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Entry Level Designer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character ...

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... designed to do just that with our team of seasoned sales professionals, cutting-edge technology ... This is an entry-level position, so you don't need any experience in this role due to our training ...

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... designed to do just that with our team of seasoned sales professionals, cutting-edge technology ... This is an entry-level position, so you don't need any experience in this role due to our training ...

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Entry Level Designer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$28.4K

$51.9K

$78.7K

How much do entry level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level designer in Detroit, MI is $51,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $59,900.00 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.

How to get into design with no experience?

Entry level designers can start by building a portfolio with personal projects or freelance work, learning design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Figma, and gaining foundational knowledge through online courses or tutorials. Internships or volunteering can also provide practical experience and industry insight.

Is graphic design good for ADHD?

Entry level graphic design can be suitable for individuals with ADHD because it involves creative tasks that can be engaging and allow for flexible work environments. Skills such as attention to detail and time management are important, and using design tools like Adobe Creative Suite can help structure projects. However, success depends on personal work habits and the ability to manage distractions.

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.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is transforming the role of entry level designers by automating repetitive tasks and assisting in generating ideas, but it does not replace the need for human creativity, critical thinking, and design skills. Designers who adapt by learning to work with AI tools and develop their unique creative abilities remain valuable in the industry.

What are entry level designers?

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 assists in creating visual concepts for projects such as websites, branding, or marketing materials. They typically use design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and work under the guidance of senior designers to develop layouts, graphics, and prototypes. This role often involves learning industry standards and building a portfolio for career growth.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Designer jobs in Detroit, MI? For Entry Level Designer jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Entry Level Designer jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Entry Level Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Designer job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,878 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Entry-Level Wheel Designer

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This role focuses on the creation of innovative wheel designs that reinforce GM's brand character (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC/Hummer) and support the proportion, stance, and performance of our vehicles. You will work closely with exterior design, digital modeling, Color & Material, and engineering partners to take ideas from early sketches through digital models and production-feasible solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Generate high-quality wheel concept sketches that explore proportion, spoke architecture, surfacing, and detailing.
  • Develop refined digital renderings using Adobe Photoshop to communicate design intent, color/finish, and material breakup.
  • Integrate AI-assisted tools (e.g., generative image/model workflows) into your process for rapid ideation, variation studies, and visualization while maintaining a clear, original design point of view.
  • Collaborate with exterior designers, digital modelers, and colors & materials teams to align wheel designs with overall vehicle vision.
  • Prepare clear presentations of design work for design reviews, including sketches, digital renders, and 3D views.
  • Support the transition from concept to production by refining designs in response to engineering, aerodynamics, brake-cooling, and manufacturing feedback.

Required Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (or in final year of study) in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or a closely related field, or equivalent portfolio-based experience.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating:
    • Advanced hand sketching and quick ideation skills.
    • Photoreal digital rendering (Photoshop, VRED, or equivalent).
    • Solid 3D surfacing capability (e.g., Alias, Blender, or similar).
    • Use of AI tools (image generation, variation, or assistive workflows) as part of an integrated design process.
  • Strong communication skills and comfort presenting work to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing wheels for production or advanced concept vehicles.
  • Previous work in a global OEM or advanced studio environment.
  • Deep automotive knowledge: understanding of vehicle architectures, wheel/tire fitment, brake package constraints, and brand/segment trends.
  • Proven ability to take designs from early concept through to production-viable solutions.

Personal Attributes
  • Genuine passion for automotive design and emerging mobility trends.
  • Highly creative with a strong sense of proportion, stance, and detail.
  • Collaborative, open to feedback, and able to iterate quickly.
  • Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced studio environment.

Portfolio Submission
Please submit:
  • Resume highlighting education and relevant experience.
  • Digital portfolio (PDF or online link) featuring:
    • Freehand sketches and ideation pages
    • Photoshop renderings of wheels or related components
    • Blender or other 3D work (screenshots or turntables)
    • Any examples of AI-assisted design workflows, clearly labeled.

About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908