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Entry Level Graphics Designer Jobs in Portland, OR

ZGF is seeking an Entry-Level Urban Designer to be based in our Portland office. At ZGF, we thrive ... Produce design drawings, construction documents, presentation drawings, graphic design work, and ...

ZGF is seeking an Entry-Level Urban Designer to be based in our Portland office. At ZGF, we thrive ... Produce design drawings, construction documents, presentation drawings, graphic design work, and ...

Entry Level Graphics Designer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$24

$33

How much do entry level graphics designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level graphics designer in Portland, OR is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or tasks an Entry Level Graphics Designer might work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Graphics Designer, you can expect to work on a variety of supportive design tasks, such as creating marketing materials, social media graphics, simple logos, and layouts for print or digital media. You may also assist senior designers with larger projects by preparing assets, editing images, or ensuring brand consistency. Collaboration with marketing teams, copywriters, and fellow designers is common, providing opportunities to learn and expand your skillset. This hands-on experience allows you to build a strong portfolio and develop the practical expertise needed for career growth in the graphic design field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Graphics Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Graphics Designer, a solid understanding of design principles, creativity, and a degree or certificate in graphic design or a related field are important. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and basic knowledge of digital media tools are commonly expected. Strong communication, time management, and the ability to accept and incorporate feedback help set candidates apart. These competencies are essential for producing high-quality visual content that meets project requirements and deadlines in collaborative environments.

What is an Entry Level Graphics Designer job?

An Entry Level Graphics Designer is a beginner role in the graphic design field, responsible for creating visual content for digital and print media. They assist in designing marketing materials, social media graphics, logos, and branding elements while learning industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite. Typically, they work under senior designers or art directors to develop creative solutions that align with a company’s branding and communication goals. This role requires a strong foundation in design principles, creativity, and attention to detail. It's an excellent starting point for building a career in graphic design.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graphics Designer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Graphics Designer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Graphics Designer job openings in Portland, OR 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 $51,055 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Entry-Level Urban Designer

Entry-Level Urban Designer

ZGF Architects

Portland, OR • On-site

$69K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

ZGF is seeking an Entry-Level Urban Designer to be based in our Portland office. At ZGF, we thrive on multi-disciplinary engagement at the intersection of architecture and urban design and are distinguished by creative and intellectual curiosity. We are looking for thoughtful individuals with excellent communication and design skills.
As an Entry-Level Urban Designer, you will...
  • Be part of a community focused on design excellence and innovation.
  • Collaborate with the design team for generating and developing design ideas.
  • Perform elementary planning or landscape assignments and work collaboratively with others toward design solutions, compile data, develop elementary design studies and option, consider material and assembly cost data, prepares reports, plans and renderings, and inspect existing conditions and work in the field
  • Work on projects from concept design through construction administration.
  • Produce design drawings, construction documents, presentation drawings, graphic design work, and digital and physical modeling in support of Urban Design, as well as marketing efforts.
  • Research products and materials, observe existing projects and those under construction to inform the production of reports and design documentation
  • Help us tell the story of our projects through various media.
  • Work under design supervision and receive instruction and mentoring.
  • Perform fundamental planning and urban design tasks and work collaboratively with others toward design solutions for our projects.

Qualifications:
  • You have a Landscape Architecture, Architecture Degree and/or Urban Design Degree.
  • A basic understanding of design and construction principles and building types
  • A creative problem solver with well-rounded Urban Design skills and the ability to work independently, with multi-disciplined teams, and balance multiple projects, often with short schedules and quick deadlines.
  • Experience with complex multi-phased higher education, large transit, healthcare, civic and/or commercial development projects is desired.
  • You are interested in honing your technical ability with materials and constructability.
  • Proficient in Adobe Suite, Revit, Rhino, AutoCAD, Sketch-Up, and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to illustrate urban planning and design concepts graphically in a clear and effective manner.
  • Organizational and critical thinking skills to create materials for engaging and creative presentations through storytelling.

Base Salary Range:
$69,250/yr - $70,787/yr
Benefits
ZGF Employees Enjoy Medical, Dental and Vision coverage with a generous employer contribution, HSA with employer contribution, 401k with employer match, 4 weeks of PTO and 10 paid holidays per year, paid parental and family leave programs.
Apply With:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Portfolio

We know that great projects take more than a design team to become a reality. Studies show that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. We encourage you to apply even if you don't check every box-your skills and experiences may be exactly what we need.
ZGF Architects is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives that each individual brings to our team. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, we are excited to consider qualified candidates.
If you're ready to contribute to meaningful work, we invite you to submit your cover letter and resume online.