing agencies or related firms.  Resumes are only accepted if a signed agreement is in place.  All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Weston & Sampson.  Weston & Sampson is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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