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Entry Level Interior Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

Architectural Designer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Staff work in integrated teams of interior designers, architects, mechanical and electrical engineers focused on total design solutions for our clients. The team environment provides entry-level ...

New

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 ...

Showing results 21-29

Entry Level Interior Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$26

$41

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level interior design in Chicago, IL is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Interior Design jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Interior Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Interior Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,286 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Science Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.
Qualifications
To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.
REQUIRED:
  • Masters degree in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Interdisciplinary fields, or a related field
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students and effectively convey concepts and critique student work
  • Ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, accessible lessons
  • Passion for non-majors science education and a commitment to student learning and development

PREFERRED:
  • PhD in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Interdisciplinary fields, or a related field
  • Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education
  • A passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth among students
  • Experience in project-based learning or hands-on teaching methodologies

The college offers science courses in the discipline areas of biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and interdisciplinary sciences. These courses are at introductory and intermediate levels.
In addition to general education science courses, the School of Design offers courses in disciplines including animation (traditional and computer), interior architecture, graphic design, UX/UI, game design and art, cinema visual effects, game programming, and software development, interior architecture, as well as general education courses in math.
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.
Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.
We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.
Additional Information:
  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This is position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.