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Entry Level Instructional Designer Jobs in California

PlaceWorks

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Job Title Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner Location Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary) Category Urban ... Application Instructions: When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and design portfolio as ...

A Leading Role

Junior Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Help translate the design vision into clear instructions and actionable assignments. * Prepare ... Approximately 1-3 years of relevant experience, including internships or entry-level industry roles.

One Workplace

Jr. Designer

Salinas, CA · Hybrid

$22.12 - $25.28/hr

Day shift, Monday - Friday This is an entry-level apprentice position designed to introduce basic ... Ability to follow instructions and take direction effectively. * Willingness to learn and work ...

One Workplace

Jr. Designer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$22.12 - $25.28/hr

Day shift, Monday - Friday This is an entry-level apprentice position designed to introduce basic ... Ability to follow instructions and take direction effectively. * Willingness to learn and work ...

Outdoor Dimensions

Sign Designer I

Anaheim, CA · On-site

QUALIFICATIONS: · Entry-level design position, graphic design and creative background encouraged ... Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule ...

SSI

Electrical Designer

Brea, CA · On-site

... instructions or detailed sketches. * This position successfully plots drawings; learns and follows ... If candidate only holds a high school diploma, candidate must have a CAD Certificate * Entry-level ...

SSI

Electrical Designer

Brea, CA · On-site

... instructions or detailed sketches. * This position successfully plots drawings; learns and follows ... If candidate only holds a high school diploma, candidate must have a CAD Certificate * Entry-level ...

Conhagen

Entry-Level Machinist

Benicia, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

This position is designed for individuals who are interested in developing a career in machining ... Learn how to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions. * Assist with the ...

Ovation Holdings, Inc.

Entry-Level Machinist

Benicia, CA · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

This position is designed for individuals who are interested in developing a career in machining ... Learn how to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions. * Assist with the ...

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All JobsInstructional Designer JobsEntry Level Instructional Designer JobsEntry Level Instructional Designer Jobs in California

Entry Level Instructional Designer information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$78.7K

$122.4K

How much do entry level instructional designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level instructional designer in California is $78,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $86,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level instructional designer do?

A junior or entry-level instructional designer works under the guidance of a senior designer to enhance the skills and techniques necessary for instructional design. Instructional design is the development of curriculum and tools used for adult education and assistance with technological products. Your responsibilities include the development of a training course or learning program, the creation of materials to assist with products, and the evaluation of the best methods of delivery for information. Your duties require you to meet with clients, understand their ultimate goal and the audience they are trying to reach, and develop a project guideline to follow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level instructional designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instructional Designer, you need a background in instructional design or education, familiarity with learning theories, and often a relevant bachelor’s degree. Proficiency with authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and learning management systems (LMS) is commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and project management skills help you effectively translate content into engaging learning experiences. These abilities ensure that learning solutions are both pedagogically sound and engaging, supporting organizational goals and learner success.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level instructional designers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level instructional designers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new authoring tools, understanding the needs of diverse learners, and balancing creativity with organizational guidelines. Collaborating closely with subject matter experts and seeking feedback from more experienced designers can help smooth the transition. Proactively participating in team meetings, leveraging online tutorials, and remaining open to constructive criticism are effective ways to build confidence and skill in the role.

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

AspectEntry Level Instructional DesignerInstructional Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field; some roles may accept relevant experienceBachelor's or Master's degree; experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level positions in educational institutions, corporate training, or e-learning companiesMid-level roles across similar environments, often with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking to develop training materials with minimal experienceOrganizations requiring comprehensive instructional design projects and leadership

The main difference is that Entry Level Instructional Designers are just starting their careers with foundational skills, while Instructional Designers typically have more experience and handle complex projects. Entry level roles focus on learning and supporting design tasks, whereas experienced Instructional Designers lead the development of training programs.

More about Entry Level Instructional Designer jobs

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

The most popular types of Instructional Designer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entry Level Instructional Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instructional Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 55% Physical, and 45% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,668 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner

PlaceWorks

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$27.88 - $41.83/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Entry-Level Urban Designer/Planner
Location
Santa Ana, CA - US (Primary)
Category
Urban Design
Job Type
Full-time Non-exempt
Career Level
Entry Level
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Travel
Job Description
Job Description:
PlaceWorks is seeking a full-time Urban Designer/Planner to join our team in the Orange County (Santa Ana) office. We are looking for an entry-level individual or someone with a few years of urban design or planning experience within urban or urbanizing settings for public-sector and/or private-sector clients. Relevant experience includes familiarity with site planning and urban design for areas such as, but not limited to, development along corridors, within downtowns, near transit, and other areas in transition. Experience with planning documents such as specific plans, general plans, and master plans are a plus.
Working in a collaborative and casual work environment under the guidance of principals, project managers and other senior staff, this designer/planner would work on a variety of design-related projects, providing support to both our Southern and Northern California offices and working with team members across the state. Our firm is deeply involved throughout California in the acceleration of housing development and the revitalization of our built-out communities.
The pay range for this position is $27.88 - $41.83 per hour, dependent upon experience and other relevant factors.
Job Requirements:
You may be a great fit if some of the following describe you:
  • You love planning for the future of communities and making a difference with your work.
  • You want to learn more about urban building/development types, including commercial, mixed-use, and residential in an infill setting.
  • You are adept at collecting background documents, researching and summarizing information for existing conditions analysis.
  • With guidance, you can write and/or illustrate design standards and guidelines; how-to-guides and/or toolkits for both residential and non-residential development; and design-based zoning standards for specific plans or focused municipal code revisions.
  • You have some experience with opportunities/constraints mapping, site planning, and urban design framework plans.
  • With guidance, you can support preparation of build-out scenarios to test and illustrate draft standards/codes.
  • You're able to travel to and perform site visits as a project requires and attend client meetings with the project team.
  • Supporting authentic engagement with diverse communities excites you and you're willing to jump in to help with/participate in public outreach efforts, including evening, weekend, and multi-day design charrettes. You may be asked to coordinate events or meetings, prepare and assemble materials/supplies for workshops.
  • You're interested in assisting with and actively participating in marketing, business development, and proposal efforts to support our design team.
  • You can work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment with team members across the state.
  • You have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in architecture, urban design, planning or landscape architecture.
  • You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Rhino and/or ArcGIS is desired, but not required. Hand drawing is a plus.
  • You have a reliable means of transportation to and from work, and to perform site visits and attend meetings when needed.
  • You can be in the office at least two days a week.

Application Instructions:
When applying, attach your cover letter, resume, and design portfolio as three (3) separate PDF attachments (may include written and design work for school projects). Each attachment must be under 500KB. Alternatively, you may include a link to your design portfolio if it exceeds 500KB.
Job Requirements
(see above job description)
We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.

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