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Entry Level Designer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Dewberry

Entry Level Architectural Designer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Responsibilities An Entry Level Architectural Designer operates under the direction of a Project Architect and/or Project Manager and is responsible for accurately translating design intent into ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Plumbing Designer - Entry Level

Champaign, IL · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Designing plumbing and fire protection systems -- domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, medical gas, fire suppression, and more * Producing construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Plumbing Designer - Entry Level

Springfield, IL · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Designing plumbing and fire protection systems -- domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, medical gas, fire suppression, and more * Producing construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Plumbing Designer - Entry Level

Decatur, IL · On-site

$50K - $75K/yr

Designing plumbing and fire protection systems -- domestic water, sanitary, storm drainage, medical gas, fire suppression, and more * Producing construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD

Knapheide Manufacturing

Product Designer

Quincy, IL · On-site

$58K - $67K/yr

Update and create newly designed product as requested by senior staff ... This is an entry level position that allows the employee to learn company centric systems and ...

Knapheide Manufacturing

Product Designer

Quincy, IL · On-site

$58K - $67K/yr

Update and create newly designed product as requested by senior staff ... This is an entry level position that allows the employee to learn company centric systems and ...

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

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Entry Level Scenic & Event Designer / Production Artist 2026

Lisle, IL · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in Lisle, Illinois. Our designs allow clients to experience what their event or product will look and feel ...

International Paper

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Structural Designer I - Retail Display & Packaging Position Summary International Paper is seeking a talented and detail-oriented entry-level Structural Designer to join our Retail Display ...

Wold Architects Inc

Architectural Designer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Staff work in integrated teams of interior designers, architects, mechanical and electrical ... The team environment provides entry-level candidates with the chance to actually design, while ...

New

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · Hybrid

$19.50 - $26/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... As a Junior Designer, you'll lead smaller projects within larger accounts and assist the design ...

Glantz

Junior Graphic Designer

Evanston, IL · On-site +1

$19.50 - $26/hr

This entry-level role offers diverse project experiences across global B2B and B2C clients, as well ... As a Junior Designer, you'll lead smaller projects within larger accounts and assist the design ...

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All JobsDesigner JobsEntry Level Designer JobsEntry Level Designer Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Designer information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$54.9K

$83.3K

How much do entry level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level designer in Illinois is $54,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.
More about Entry Level Designer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Designer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Designer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Designer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Designer jobs in IL? For Entry Level Designer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Designer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,941 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Entry Level Architectural Designer

Dewberry

Peoria, IL • On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Dewberry Architects, Inc. is seeking an energetic Entry Level Architectural Design Professional to join our team in our Peoria, IL office.
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.
Responsibilities
An Entry Level Architectural Designer operates under the direction of a Project Architect and/or Project Manager and is responsible for accurately translating design intent into clear and comprehensive drawings. Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as effective collaboration and organizational abilities, are essential. Candidates are expected to conduct research, ask informed and purposeful questions, and demonstrate initiative when addressing design and technical challenges. Within a team environment, the individual will gain broad exposure to all phases of the architectural process.
Required Skills & Required Experience
  • Bachelor of Architecture or Masters of Architecture from an accredited university required.
  • Minimum of (1) year of internship experience with an architectural firm is required.
  • Intern Development Program (IDP) process started with goal of licensure.
  • Demonstrated experience with REVIT, Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
  • Digital and traditional rendering abilities and graphic experience a plus
  • Knowledge of sustainable design principles is beneficial and LEED AP preferable.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills required.
  • A portfolio or sampling of work will be required.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.
*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.
Salary Range
*The projected range for this position is $65,502 - $68,002 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.
Program Information
As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 years of professional experience. Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and team building activities led by an advisory team to:
  • Form lasting connections with peers in your class.
  • Gain a better understanding of career growth and meaningful opportunities to align with your professional goals.
  • Expand your knowledge of Dewberry and what we do.

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