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Entry Level Interior Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

They are into wholesale dealing with construction and interior design materials Job Title: Sales Trainee Job Location: Rockford, IL Job Level: Entry Level About Client: They are into wholesale ...

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Entry-Level Scenic & Event Designer Pulse Studio LLC is a design previsualization firm based in ... Set Design, Exhibit Design, Tradeshow Design, Product/Prototype Renderings, Animations, Interior ...

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

You will partner with some of the industry's most talented interior designers and architects ... Involvement in all phases of the design process from conceptual development through artwork ...

Experiential Graphic Designer IB

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$55K - $64K/yr

You will partner with some of the industry's most talented interior designers and architects ... Involvement in all phases of the design process from conceptual development through artwork ...

Entry Level Interior Design information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do entry level interior design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level interior design in Illinois is $24.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level interior designer?

Entry level interior designers are professionals who are new to the field of interior design, often recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience. They assist with creating functional and aesthetically pleasing indoor spaces by supporting senior designers in tasks such as drafting layouts, sourcing materials, and preparing presentations. Entry level interior designers typically work under supervision, helping to execute design concepts while learning industry standards and gaining practical experience.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level interior designer during the first year on the job?

In your first year as an entry level interior designer, you will likely assist senior designers with tasks such as developing design concepts, preparing mood boards, sourcing materials, and creating technical drawings using design software. You may also participate in client meetings, help with site measurements, and coordinate with vendors or contractors under supervision. This hands-on involvement is designed to help you understand the workflow of interior design projects while building your technical and communication skills within a collaborative team environment.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Interior Designer, you need a foundation in design principles, spatial awareness, and proficiency with a relevant degree or coursework in interior design. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and knowledge of building codes are typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and attention to detail help you collaborate with clients and team members while bringing design concepts to life. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet client needs and industry standards.

What is the difference between Entry Level Interior Design vs Interior Design Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Interior DesignInterior Design Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Interior Design, basic knowledge of design softwareSimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, showrooms, client sitesDesign firms, assisting senior designers, client meetings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with space planning, material selection, draftingSupporting senior designers, preparing presentations, research

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work in similar environments. The main difference is that Entry Level Interior Design involves more independent project work, while Interior Design Assistants focus on supporting and assisting senior staff. Understanding these distinctions can help aspiring interior designers choose the right entry point for their career.

How do I become an entry level interior designer with no experience?

To become an entry-level interior designer with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in interior design or a related field, and develop skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Building a portfolio through internships, freelance projects, or personal work can demonstrate your abilities to employers and help you start in the field.

What can I do to get started as an entry level interior designer?

To start as an entry level interior designer, obtain a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in interior design or architecture, and develop a portfolio showcasing your work. Gaining experience through internships or assistant roles and learning industry-standard software like AutoCAD or SketchUp can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Interior Design jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Interior Design jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Interior Design jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Interior Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Interior Design job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,065 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Interior Associate I - Entry Level

Farnsworth Group

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Farnsworth Group is seeking an Interior Associate I in the below posting location. In this role, you will be responsible for project administrative documentation and the revision of technical documents, the management of project files and logs, and other assistance that project teams require. This is a great opportunity for an entry level candidate to grow with a successful firm.
Posting Location: Springfield, IL
What You'll Do:
  • Assist with interior design projects including space planning, finish selection, drafting, renderings, and presentations.
  • Design library organization
  • Developing relationships with clients

What You'll Need:
  • Bachelor's degree in interior design from an accredited program
  • 0-2 years of interior design experience
  • Experience in maintaining client relationships
  • AutoCAD and Revit experience required
  • Sketch-up experience desired

Who We Are
Join Farnsworth Group, a nationally recognized architectural, engineering, and surveying firm, where your career can thrive! For ten consecutive years, we've been certified as a Great Place to Workยฎ, and our engineers, architects, surveyors, and scientists channel their passion and expertise into making meaningful contributions to the world around us. With almost 650 talented professionals across 24 offices, we collaborate with clients ranging from small communities to some of the world's largest brands. Our success is built on our people - their passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence. Here, you'll find a supportive culture that champions your growth, embraces challenges, values work-life balance, and empowers you to make a lasting impact for our clients and the communities we serve. Join us and move your career forward.
A Great Place to Work Certified
For ten consecutive years, Farnsworth Group has earned the prestigious Great Place to Workยฎ certification-thanks to our employees! Each year, our staff participates in a survey administered by the Great Place to Work organization, measuring perceptions of credibility, respect, pride, fairness, and camaraderie. The results are benchmarked against the nation's leading companies, and only top performers receive the certification. Insights from the survey help us continually enhance our work environment and foster a culture that makes Farnsworth Group an even greater place to work.
Featured benefits and perks include:
  • 401(k) with 100% Company Match up to 5%
  • Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Professional Development and Training
  • Mentoring Program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements
  • Pet Insurance Plan
  • Hybrid Work Program

Farnsworth Group appreciates that flexibility and work-life balance are important aspects of the careers and lives of our employees. Our Hybrid Work Program offers employees a flexible work arrangement while contributing to the Company's culture and success.
Salary Range: $50,000 - $62,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, as well as internal and external equity)
Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Farnsworth Group is a collection of employees with unique backgrounds and perspectives that all come together to make us a better Company. It is our goal to recruit, hire, develop, retain, and promote a diverse group of people. Join us...and let's make a difference, together.
Farnsworth Group, Inc. is proud to be a M/F Disabled and Veteran EEO/AA employer.
For immediate consideration, please Apply Online by clicking on the "Apply for this Position" tab below.
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