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Entry Level Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Heico

Entry Level PCB Designer

Camarillo, CA

The Entry Level PCB Designer's role will be responsible for executing PCB designs that meet electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements with a high degree of accuracy and completeness. You ...

HEICO

Entry Level PCB Designer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The Entry Level PCB Designer's role will be responsible for executing PCB designs that meet electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements with a high degree of accuracy and completeness. You ...

HEICO

Entry Level PCB Designer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The Entry Level PCB Designer's role will be responsible for executing PCB designs that meet electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements with a high degree of accuracy and completeness. You ...

Heico

Entry Level PCB Designer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

The Entry Level PCB Designer's role will be responsible for executing PCB designs that meet electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements with a high degree of accuracy and completeness. You ...

M.R. Mold & Engineering

Be Seen First

Associate injection mold designer - Entry Level.

Brea, CA · On-site

$40K - $60K/yr

In this entry-level role, you will work closely with senior designers and engineers to translate product concepts into functional, manufacturable injection mold designs. This position is an excellent ...

Salas O'Brien

Entry-level Plumbing Designer

Vista, CA · On-site

$36 - $41/hr

Plumbing Designer At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why ...

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Entry Level Designer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$56K

$84.9K

How much do entry level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level designer in California is $55,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $64,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level designer?

Entry level designers are professionals who are just beginning their careers in design, typically after completing relevant education or training. They assist senior designers with tasks such as creating layouts, selecting colors, and preparing design drafts. Entry level designers often work in fields like graphic design, interior design, web design, or industrial design. They use design software, follow project guidelines, and collaborate with other team members to bring creative ideas to life. This role allows them to build experience, develop their portfolios, and learn industry best practices.

What does an entry level designer do?

An entry-level designer helps more experienced designers with concept design, product development, and other essential duties within their industry. Designers work in a multitude of industries, including manufacturing, technology, fashion, engineering, decorating, marketing and advertising, software, and web design. As a junior designer, your specific responsibilities differ depending on your industry. For example, you may help design specific pieces of apparel or focus on men’s or women’s fashion. As an entry-level web designer, you may help improve the visual design and user experience features for a client site.

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, a portfolio showcasing creative work, and a relevant degree or coursework in graphic or visual design. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to accept and implement feedback are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure you can translate ideas into effective visual solutions and collaborate successfully with clients and team members.

What types of projects can an entry level designer expect to work on, and how much creative input will they typically have?

As an Entry Level Designer, you'll often assist with a variety of projects such as creating layouts, developing visual assets, and supporting branding or marketing campaigns. While you may start by following established guidelines and executing tasks set by senior designers, there are usually opportunities to contribute ideas during brainstorming sessions and design reviews. Over time, as you demonstrate your skills and initiative, you may be entrusted with greater creative responsibility and more independent projects. Collaboration with other team members, including writers, marketers, and developers, is common and provides valuable learning experiences.

What is the difference between Entry Level Designer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level DesignerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant coursework, portfolioBachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field, portfolio
Work EnvironmentDesign agencies, corporate marketing teams, freelanceAdvertising agencies, publishing, corporate branding
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in creative and marketing industriesWidely used across various industries including advertising, media, and corporate sectors

Entry Level Designers and Graphic Designers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. The main difference is that 'Entry Level Designer' typically refers to those just starting their careers with limited experience, focusing on learning and supporting projects. 'Graphic Designer' is a broader term that can include more experienced professionals, but at the entry level, both roles involve creating visual content for various media.

More about Entry Level Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Designer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Designer jobs in CA?

For Entry Level Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,955 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Entry Level Designer/Mechanical EIT - San Francisco, CA

Stantec

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$85K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description


Your Opportunity
As an Entry Level Mechanical Designer Engineer-in-Training, you will work with guidance and direction on tasks and smaller projects, and as a team member of a larger project under the guidance of a Senior Engineer. You will participate in the evaluation, recommendation, and specification of engineered systems and products for project applications, verifying compliance with applicable codes and engineering standards and practices.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • With direction from a project manager and/or Professional Engineer Design, develop, and optimize mechanical and plumbing components and systems, ensuring adherence to engineering principles and industry standards.
  • Conduct basic interpretations of drawings, codes, and other similar materials.
  • Perform Revit design for the mechanical discipline using knowledge of relevant software programs.
  • Work with architectural, interior, structural, electrical, and other engineering disciplines in the coordination of the project under the direction of a senior engineer /designer.
  • Perform field work as directed by a senior engineer /designer.
  • Perform basic calculations to analyze and design individual building mechanical system components using company standard software and proprietary manufacturer software.
  • Assist with engineering duties on projects of various complexity.
  • Assist with collecting data and gathering information to support design decisions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the senior engineering staff.

Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Thorough understanding of mechanical engineering concepts and ability to effectively communicate ideas to others.
  • Basic understanding of Revit and AutoCAD and their use as a drafting /design tool; proficiency a plus.
  • Ability to participate and collaborate in project team setting and to engage in creative and critical thought.
  • Ability to interpret sketches, drawings, building programs, and other similar materials.
  • Ability to receive directions, follow the process, and accept feedback and suggestions from Senior Engineers.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and grow
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks
  • A proactive and inquisitive mindset, eager to learn and grow
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Familiarity with various construction delivery processes, such as Design-Build, is a plus.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Possess a valid driver's license with a good driving record

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering
  • Engineer-in-Training certification preferred.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice. Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
About Us
Stantec's Buildings team is on a mission to become the world's leading integrated design practice. Our architects, engineers, interior designers, consultants, sustainability specialists, and technologists are passionate about the power of design. Our collaborative culture and our innovative, sustainable approach to projects help us create buildings that matter to our world.
Together, we are enhancing the quality of life globally through design.
Join us and design your place with Stantec.
About the Team
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) will have access to health, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health care spending account, wellness spending account, group registered retirement savings plan, employee stock purchase program, group tax-free savings account, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage, and paid time off.
Temporary/casual employees will have access to group registered retirement savings plan, employee stock purchase program, and group tax-free savings account.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.

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