ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Interior Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lithia Motors, Inc.

Porter

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $17/hr

... entry-level, full-time role designed for career starters. No dealership experience required - we're ... Perform interior and exterior cleaning (vacuuming, windows, surfaces) * Double-check vehicles for ...

All JobsInterior Designer JobsEntry Level Interior Designer JobsEntry Level Interior Designer Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Interior Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$28.6K

$68.4K

$101.4K

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

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level interior designer in Iowa is $68,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Interior Designer job?

An Entry Level Interior Designer assists in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces under the guidance of senior designers. Responsibilities typically include drafting floor plans, researching materials, sourcing furnishings, and collaborating with clients and vendors. They may also help with project presentations and documentation. This role is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the industry looking to gain hands-on experience. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in design software are essential skills.

What is the lowest salary for an interior designer?

Entry-level interior designers typically earn starting salaries around $30,000 to $40,000 annually, depending on location and employer. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects handled.

Will AI replace interior designers?

AI can assist interior designers by providing tools for space planning, visualization, and material selection, but it is unlikely to fully replace the profession. Interior designers rely on creativity, client communication, and understanding of human preferences, which are difficult for AI to replicate. The role will evolve to incorporate AI as a supportive technology rather than a replacement.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Entry Level Interior Designer?

As an Entry Level Interior Designer, your daily tasks often include assisting senior designers with creating mood boards, preparing design presentations, sourcing materials, and developing technical drawings. You'll likely participate in site visits to take measurements, help update project documentation, and communicate with vendors or contractors about order statuses. Collaboration is a core aspect of the role, so you'll work closely with your design team, attend meetings, and contribute ideas during project development. This variety of tasks not only helps you learn the workflow but also builds a strong foundation for growing your career in interior design.

What is the 70 30 rule in interior design?

The 70/30 rule in interior design suggests that 70% of a space should be composed of neutral or subdued colors, while 30% can feature bold or accent elements. Entry level interior designers often use this rule to create balanced and visually appealing environments by combining different textures, colors, and furniture styles effectively.

How do I become an interior designer with no experience?

Entry-level interior designers can start by gaining foundational knowledge through online courses or community college classes, and by building a portfolio with personal projects or volunteer work. Internships or apprenticeships provide practical experience, and obtaining certification such as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) can improve job prospects. Developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp is also beneficial.

What Does an Entry-Level Interior Designer Do?

An entry-level interior designer helps a client design an inside space. As an entry-level worker, you often work as part of a team, assist an architect, or start your career on residential projects. Your duties include communicating with each client to understand the aesthetic that they want to achieve in a room. You then plan the design and suggest furniture, equipment, and other elements. Your duties include creating a budget for the project, sourcing furniture, and speaking with other team members and contractors to determine the feasibility of certain items, such as lighting, windows, and structural components.

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

To excel as an Entry Level Interior Designer, you need fundamental design knowledge, creativity, spatial awareness, and a relevant degree or diploma in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required, along with basic understanding of building codes and materials. Strong communication, teamwork, and time-management skills help you collaborate effectively with clients, vendors, and senior designers. These competencies are essential for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces while contributing successfully to design projects and meeting client expectations.

More about Entry Level Interior Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Designer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Interior Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Interior Designer jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Interior Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Interior Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Interior Designer jobs in Iowa are:
Entry Level Interior Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Interior Designer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,425 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Entry-Level Interior Designer /// Des Moines Studio

Entry-Level Interior Designer /// Des Moines Studio

Slingshot Architecture

Des Moines, IA

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join the Slingers! Slingshot is seeking an emerging professional Interior Designer I (Interior Design Associate or Interior Designer 1) to join our passionate, purpose-driven studio in Des Moines. We're a small but mighty team of interior designers and architects dedicated to crafting meaningful, human-centered commercial spaces that elevate everyday life and strengthen Midwestern communities. Our work spans architecture, interiors, and urbanism — always with a focus on clarity, precision, and real impact.

As a teaching studio, we value team members who take ownership of their work, grow alongside talented colleagues, and contribute to collaborative excellence. In this role, you'll provide interior design assistance on projects under the direction of mid-to senior-level designers and architects, helping bring concepts to life through thoughtful development, documentation, and team support — with opportunities to build your skills and impact from concept through construction documentation.

What You'll Do

  • Work under the direction of mid-to senior-level interior designers and architects by providing design assistance with interior development.
  • Assist with graphic interior story development, including pulling imagery, generating mood boards, sketches, and drawings for concept development.
  • Document floor plans, ceiling plans, elevations, finish plans, and schedules for construction documentation.
  • Learn the SSA design process and project software, including ArchiCAD and SketchUp.
  • Assist the design team with maintaining the BIM library.
  • Support business development activities with finish boards, presentations, pulling together social media content, meeting note preparation, and more.
  • Assist in ordering samples for projects.
  • Attend client meetings and design critiques.
  • Maintain the interior design library and meet with manufacturer’s representatives to keep knowledge current.

Who We're Looking For: The ideal "Slinger" holds a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Interior Design (minimum four-year degree) and is on the path to licensure with up to three years of industry experience. You thrive when you:

  • Are a self-starter who shares our drive for creating meaningful work in a collaborative environment and desires to be part of an enthusiastic and passionate team.
  • Excel in a fast-paced, small-team setting committed to exceeding expectations daily.
  • Demonstrate a strong design instinct, generous work approach, and clarity in communication.
  • Possess working knowledge of the application of color, materials, and aesthetic form.
  • Have exposure to design specifications and industry standards, including FF&E.
  • Are familiar with space planning methodology.
  • Bring basic sketching and rendering skills.
  • Have working knowledge of construction documentation and procedures.
  • Possess intermediate MS Office Suite skills and experience in Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Have strong verbal and written communication skills.

What We Offer

  • Average 40 hrs work week
  • Flexible Schedule with 9a-3p core hours
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance, STD & LTD covered 100% for employee
  • Maternity Leave
  • 401k plan with Company Match
  • Monthly Gym Benefit
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Professional Development Stipend
  • Leadership Involved In Day-to-Day
  • A Teaching Studio & Collaborative Environment
  • Relaxed Dress Code
  • Dog-Friendly Office
  • Beverages & Snacks
  • Quarterly Team Events
  • Annual Team Celebration

This position is available in our Des Moines studio

*TO BE CONSIDERED, MUST SUBMIT A CURRENT PORTFOLIO*
If you're excited to bring your emerging design talent and passion for interiors to vibrant, community-focused projects in a studio that values personal growth, bold ideas, collaboration, and meaningful impact — we want to meet you!

Apply