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Entry Level Visual Communication Design Jobs in Washington, DC

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Ability to explain design thinking process, grid systems, and visual communication theory while preparing students for design careers and portfolio development. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Multimedia Specialist - Design KeenLogicis seeking a MultimediaSpecialist - Design to provide graphic design and visual communications support for the U.S. House of Representatives. This role ...

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Entry Level Visual Communication Design information

See Washington, DC salary details

$44

$68

$93

How much do entry level visual communication design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level visual communication design in Washington, DC is $68.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.84 and $81.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level visual communication design?

An entry level visual communication design job involves creating visual content to communicate messages effectively. Designers at this level work under supervision to produce graphics, layouts, and other visual materials for print, digital, and social media platforms. Responsibilities often include assisting with branding, advertising, and marketing projects while learning industry-standard design tools and techniques. Entry level designers collaborate with senior team members and gain experience in applying design principles to real-world projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level visual communication designer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Visual Communication Designer, you need a strong foundation in design principles, typography, color theory, and a relevant degree or coursework in graphic or visual design. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and basic knowledge of digital design tools are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and strong communication skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies are essential for producing compelling, effective visual solutions that clearly convey messages and meet client or organizational needs.

What types of projects can an entry level visual communication designer expect to work on, and how are assignments typically managed within a design team?

As an entry-level visual communication designer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as creating digital graphics, social media assets, marketing materials, and presentations. Assignments are often managed through collaborative project management tools, and you'll frequently receive direction from senior designers or creative leads. You'll likely participate in brainstorming sessions and feedback reviews, which help you develop your skills and understand the team's workflow. This collaborative environment offers valuable opportunities to learn industry standards and gain exposure to different design processes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Visual Communication Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectEntry Level Visual Communication DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign agencies, corporate marketing teams, freelance projectsAdvertising agencies, in-house marketing, freelance work
Industry UsageCommonly used in marketing, branding, digital mediaPrimarily in branding, advertising, print and digital media

Entry Level Visual Communication Design and Graphic Designer roles often overlap, especially at the start of careers. Both require similar credentials, such as degrees or certifications, and are employed in similar environments like agencies or corporate teams. The main difference lies in scope: visual communication design emphasizes conveying messages visually across various media, while graphic design focuses more on creating visual content primarily for print and digital media. Understanding these nuances helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Communication Design jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Visual Communication Design jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Visual Communication Design job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,939 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Visual Information Specialist

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 20 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 540 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position is part of the Defense Media Activity. The incumbent serves as a Visual Information Specialist responsible for developing and executing comprehensive multimedia products and strategic communication initiatives in coordination with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs (OSWPA).Qualifications:To qualify for a Visual Information Specialist, your resume and supporting documentation must support:
A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-12 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Planning, executing, and managing all phases of complex multimedia production-from concept development and scripting to post-production and final quality assurance.
  • Utilizing advanced industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, 3D rendering programs) to create a diverse range of visual communication products, including video, still photography, graphics, and social media content.
  • Translating abstract concepts and strategic communication objectives into comprehensive, large-scale visual media campaigns that align with organizational themes.
  • Responsible for developing and executing comprehensive multimedia products and strategic communication solutions for distribution across a wide range platforms, to include but not limited to video production, marketing, graphic design, animation, broadcast operations, planning, project management, and assessment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
In addition to meeting qualifications, your application package must reflect the applicable experience to meet the Individual Occupational Requirements for the 1084 series.

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.

Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.

OR
Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.
*NOTE: Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position.Education:Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
ARE YOU USING YOUR EDUCATION TO QUALIFY? You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims.
All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities. For further information, visit: Foreign EducationEmployment Type: OTHER

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