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Entry Level Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Experience in the industry as an entry-level design engineer, Co-Op or Intern is preferred * Thorough understanding of disciplines drawing and graphic standards, adherence to standards for quality ...

Marketing Intern, (Oberlin College)

Oberlin, OH · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Learn and develop graphic design skills and perform entry-level design projects * Marketing administrative activities such as copying, collating, binding, shredding, etc. * Other marketing activities ...

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Rick Engineering Company (RICK) is seeking a confident, entry-level design engineer to join our Civil Design Division for our Riverside office. If you are looking for a place to grow your career and ...

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Entry Level Design information

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$15

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How much do entry level design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level design in the United States is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.
More about Entry Level Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Design jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs? The most popular types of Design jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,753 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ballinger

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$72K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Salary:

At Ballinger, we are passionate about complex challenges and real-world problem-solving.Design challenges come in all shapes and sizes, and the ones we prefer test us as design professionals. We seek out complex projects with big impact because they require us to ask tough questions, synthesize data, and push past the boundaries of existing answers into the realm of innovative solutions. Ballinger team members thrive on those challenges because our clients do, too: our work for them enables their ambitious endeavors in science and medicine, research and government, manufacturing, and technology. Ballinger welcomes ambition with career development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Here ideas will always be more important than hierarchy because they result in buildings as transformative as the missions they serve.


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 and teach the fundamentals of cooling, chilled water, steam, hot water, air handling and automated control design as you prepare mechanical drawings, perform field surveys, and simulate building energy use via modeling software.

Position Responsibilities

  • Designing, implementing and improving mechanical components, products and systems for clients, including researching new technologies and their application.
  • Preparing technical drawings and specifications for mechanical systems to ensure that their installation and operation conform to specifications, codes, standards and client requirements.
  • Overseeing construction administration efforts to ensure installation and function complies with construction documentation.
  • Analyzing system options, cost analysis, and design using analytical tools such as energy simulation models.
  • Produce specification sections and Statement of Special Inspections and interface with specifications staff on assigned projects.
  • Produce field site visit reports Draft/model documents.
  • Develop knowledge of Ballingers project types (health care, academic/lab/research, corporate/workspace) through active engagement with project teams and leadership.
  • Travel as project requirements dictate for surveys and field/site visits during construction.

Technical/Professional Skills

  • Superb analytical, communication and production skills and be able to perform well in a design environment
  • Excel, Word, and analysis software proficiency
  • Experience in the industry as an entry-level design engineer, Co-Op or Intern is preferred
  • Thorough understanding of disciplines drawing and graphic standards, adherence to standards for quality and consistency in Ballingers product
  • Strong interpersonal skills, specifically communication, dependability, responsibility, and teamwork
  • Coordination skills, specifically communication, organization, time management, and adaptability

Requirements


  • BS or BA degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering relevant to the particular field of practice or equivalent as determined by the firm.
  • Working knowledge and proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD
  • EIT preferred

It is the policy of Ballinger to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race (including hairstyle/texture), religion, color, citizenship, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ballinger prohibits any such discrimination or harassment. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.


About Us:

Ballinger is one of the oldest continuously practicing architecture and engineering firm in the United States. Founded in l878. We make places for people who make the future. Healers and learners, makers and innovators: they are the people who inspire us, because their work changes lives for the better. For them, a building must be both functional and exceptional, an environment that empowers those who experience it. We believe that a building designed and engineered with insight and intelligence becomes a catalyst for todays transformative endeavors and an enabler of tomorrows promising futures.


What We Offer:

We believe that people are our greatest asset and the precision, expertise, and collaboration that we bring to our projects sets us apart from the competition and enables us to make an impact on our world and community. We offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package, including Medical, Dental, Prescription, Wellness, FSA/HSA, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Short and Long-Term Disability Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Paid Parental Leave, 401(K) plan with company contribution, Commuter Benefits, Paid Holidays, and Personal Time Off (PTO), Community Volunteer Events and fresh fruit and yogurt provided every morning in the office.


Location and Travel:

This role is located in our Philadelphia PA office, with a flexible, hybrid work schedule on-site three (3) days per week. Travel as project requirements dictate for surveys and field/site visits during construction.


Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can emailhr@ballinger.com for assistance.


We are currently not accepting resumes from recruiters or agencies.